(905) 294-2030
Tribute Wall
Loading...
V
Vicki Perkins posted a condolence
Saturday, March 18, 2017
Father. Story teller. Craftsman. Engineer. Outdoorsman. Volunteer. Friend. There are so many words to describe Ron as he was a man who embraced life, who embraced his family and one who embraced his community. As the kid who lived next door and who became kindred spirits with his youngest daughter Tish, I was privileged to know him as a child, adolescent and as an adult. There are so many stories to share, but as I reflect back, it is one of cross country skiing that I wish to celebrate.
Ron was athletic. I'm not sure what inspired him at the time, but he decided to engage his family in the sport of cross country skiing. Observing this, my father decided his family too would get skiis and learn how to ski. Competition, neighbourly rivalry, call it what you will, all I know is that over a few years our families had many adventures skiing together at Woodnewton, at our respective cottages and some times in our neighbourhood back forty. Beautiful memories. I still love to ski. My daughter skiis. When Tish comes to visit me these days, it often includes adventures on skis. I love how this shared experience brought our families together, built community, and continues to transcend time....all of which I credit to Ron. This story resonates with me as it exemplifies how Ron loved life, was willing to tackle new challenges, found pleasure in the outdoors with family and friends, inspired others, and often ended with a good tale and laughter.
I will miss Ron. My last memory of him was last summer when I was visiting my Mom watching him pack up the last of his belongings as he was embarking on a new journey of moving to a new home. He has a new home, not the one he had envisioned but one more grand. I am thankful for all of the memories we share and tomorrow as I go for a ski, I will think of him, of his laughter and how his spirit will continue to shine through all that are blessed to know him. Vicki xo
M
Magda Williams posted a condolence
Saturday, March 18, 2017
Dear Sandy, Shannon and Family, Emma and I were very sorry to hear about your father's and grandfathers passing. I only met Ron in person briefly, when he was helping you clean up after that terrible ice storm two years ago. Even this one experience showed clearly how much he cared for you and how helpful he was to you both. Being friends for several years, I know how important he was in your lives. We are here for you in this difficult time. John sends his heartfelt condolences as well. Love, Magda
K
Kathleen Mortensen posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Mom, Kevin and I are so sorry for your loss of your dad. He was such a sweet man. Mom and I are recalling all the great times we had when your dad and mom used to come over for a visit, and those times we went to your place. Of course, Mom's memories go right back to when your parents met and all the fun they used to have together as a foursome. We will be with you in spirit as you commemorate his memory this Saturday. We're sure now your mom and dad are reunited and smiling down on all of you. Love, Kathleen, Kevin and especially, Betty (Davison)
B
Bill & Babs Roberts posted a condolence
Monday, March 13, 2017
Hi Sandy ; we were so sorry to hear about your father , you girls will miss him terribly . If I ever get to go up there again I will look you up ..Baba
S
Steve Cooper posted a condolence
Monday, March 13, 2017
Sorry to hear he has passed. He really had a great life and did so much. As a leader in everything he touched from university days, sports, business, charitable work, home & recreation, Ron was a great man with an internal fire to always be improving / fixing things. It was nice to chat with him at the office and spend a weekend with Sandy's family & himself closing up his cottage last fall. Again, sorry he has passed & let's celebrate the wonderful life he lived.
