Tribute

It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of our husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Ron left us, after a battle with brain cancer, surrounded by his family and friends in his home in Powell River. Ron is survived by his wife Nora, their daughter Kelsey (Luke) Wagner and his two grandsons, Marlowe and Carter, as well as his Father Imre, Aunt Margit (Ron) and many cousins. Ron was pre-deceased by his Mother Aranka, and his Aunt Julie and Uncle Steven, who were like siblings to him. Ron was born and raised in Burnaby, months after his parents immigrated as Hungarian Refugees. He graduated from Burnaby South Secondary in 1976. The summer after graduating he met Nora and they wed in 1980. They moved to Victoria and he received his degree in Child and Youth Care at UVIC in 1984. After a brief period in Kamloops they relocated to Powell River where they ran a group home for at risk youth. After the birth of their daughter, Kelsey, in 1987, Ron began working for the Powell River Association for Community Living (PRACL), where he developed the first group homes in Powell River for residents coming out of institutions. Ron was passionate about community living and ensuring that everyone had a place in the community, regardless of their abilities, and that the community was accessible to all. Later, he worked at Youth and Family Services, helping to mentor parents and youth and had a huge positive impact on many. Ron was a devoted husband and father. He was adventurous and enjoyed traveling, many team sports, as well as regular hikes with a dog by his side. In retirement, his greatest joy was the birth of his two grandsons. They provided motivation at the most difficult times during his cancer journey. Throughout it all, he remained his usual quick-witted, sarcastic self, and strived to find humour in any situation. Special thanks to the Powell River HSW’s who he said were all “five stars,” the BCCA, and all those that provided hospital or outpatient care. Also to all of his close friends and family that visited him regularly, and to Christine Wilson for providing palliative care and support in his final hours. Ron will be deeply missed by so many. He would not want you to grieve his death, but instead celebrate his life by finding humour and being kind to one another.