Passed away peacefully at Guelph General Hospital on November 19th, 2023, at the age of 85, our family mentor passed away surrounded by family. Son of Father Stanley Playne, Mother Julia Chidwick (Delorme) and Step Father Frederick Chidwick. He lived a life rich in love, service, and devotion to his family and country. He was predeceased by brothers Fred, Ken, Stanley, and sister Doreen.
Five years ago, through DNA he discovered his biological father Stanley along with six wonderful siblings Allan, Jack, Lynda, Ruth, Jean and Peggy.
Born on August 2,1938, in Midland, Ron enlisted in the Navy at a young age, serving 5 years with honour. In 1961 he joined Local 853 Sprinkler Fitters and was a member for over 60 years. He was inducted into to the Canadian Automatic Sprinkler Association Hall of fame in 2013. Owned his own Sprinkler business for over 20 years and retired at 72 years of age. He was a dedicated sprinkler fitter for over 50 years.
In 1960, he married the love of his life, Rosalie Chidwick (Bailey) with whom he shared 63 remarkable years filled with unwavering love, understanding, and support. Together, they raised a beautiful family, leaving behind his four children, Ronald Jr., Corrie (John), Kimberley (Kevin) and Rosalie’s son Rick, six Grandchildren Jesse, Christopher, Ryan, Kristen, Vanessa, Adam, Five Foster children, five foster grandchildren and eight beautiful great granddaughters. (Another on the way).
Ronald was known for his kindness, wisdom, and unfailing one liners. His family and friends will forever cherish his stories of adventure and his ability to light up any room with his laughter. He loved sports and was a competitive curler for years. Played mush ball with a hand toss nobody could catch, and a fast tennis serve nobody could return. He loved boating, golf and his John Deere tractor often cutting the grass whether it needed it or not.
He introduced a Deputy Fire Chief to residential fire sprinklers. This gentleman formed a group called Fire Sprinkler Alliance for Everyone and has called Ron a hero for saving hundreds if not thousands of lives because of residential sprinklers.
A Catholic Mass will be held on December 7, 2023, at 11:00 AM at St. Timothy Roman Catholic Church, 42 Dawson Rd, Orangeville. Reception following at the Best Western, 7 Buena Vista Dr, Orangeville. Arrangements entrusted to WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL (519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com).
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Princess Margaret (please use link available on the funeral home website) in honour of Ronald’s life and legacy.
Forever in our hearts, dearly missed by all family and friends.
A tree will be planted in memory of Ronald V. Chidwick in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.