Being with Ron had a way of making you slow down. He took his time saying grace, talking with people, and puttering in his garden. He worked out his thoughts carefully, spelling out words with the help of the “Joanie” dictionary, and shared his insights on faith at his own pace. He savoured a dining room dinner and loved simply watching his family interact. Even his death was slow and deliberate.
It’s with heavy hearts the family shares we’re no longer in the physical presence of the slow and unhurried Ron. He left this world, his adoring family, and a large, wonderful circle of friends on July 14th at the age of 84.
Predeceased by his father Grant and mother Edythe, Ron leaves with broken hearts and fuller spirits his loving wife of 57 years, Joan, and his cherished children Grant (Clare), David (Carey) and Heather (Peter). He is also survived by seven grandchildren (Jayda, Noah, Taylor, Ashley, Sage, Raya, Shepard) and his brother, Gordon Stephens (Gayle).
Ron was a lover of God and the natural world. He was at home sitting by a warm fire with a book, puttering in his garden, or, in his younger years, listening to the loons on Falcon Lake in Manitoba. He loved to laugh, have meaningful conversations, and stay open by absorbing knowledge through book and wisdom through life. In his later years, he truly enjoyed the solace of his own company, meditating, praying, and passing the days with his truest love, Joanie.
The family would like to thank his long time physician Dr. Dusang and the staff at Pilgrims Hospice for the care, compassion, and love shown to Ron. He died peacefully in his sleep, free of pain.
A Catholic Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, July 29th at 11:00 a.m. at OLPH Church, 13 Brower Drive, Sherwood Park, AB.
For those unable to attend, please join us virtually via the livestream link here:
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that you donate to the charity of your choice.
Thank you, Ron, for being the ultimate Brother to me and for all to cherish and enjoy the many memories you bestowed on us. You have finally reached your pinnacle in life to rest in peace with your Lord and Saviour.
Dear Joan and family
I have just watched the beautiful celebration of Ron’s funeral Mass. What loving words you spoke Heather. Such a wonderful picture of your Dad. I felt like I was there in the congregation with you all. Celebrating the life of such a beautiful kind and funny man. I think of the lovely time we shared with you all. Always such a pleasure and joy to be in your company.
I know Ron had such a strong faith and his love of God was great.
Kylie and Tamsin join me in passing on our love and prayers for you all. I will be thinking of you with love and keeping you all in my prayers. God bless xxxx
I called you ‘Papa Ron’ because you and Nana Joan were an answer to a prayer spoken in faith. Before I left Nigeria, my father was almost in tears and asked me ” who do you know in Canada?”. My response was that God will send me a family who would love me like their own.
I’m glad to have had the opportunity to tell you how much I love you and how much you meant to my family and I.
I always looked forward to your hugs, your beautiful smile and your signature welcome : ” It’s so good to be in your arms again”.
We’ll all do our best to look after Nana Joan.
Love you, Papa Ron
Oghale
My son and I are blessed to know Papa Ron and Nana Joan as our beloved Canadian grandparents.
When I moved to Canada, Papa Ron welcomed us with kindness and generosity, helping me settle into a new life with wisdom, encouragement, and practical support. His quiet acts of kindness left a lasting impact on our lives, and I will always remember him with gratitude.
Our heartfelt condolences to Nana Joan and the entire family. May God surround you with His comfort and peace during this difficult time. May Papa Ron’s memory continue to be a blessing to all who knew and loved him, and may his soul rest peacefully in the bosom of the Lord.
With love,
Chichi & Kasi
My son and I are blessed to know Papa Ron and Nana Joan as our beloved Canadian grandparents.
When we moved to Canada, he welcomed us with kindness and generosity, helping me settle into a new life with wisdom, encouragement and practical support. His quiet acts of kindness left a lasting impact on our lives, and I will always remember him with gratitude.
Our heartfelt condolences to Nana Joan and the entire family. May God surround you with His comfort and peace during this difficult time. May Papa Ron’s memory continue to be a blessing to all who knew and loved him, and may his soul rest peacefully in the bosom of the Lord.
With Love
Chichi & Kasi
Ron, in all of our talks about God,I truly believe God is waiting for you with his arms wide open. We all hope to meet you there someday. Ron would always make you feel important when he sat down to chat ,no matter who you were or what your age. You know how much we love you all. God keep you in happiness and peace. Love Jim ,Doreen and family.
Deepest condolences to the entire family. What a life he lived. Giving of his time to others as long as he could through volunteerism. So lovely that Ron helped at the LTC facility up until last year making a difference for the residents living there.
Papa Ron, as we fondly call him together with Mama Ron( Joan), had a huge influence in our settling down in Canada, as new immigrants.
He was caring and selfless. We are saddened by his passing away and our hearts are in mourning .
I pray the Good Lord comfort Mama Ron( Joan) and the entire family.
Love
The Akinolas
So many great memories of time well spent with Ron and Joan and their loving family. It was always such a pleasure to spend time with Ron and I treasure the many wonderful conversations. His sense of humor in the many stories he shared still and will always bring a smile to my face. Sending love and big hugs to Joan and the family.
Donna MacPhee
What will we miss about you, Ron? Your quick wit and sense of humour, your smile, our many deep conversations, our bridge games, our “theme” visits, our shared values. We will always cherish our memories with the entire family. Times at Falcon Lake, London, “Mama Mia” in Toronto, Elkhorn, celebrating family birthdays and special occasions and so much more. Your acceptance of your diagnosis and the courage and faith you displayed speak of a life well-lived. Our sympathies and prayers are with you all. You are at Home now, Ron. Rest in peace.
What a wonderful man Ron was. Such true words above. Ron was an influencer in the purest sense. Always sure of himself, his beliefs and his Faith, although he stood his ground on what he believed in, he always listened to the other person, and made him or her feel valued.
We will miss our Canadian cousin, but will remember the wonderful experiences we shared with him, both in NZ and in Canada. Such a generous, happy and hospitable man, we are privileged to have known him. Rest in God’s eternal peace, dear Ron. We’ll see you one day on the other side. Love always.
So lovely to read this obituary for such a dear man. Although our time with Ron and Joan in NZ when they came out (around 2000?)
was short, we had so much fun with them and Lee and Roger. Our loving arms are wrapped around Joan and we send all our love to you and the family. God Bless Ron – I am sure you are enjoying your Welcome Home. Lots of love to you all xxo -Sue and Gordon Cresswell
My loving memories of Ron are exactly as described in his obituary. I will treasure these words always xxx With love to all the family