Obituary of Ronald Gelderland

GELDERLAND: Ronald - It is with profound sadness that the family of Ronald “Ron” Julius Cornelius Gelderland (born December 14,1940) announce his passing on July 21st , 2022 at the age of 81. Ron passed away peacefully surrounded by his devoted family.

Lovingly remembered by his wife Jane (Geddis) of 58 years, and children Darryl (wife Diane) of London, ON, Deborah (husband Garratt) of Peterborough, ON and David (wife Ann) of Red Lake, ON.

Proud Opa to Jessica, Kyle and Justin (Red Lake) and Stephanie (London).

Predeceased by his parents, Mary (Lucio) and Anthony “Tony” Gelderland.

Brother-in-law to Elizabeth Forshaw (late Ron) and the late Margaret Campbell (late Ken).

Ron will be remembered by his nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

Ron lived his entire life in Ridgetown and graduated from the Ridgetown College of Agricultural Technology (RCAT). He was a hardworking, ethical man, devoting 35 plus years as Road Superintendent for Howard Township and later Chatham Kent where he retired in 2004. Ron was Ontario’s first Certified Road Supervisor - Senior (1989), and a Past-President of the Association of Ontario Road Superintendents (AORS).

Ron believed in his community, he dedicated countless hours to Ridgetown Rotary where he was Past-President and a Paul Harris Fellow. He was a member of the Mount Zion Presbyterian Church, Past-President of the Red Leaf Lane Association, and he volunteered with a variety of other local organizations and committees. Ron served from 2004-2013 on the Food and Rural Affairs Tribunal and from 2010-2020 on the Chatham-Kent Drainage Board.

Ron enjoyed golf, rollercoasters, walking, and playing cards. He always greeted you with a smile and had a story to tell.

Ron loved life, family and friends. He will be dearly missed but not forgotten.

Cremation has taken place. Family will receive friends at the Funeral Home, 76 Main Street East, Ridgetown, on Sunday, July 24, 2022 from 2:00 - 5:00pm. A Memorial Service will be held at the Funeral Home at 1:00pm on Monday, July 25, 2022. Interment to follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Ridgetown. It has been requested that attendees wear a mask to the visitation and the service. 

Special thanks to Ted and Jill Schweitzer for their love and support and to Dr. Jones, Dr. Mura, Dr. Bergin, and the hospital staff at both the London Health Sciences Centre - Victoria Hospital and the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance for their care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to Greenwood Cemetery, Mount Zion Presbyterian Church, Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation, or the organization of your choice.

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home, 76 Main Street East, Ridgetown, 519-674-3141

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