Ron passed away on January 5, 2024 in Guelph Ontario at the age of 91.
Ron was born in Brandon Manitoba in 1932 and moved to Winnipeg as a boy, then to Port Arthur (Thunder Bay) Ontario at age 13. He attended Port Arthur Collegiate where he was President of the Student’s Council and an Honours graduate. Next was the University of Toronto for a degree in Electrical Engineering followed by a Master of Business Administration degree at the University of Western Ontario, London.
On graduation he brought his many skills in engineering and management to Canadian General Electric. Subsequently he joined Black and Decker in the capacity of Vice President, Engineering, after which he was appointed President of a specialized computer-based Corporation in the business of making machines that make other machines.
He retired in 1998 but remained active until his final days as a volunteer investment advisor, business consultant and as an advocate for trades education for youth.
In addition to his professional career, he found time to be active in civic issues, a traveler, a fixer of jalopies, an ultralight pilot, a motorcyclist, a hunter and most of all a devoted family man.
All of this was achieved in the face of unique challenges, polio among them, that were never allowed to derail his train.
He married Sheila Omand in 1959 and was predeceased by her in 2019.
Ron was also predeceased by his parents, Judge Bruce McKitrick and Florence McKitrick.
He is survived by his children, David (Freshteh), Robert, Douglas, Ross (Tina), and Kristy (Steve), and by nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Also surviving are brother Allan McKitrick (Molly) of Thunder Bay and sister Lucille Howarth (John) of Kingston and their families.
A memorial service for family and friends was held in Guelph on January 10, 2024. As Ron would have wished, fond memories and amusing tales ably presented by family filled the agenda.
