Father. Story teller. Craftsman. Engineer. Outdoorsman. Volunteer. Friend. There are so many words to describe Ron as he was a man who embraced life, who embraced his family and one who embraced his community. As the kid who lived next door and who became kindred spirits with his youngest daughter Tish, I was privileged to know him as a child, adolescent and as an adult. There are so many stories to share, but as I reflect back, it is one of cross country skiing that I wish to celebrate. Ron was athletic. I'm not sure what inspired him at the time, but he decided to engage his family in the sport of cross country skiing. Observing this, my father decided his family too would get skiis and learn how to ski. Competition, neighbourly rivalry, call it what you will, all I know is that over a few years our families had many adventures skiing together at Woodnewton, at our respective cottages and some times in our neighbourhood back forty. Beautiful memories. I still love to ski. My daughter skiis. When Tish comes to visit me these days, it often includes adventures on skis. I love how this shared experience brought our families together, built community, and continues to transcend time....all of which I credit to Ron. This story resonates with me as it exemplifies how Ron loved life, was willing to tackle new challenges, found pleasure in the outdoors with family and friends, inspired others, and often ended with a good tale and laughter. I will miss Ron. My last memory of him was last summer when I was visiting my Mom watching him pack up the last of his belongings as he was embarking on a new journey of moving to a new home. He has a new home, not the one he had envisioned but one more grand. I am thankful for all of the memories we share and tomorrow as I go for a ski, I will think of him, of his laughter and how his spirit will continue to shine through all that are blessed to know him. Vicki xo