G
Glen Pearce posted a condolence
Monday, March 13, 2017
Ron's family & friends: The world has lost one of the very best, and I envy every one of you who got to associate with him a lot longer than I did. Ron was my idol and inspiration. I met him through the Brantford Kloudsters at the peak of his demonstrations that America wasn't so great when their top guns came up against the kid from Alice Street in the stunt flying circle. To Ron I owe my insight into BS and clay feet detection. To encourage us, Ron set up a quasi-competition: the first of we novices to complete a loop would receive his old Flying Maniacs crest, and I have never treasured a trophy more. Though he was only three years older, he was a god - too laidback to be a mentor. His cousin Ray was my contemporary. I have the ignominious/dubious distinction of destroying his best stunt model. In the days before 'combat' models were purpose-built, we flew what we had, so one day I happened to be flying my semi-scale Fokker DVII powered by an ED246 diesel, while Ron was practising stunting, and I guess out of boredom, we tied one metre crepe-paper streamers to the tails of our planes and proceeded to try and cut the other's streamer with our propellors, flying in the same circle. From the Korean War, we were well aware of the quirks of air combat between jet fighters and lumbering biplanes. At least I was, because the speed and manouverability of our planes was vastly different. Every time Ron attacked what would appear to be a sitting duck, I would hoick at the last instant and he would just miss. As he overshot one pass I gave full up right into his streamer. But I didn't cut it. It got caught in the Fokker's undercarriage and summarily tore the entire tail off a beautiful orange and white checkerboard championship stunt model! I'm not sure if he ever forgave me. In his exemplary career counsellor mode, Ron was directly responsible for my choice of Ryerson and the Instrumentation Technology course, for which I'll forever be in his debt. He left Rye the year I got there, but I remember his tenure as SAC pres was fraught with controversy, with the term 'occupation' figuring prominently. He was awesome! While he was still at Orenda, he arranged for our class to visit the inner sanctum, so I got to stand beside the mighty Iroquois as it spooled down after a test run. Thanks, Ron! He gave me a ride one day in his split-window Beetle and told me exactly how to thwart the life insurance sales vultures I would encounter after graduating, and of course he was dead on. From his obit, I was delighted to learn that we maintained somewhat parallel paths in that I retired to our cottage in '83 and still ski tour every day there's snow. He should have burnt the water skis and bought a Windsurfer. With the utmost sadness and respect, Glen Pearce Cloyne ON 613-336-8036
L
Liz Carson posted a condolence
Sunday, March 12, 2017
I'm so sorry to be in the West Coast and miss this wonderful celebration. I have so many special memories of Ron (as the father of one of my best friends he will always be 'Mr Chambers' to me!). Whether he was puttering at the cottage or diving into one of his many home projects, what always impressed me is he was never too busy to stop and share a smile, a story or a hug.
One of his many special talents, was his ability to make you feel welcomed and part of his family. Each time I was in his presence, he made me feel like I belonged. Family first was his motto - and boy was I lucky to be included as part of the extended Chambers clan. What a gift! I'll miss you Ron but I'll never forget what you taught me. Love Liz
C
Catherine posted a condolence
Sunday, March 12, 2017
So sorry to hear of your loss. Ron was such a wonderful person, with a great smile and will be missed by so many. I loved the hikes I went on with Tish and Ron where he would teach me about something dear to him. Each spring when I go for a walk in the woods, I will remember him fondly.
L
Linda Tripp posted a condolence
Monday, March 6, 2017
To My Dear Cousins - I continue to recall so many things about Ron - from when I was very small - to the time I spent with Ron and all of you the day before he died. He was truly special. He loved life and he loved large, starting with his family and all the adventures and projects he took on in his life. Mom (Edna) adored him and loved Mary like a sister. Each of you and your children is a legacy to his life. I join you in the sadness of him being gone, but I also join you in the memories of a life well lived - full of hope, joy, creativity and accomplishment. Much love to each of you. Linda
E
Elizabeth Gray & Family posted a condolence
Saturday, March 4, 2017
Mr. Chambers will be deeply missed by all of his neighbours at Doe Lake. He was a wonderful man whose love for the cottage and his family was evident. Mr. Chambers's steadfast presence on the lake was always reassuring and welcoming. He always had a friendly wave and thoughtful words. Our thoughts are with the Chambers and Tripp Families at this time. Love and hugs from Liz and all the children and grandchildren xo
B
Bruce Brown posted a condolence
Saturday, March 4, 2017
I and many of my class-mates have fond memories of Ron in our engineering classes. He was a great guy. Sad to read more often of our class-mates passing on. Sincere condolences from Mech Eng 6T1
K
Karen Dinsmore (nee Attridge) posted a condolence
Friday, March 3, 2017
Dear Judy and family I remember your father fondly and know he and my parents enjoyed each other's company. My parents have told me of your visits to Amica in Markham to visit your dad. I am so very sorry to hear of his passing. I would love to come to see you all on the 18th - and celebrate his full life. Unfortunately I am doing university tours with my son and am unable to come that day. May your loving and warm memories of your beloved father comfort you in this time of loss. Sending huge hugs! Karen Dinsmore and family
C
Catherine posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Catherine made a donation to WORLD VISION CANADA-VISION MONDIALE CANADA
Ron will be remembered fondly. So sorry for you loss. Please do not hesitate to reach out.
J
John Tolley posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
John Tolley made a donation to THE TORONTO HUMANE SOCIETY
166 Main Street North | Markham, Ontario L3P 1Y3 | Phone: (905) 294-2030 | Email: info@dixongarland.com
Connect With Us On Facebook