Obituary of Ronald Myers

With great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of our father, Ronald (Captain Ron) Myers, Saturday July 29, 2023.  Widowed in 2006 after 48 years of marriage, and now reunited with the love of his life Georgette (nee Malette). Loving father of daughter Joanne (Erwin), and his sons Steven (Laura) and Mike (Annette). Ron was a loving grandfather to Christopher, Justine, Adam and great-grandson Benjamin. He was predeceased by his parents Arthur and Gertrude (Ryan) Myers and siblings Colleen (Dube) and Eleanor (Feronne). Ron also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, many friends, and his best friend Wanita Wallingford.

Ron was born in Ottawa on November 22, 1934, and thus began his formative years of playfulness living in wartime and postwar Lowertown Ottawa. Ron claimed that most of the important life lessons he learned originated from those years, learning from “the school of hard knocks”. Many stories have been told of he and his buddies’ shenanigans. At a young age Ron mastered the art of the “great escape” – usually through a back-room window whilst the school truant officer was knocking at the front door. This was a skill that Ron still used occasionally, most recently this spring while attempting to escape from the Civic Hospital – in hospital gown and shoeless of course. He and some buddies also made the front page of the newspaper in 1947 for their marble table game expertise (the newspaper mentioned several neighourhood fences having fallen from missing nails coinciding with the marble table game).

Ron’s early work life was as foreman at the CIP Gatineau pulp and paper mill. In the 80’s he decided to take the plunge, leave the mill, and start his own business venture. At his environmental business he claimed to have taken on the role of “chief cook and bottle washer”. His three children joined the business to work along side Ron until he retired to become Georgette’s caretaker.

A man of many interests and talents, Ron will be remembered as a great storyteller and having a great sense of humour. He was an excellent cook, a practical joker, and an avid outdoors sportsman, fisherman, boater, hunter canoe and paddle maker. Not only did he teach his three children life values, but he also taught them outdoor skills and how to stand strong when facing challenges.

His many friends at 220-224 Viewmount will fondly remember him sitting out on his patio, in the sun, enjoying a cold can of Old Milwaukee or tending his plants while trying to rid his garden of squirrels. The squirrels always won. On his final trip by ambulance to the Civic, Ron sat on the gurney, open can of Old Mil in hand which the paramedics agreed to let him enjoy on his final ride to hospital. Ron’s great sense of humour continued until his passing.

He was a kind, generous and God-loving person. He was a family man who loved his wife and children. His friends came from many walks of life and he would give his shirt off his back to help someone in need. 

The family wishes to thank the many health care providers who cared for him in recent months. – we offer the Palliative Care Team at the Civic hospital our gratitude for their kindness, respect and dignity giving him exceptional care in his final days. Also, many thanks to Freya Kelly and Dr. McGuinty at the Heart Institute, and staff at Champlain Home Community Care. A special thank you to his great friend, Wanita Wallingford. With the help of the health care providers and Wanita, along with Ron’s children, his greatest wish to live out his life in his own home was fulfilled. We are grateful with everyone’s help accomplishing this.

“Dad, you were one of a kind, lived life on your terms and your final wishes have been fulfilled. Captain Ron - smooth sailing on your eternal journey. Leave some fish for the other fishermen, and give mom a big hug from all of us – Love you!”

According to Ron’s instructions, there will be no visitation and cremation has taken place. The family will hold a memorial later.

Any donations can be made in his name to the Heart Institute, or any charitable organization.