Shepherd, The Right Reverend Ronald Francis died on October 24th, 2012 in Victoria. Bishop Ron was born July 15th 1926 also in Victoria. Survived by his loving wife Ann, and their six children Mary, Jeremy, Christopher, Susie, Tim and Peter; and eight grandchildren.
Ron faithfully served the Anglican Communion his whole life. He was ordained at St. Paul’s Cathedral, London in 1953 and served in the parish of St. Stephen’s Rochester Row. In Canada he served as parish priest in Hamilton and Winnipeg; he was the dean of the Anglican diocese in Edmonton and in 1969 was named dean of Montreal for a period of 14 years. After serving the parish of St. Matthias, Victoria, in 1984 he was elected the 10th bishop of the diocese of British Columbia. Upon retirement Ron and Ann served the Episcopalian mission in Borrego Springs, California until 2001.
A sharp wit, exceptional intellect, and a lover of the written word, Ron was also an avid gardener. For many years Ann and Ron enjoyed visits from friends and family from around the world on their beloved Easter Hill home on Salt Spring Island.
Funeral services will be held on November 3rd, 2012 at 10:00 am at Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria. Archbishop David Crawley, Bishop James Cowan and Dean Logan McMenamie will be officiating. Reception to follow. Interment on Salt Spring Island. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Primate’s World Relief Fund, 80 Hayden Street, Toronto, Ontario M4Y 3G2. Condolences may be offered below.
22 Responses
We smile when we remember Ron because he made being Anglican fun! . He also made a big impression on our young friend when he called her to personally say thank you for playing the bassoon in church. A small thing but so important. You were both so welcoming to us and we pray that all that bread you cast upon the waters will return to comfort you.
Dear Ann,
I will remember his wonderful sense of humour and the laughs we shared here on Salt Spring Island, my condonences to you and your family, I am sending you a big hug,
Nora
Dear Ann, We are so sorry for your loss. My dad wanted me to let you know how much he cherishes his boyhood memories with Ron, and a dear friendship that spanned a lifetime. How much Ron will be missed. It was such a pleasure to meet you both at Dad’s 80th.
Jennifer and I send our condolences to you and your whole family. We fondly remember Bishop Ron’s visits to Camp Columbia and the loving and warm tone of his voice. He was a great Camp and youth supporter and the Camp thrived in his time. You are in our daily prayer.
Dear Ann, Mary, Jeremy, Kit, Susie, Tim and Peter,
It seems just right to be sending this note to you on All Saints Day as Ron/your dad has joined that Great Communion of Saints. Ann – we have so loved being your friends since Edmonton days, loved babysitting all the duffers, having Ron come back to Edmonton to marry us, visiting with you in such rectory elegance in Montreal and then from time to time here in Calgary and Victoria. Your inclusion of my mum in your lives and in the cathedral were so appreciated by her. And Ron was truly our gracious, kind, witty and so bright mentor as we came into adulthood. We send much love to all of you, and know that your collective storytelling in these days will be filled with much laughter, and even a few tears. Dariel and Stephen
I came to Montreal alone as a young women in 1975. I had only attended the French noon hour Eucharist at Christ Church Cathedral for a couple of weeks when Ronald welcomed me and asked if I would be willing to help. Soon afterwards, I was leading the prayers and reading in French. Thus started my Lay Ministry in Canada, thanks to Ronald. By the grace of God, it has continued at St. Paul’s Bloor Street in Toronto where I have served as a Church warden and in many other roles. Thank you Ronald for having the confidence in me. I learned so much from you. My sympathy to you, Ann in your loss.
Ron was in the hospial with my husband Bill until they moved him to the jubilee hospital.Bill passed away july 10th .we both thought Ron was a wonderful person and i send you and your family my condolences.Rose Lailey
Please accept my condolences on the passing of your husband and father. I remember the first days at Meadowbrook when both Ann and Ron volunteered on a regular basis. I remember Ron to be a very charming and funny man. He certainly made an impression on me.
To the Shepherd Family,
Richard and I send our deepest sympathies for your loss. Ron will be greatly missed by many.
As my sponsoring Bishop, he wholeheartedly exemplified his calling as pastor to the pastors. I will always cherish his mentorship, and his surprise visits even after his retirement.
Richard reminded me of the time we all met in Nanaimo at the Dorchester Hotel for our Christmas check-in, me with a newly broken arm, you stranded in the snow storm.
Know you are held gently in our thoughts and prayers, Dawn and Richard.
Ann we were at a Bishops luch last week ans we were asking whether any one had news of you ans someone said Ron had not been well and that you had moved again and then we read Ron’s obituary in the globe and we are so sorry and wanted you to know we will be thinking of you all in the next weeks. We hope you are o.k. Yourself .we remember our visit with you and the bees on Sault Spring and also our times at Lambeth….a long time ago Love John and Joan Bothwell