Obituary of Ron Wingrove

Wingrove, Ron

Ron went peacefully to be with his Lord and Saviour on Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at Victoria Hospital, London at the age of 74. Born in Barrie, he came to Chatham with his parents the year he started grade 9 at Tecumseh High School. 

He is the son of the late Clarence G Wingrove (1997) and Arbutus Margarete (Buddy) Gossling (2010). 

Ron is survived by his loving and adoring wife of 34 years, Elaine (nee McClelland). Dearest father to Elizabeth (Garry) Phair and Kimberley (David) Moulton, who are his children with his former wife, Janice Boley. 

He was Papa to his 6 wonderful grandchildren whom he adored: Alex Wingrove, Carrison and Amanda Phair, Jordyn Smith, Jackson and Kenzie Moulton.  Ron took up woodworking when he retired from the Lambton-Kent County Board of Education in 2000. He became quite a skilled woodworker making special gifts for each of his grandchildren. Ron has been to every first day of school for each of his grandchildren. He never wanted to miss that special moment when they started on a new year of learning and adventure. 

He is survived by sisters-in-law, Lyn (Denis) Trudeau, Marie McClelland, Irene (Wayne) Hacquoil. Brother-in-law of Harvey Spring as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. 

He was predeceased by his sister, Marilyn Spring (2003), son-in-law, Michael Smith (2003), brother-in-law John McClelland (2012) and mother-in-law, Florence McClelland (2006). 

As a youth, Ron was an avid basketball and football player. At age 16, he was named as an honour student and the most valuable football player in the school. His interest in sports led him to become president of the Tecumseh Boys' Athletic Association. His love of sports continued well into adulthood. 

Ron became a teacher in 1968 retiring as a Principal in 2000. He had a passion for education and wanted to spark the desire to learn into the lives of his students. That passion never left him as he reminded his grandchildren when dropping them off at school "To work hard and make your dreams come true".

In retirement Ron also became a boater and avid fisherman. Erieau Marina was where he spent many hours with his family boating, fishing, tubing and having BBQs. Alex and Jackson were his fishing buddies. 

Ron had a love for his church family at Thames Christian Fellowship. He took care of the sound for church service while his daughter, Elizabeth sat in the sound booth with him looking after the music and the Powerpoint. 

Family to receive friends on Saturday, August 22, 2020 from 11:00 am to the time of the Memorial Service at 1:00 pm. A Memorial Service for Ron will take place on Saturday at 1:00 pm at the Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham with Pastor Don Read.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, those hoping to attend the Visitation and Memorial Service must schedule a time online at https://signup.com/go/yvspuvi or phone us at 519-351-2040. No one will be permitted at the Memorial Service without a scheduled time. The Bereavement Authority of Ontario has mandated that everyone attending must wear a mask. With Covid-19 restrictions you likely will be seated in an overflow seat.

Cremation has taken place with Burial in Barrie Union Cemetery at a later date. 

Online condolences may be left for the family and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Thames Christian Fellowship, Salvation Army Food Bank or to a charity of your choice through the Funeral Home website (www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com). Cheques may be mailed or delivered to any of our Funeral Homes.

 

 

McKinlay Funeral Home
459 St. Clair Street
Chatham
519 351 2040