Tribute

Ron McCormick, a longtime resident of Powell River, passed away peacefully at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver surrounded by family and love.

Ron was born in Evansburg, AB, to John Walter Ross McCormick and Josephine McCormick. The second youngest of seven children, Ron grew up on a farm in the rural community. At the age of 13, Ron and his family moved to Victoria after the death of his father.

It was in Victoria, at the young age of 14, that Ron met and fell in love with his true soulmate, Barbara Oakley. He and Barb were married on October 24, 1952, in Victoria. They moved to Ottawa, ON, where Ron served as a lieutenant navigator in the Royal Canadian Air Force. Upon leaving the air force, Ron began his career with Canada Safeway, where he had previously worked as a high-school student. His career led the family to Powell River, where Ron became the first store manager of the town's new Safeway store. He continued his career in Powell River until his retirement.

Ron and Barb raised their family in Powell River and the town remained their true lifelong home. They were married for 42 years and Ron's heart was broken when Barb died in 1994.

During his life, Ron was very connected with his community and served as president of both the Royal Canadian Legion and Rotary International. He became a life member of the Legion in 1993. He was part of the original Rotary group that installed Popeye and family at Willingdon Beach. He could often be found flipping steaks at the Legion, sharing the love of cooking he discovered after his retirement. Ron also enjoyed his family and friends, his Powell River family home and the family cabin on Powell Lake.

Ron is survived by his three children Louise (Steve), Rhonda (Dennis) and Greg (Michelle). He was very proud of his six grandchildren Kyle and Kayla, Stephanie and Clayton and Jason and Sarah. He is also survived by his sister Jean Chalmers of Florida and many nieces and nephews.

Ron was predeceased by his wife Barbara McCormick and brothers Walter, Kenneth, Jack and Jesse McCormick and sister Audrey McCormick. He was also predeceased by his second wife Dorothy.

Ron spent the last two years living at Dale Manor surrounded by people he called family. The time he spent with them was truly a gift. He loved you all.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 pm, Saturday September 10, at Kelly Creek Community Church, 2341 Zilinsky Road, in Powell River.

A reception will follow downstairs at the Powell River Legion Branch #164, 6811 Alexander Street. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ALS Society of BC.