Ronald J. Doncaster passed away peacefully at home on August 27th after a lengthy illness.
He will be greatly missed by his loving wife and soul mate, Judi, and his caring grandson Owyn who was a great help to Judi during this difficult time. Ron was a devoted family man, loving husband, father and grandfather but he will also be remembered by the many hats he wore during his full and vibrant life : avid outdoorsman, sports afficionado, pilot, canoeist, handyman and tinkerer, CBC sound technician, sporting goods salesman, real estate agent extraordinaire who formed lifelong relationships with many of his clients, loyal friend, a true gentleman and irrepressible joker who maintained a mischievous twinkle in his eye right ‘til the end.
Ron began his earthly journey on October 7, 1937, in Rouyn-Noranda, the only son of John and Irene Doncaster. He spent the summers of his youth with his grandparents at Hunter’s Point in Quebec where he honed his impressive outdoor skills and appreciation of nature. The traditional kitchen parties and fiddling which were part of the culture of the area were good memories for Ron and helped to form his gregarious and people loving nature.
He received his schooling in Toronto where he completed the Broadcasting Sound Technician course and went on to work as a sound engineer for CBC. He was especially fond of doing sound effects and had many interesting stories of his time at CBC to share with friends. The trajectory of his life changed when he met and married the love of his life, Judi Laprade, who was attending nursing school in Toronto. They married in 1966 and after spending a few years in Toronto, relocated to Thunder Bay where Ron began working as salesman at his father in law’s sporting goods store, Perciante and Laprade. Ron enjoyed the challenge of a few occupations in his life and after working briefly in the field of telecommunications, he went on to work in real estate and sales where his considerable people skills helped him to excel. He was a well-respected salesman at Royal LePage Lannon Realty until he retired in 2009 due to ill health.
Ron was predeceased by his parents; children, Stacey and Melissa; nephew David Morrison and brother in law, Bill Morrison.
Survived by his life partner and soul mate, Judi, and devoted grandson, Owyn. Sisters in law, Bonnie Morrison and family; Marcia Perry (Jeff) and family as well as grand nieces and nephews and extended family.
Ron was also “Grampa Ron” to special “friends like family,” Allie and Rory Doran of the Nadin and Doran clan.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Home and Community Care and Support Services-NW especially the kind and compassionate staff of S.E. Health – North West for taking such good care of Ron and supporting the family during his illness. You are truly angels.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations to either St. Andrew’s Dew Drop Inn or Evergreen, a United Neighbourhood (donations can be made through their website).
The funeral will take place on Wednesday, September 6th at St Margaret’s Roman Catholic Church. Funeral Mass begins at 10 a.m. and a private interment will take place at a later date.
Ron was a spiritual man of deep and abiding faith which helped him face the challenges of life but also to appreciate and celebrate the joys. He cared about people and never missed an opportunity to lend a helping hand. He enjoyed the love and friendship of many and always enjoyed their company. In recent years, he became concerned about the troubled state of the world and was often heard to say, “All we have is this present moment.” So, in Ron’s memory, please take time to cherish the moment and each other.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
