1942 - 2021
It is with sadness, tinged with the knowledge of a life well lived, that we announce the passing of Ronald Sidney Bell at the Georgian Bay General Hospital, Midland, Ontario on Saturday April 10,2021.
Ron is survived by his loving wife of 54 years Sharon (nee Downer) and his son Brad (Anja). Also survived by sisters Marion Spence (Alan) and Carol Ann Rawson (Bob), predeceased by brothers Jim (Carole Beth), and John (Marge). Cherished brother-in-law of Nancy and Lyn Downer.
Ron will be greatly missed by countless nieces and nephews. Friends, who reside locally, nationally and internationally will mourn his passing.
Raised on a farm he developed an appreciation for the value of hard work and a love of working outdoors.
Ron worked over the years at the Town of Wasaga Beach and the Ministry of Natural Resources Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, but still found time to build a series of homes, garages, inground pools and other projects with Sharon, Brad and extended family. He always seemed to have a project on the go, and if he didn't have one, he would help someone who did.
His work ethic was legendary, and the phrase "a stranger is just a friend I haven't met": aptly described Ron. First to lend a hand to anyone who needed help, and always the last to leave, only when the job was complete.
Working with Ron on a project did come with some unwritten rules however. Make sure you always measure twice, and be completely sure the job was both plumb and level – secure in the knowledge that Ron (with a twinkle in his eye) would be checking your work.
Ron had a wonderful sense of humour, always anxious to share or enjoy a joke or a good time. An ability to see the fun in life and the good in others,
A character trait that he honed to perfection was an ability to seek out a treat, a cookie, piece of cake, chocolate, anything to satiate his sweet tooth. His ability to find a sweet treat was perfect – he could rival the talents of a bloodhound on the trail with his success in finding them.
He loved to travel and with Sharon, enjoyed many excursions to Florida, and Texas in particular to relax and enjoy the sun, but also to create a new group of friends in the United States. His favourite place to visit was Mackinac Island and made many trips there to enjoy the laid back atmosphere of horse drawn vehicles and a bygone era.
Ron loved his family greatly, and was a solid and dependable source of assistance to everyone.
It has been said that the true measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. As a cancer survivor Ron truly met that measure.
For those of us who know and love Ron, his life has been a road filled with cheers and challenges, more triumphs than tears, and through it all we remember the warm, soft smile of a friend.
A wise old person once said "You weren't born to royalty, you will never sit on a throne, but surround yourself with family and friends and you will never be alone." If a large collection of family and friends is a measure of success, then Ron surely reached the top rung of that ladder.
According to Ron's wishes cremation has taken place and there will be no ceremony, only a family get together at a later date.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the medical staff of Georgian Bay General Hospital for the comfort and care they provided Ron.
Donations, if you desire can be made in memory of Ron to the Georgian Bay General Hospital, Midland, Ontario
If we could have but one wish for Ron – it would be this - “To all your days here and hereafter, may they be filled with fond memories, happiness and laughter.”
