It is with deep sadness that the family of Ron Henry announce his passing on September 24, 2021, at the Hospice Wellington, Guelph, due to complications from Alzheimer’s.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Joan (nee McCallum), seven children; Michael (Hariette), David (Dawn), Susan(late Jack), Alan (Lynne), Jim (Lauren), Barbara (John), and Chris (Andrea), seventeen grandchildren Laura (Mark), Peter, (Patricia), Jordan (Angela), Mark, Kathryn (Jeff), Elizabeth, Patrick (Tracey), Andrew, Matthew, Aaron, Alexa (Remy), Joshua, Saharrah, Hayley, Jenna, Chiara, and Caden and eight great grandchildren; Eleanor, Amelia, Liam, Cian, Jack, Ray, Payton, and Cohen.
He is also survived by his sister Ruth Ann (Ross), many other brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces.
Ron was predeceased by his parents Emily and Chester, sister Jo, son-in-law Jack and grandson Trevor.
Ron was born in Windsor Ontario and grew up in the Windsor and Chatham areas. He joined the RCAF at the age of 17 and served his country for 26 years, retiring in 1975 with the rank of Warrant Officer. During his time in the air force, he was stationed at a number of bases across Canada including St Hubert, Que., Trenton, Ont., London, Ont., Aylmer, Ont., Camp Borden, Ont., Centralia, Ont., Rivers, Man., and Summerside, P.E.I.
He retired to Guelph, Ont. and embarked on a second career in private industry with both A.M.F. and Johnson and Johnson, retiring for the last time in 2000.
Ron was a great family man and took much pride in his children and in their families. He felt blessed to have enjoyed his grandchildren and great grandchildren and on at least a few occasions lost track, underestimating the continually rising numbers. It took awhile before he was able to live that down. Together he and Joan leave a legacy of much love for their many family members and their many friends.
He was a big sports fan. He played hockey in his youth and also well into adulthood, with hockey teams in the air force. He would often recall how, when he lived in Windsor, he used to walk across the Ambassador bridge to Detroit to watch Tigers games at Briggs Stadium. Ron was a dedicated Leaf’s and Blue Jays fan. He could often be found watching the Jays game on TV with the sound turned down, while listening to Tom Cheek and Jerry Howarth on the radio.
Ron loved to take long road trips and made a number of trips with Joan and other family members to Western Canada, to visit relatives. He and Joan also enjoyed an annual summer visit to PEI to visit Joan’s relatives, which they made every summer for more than 25 years.
The family would like to thank the dedicated caregivers who cared for Ron with kindness and dignity during his last two years. This includes caregivers at Chartwell Wellington Park, Morriston Park Nursing Home, the Homewood Health Center and Hospice Wellington.
A private family service will be held shortly and a remembrance mass will be held when restrictions are sufficiently relaxed. Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to Hospice Wellington, 795 Scottsdale Dr, Guelph, ON N1G 3R8.
A tree will be planted in memory of Ronald S. Henry in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.