(September 14, 1937 - December 22, 2024)
Ron- our Dad- a Husband, Brother, Poppy, Grandfather, Uncle, Great Grandfather, Neighbour, and Friend to anyone he encountered, passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family members including his wife, daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchild.
Ron was predeceased by his parents, Ronald and Elizabeth Dower, and sisters, Bride Power and Elizabeth Hawco.
Ron is survived by his wife, Shirley, daughters, grandchildren, great grandchild, and sisters, Alice Dower and Mary Dower.
Born in Conche, Newfoundland, Ron was the fourth born of five children and the only boy. Needless to say he was “spoiled rotten” by his older sisters and was a protective “big brother” to his baby sister, Liz. Ron moved to St. John’s and began his 25-year career with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, retiring as Sergeant. He took early retirement with the RNC and pursued his life long dream of becoming a commercial fisherman.
Ron and Shirley raised four daughters, Cathy, Sandra, Paula, and Lisa in Newfoundland and spent their winters after retirement in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Ron swam in the Gulf every day and spent his time playing shuffleboard, winning at euchre, cooking, baking, and visiting with his great grandchild. For well over 20 years, Ron hosted an annual Christmas dinner with all of his neighbours missing their own families.
Ron was a wonderful friend to many and in earlier years could be found on any Saturday night belting out tunes at a kitchen party. Ron was a remarkable foodie and was known to make many “scoffs.” He became famous for the thousands of healthy muffins he made and shared with others.
This past Summer, Ron and his rowing crew from 1958 were inducted into the Royal St. John’s Regatta Hall of Fame. Ron attended and accepted this award as the only surviving member of his rowing team. What an honour.
Ron has been a tireless caregiver for his wife, Shirley, for the past twelve years. Please don’t worry Dad, we’ve got Mom.
Ron leaves behind his wife Shirley, his sisters, Alice and Mary, daughters Cathy (Paul), Sandra, Paula, Lisa (Steve), and grandchildren, Danielle (Erin), Nicole, Natalie (Abrahim), Alexzandra (Sanj), Madison, Xenia (Daniel), Marcos (Frannie), Brandon (Cristan), Heather (Jacob), Caleb (Jewel), Josh (Ella), Levi (Kristen), and the light of his life, great granddaughter, Eriphili.
Cremation has taken place and the family will announce a celebration of life with a date to follow. Arrangements entrusted to Carson Funeral Home - J.H. Lynn Chapel (705-526-6551)
Ways to Donate to Hospice Simcoe: call 705-722-5995 or visit www.hospicesimcoe.ca
