It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of a wonderful man, – our father, Ron L. MacDonald, who passed away March 24 at 87. He is survived by his two daughters, Cheryl (Ian) MacMillan and Kathleen (Richard) Hill, his two beautiful grandchildren, Andrew and Rachel, and his first wife and love, Myra Faye MacDonald. Ron is predeceased by his father, John (Pete) and mother Opal, brothers Gerry and Ricky, and his second wife, Jeanne Stannard.
Raised in Victoria, Ron attended SJ Willis (class president in grade 8) and Mt. View High School. He excelled in baseball and boxing, almost obtaining his golden glove. To help the family, he had to start working at a young age, delivering papers, picking fruits & vegetables at local farms and feeding rabbits. At 12, being slight in stature, he proved himself strong enough to work at the old Jam factory on Quadra St., lifting 100lb bags of sugar. At 14, he started working at MacDonald’s Furniture. He continued working there while putting himself through college, majoring in mathematics and at 24, became director of sales and marketing. After 3 years at UVic, while being a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, he took the Real Estate Course which then led him to a 3yr course at UBC for Commercial Appraising. He then received his RIBC and F.R.I. Designations. In 1974, he became the youngest Real Estate office manager in Canada. Ron always told us that ‘knowledge gives you confidence’ and his extensive knowledge enabled him to have an impressive real estate career.
Ron had a love for helping people, and a mind to make things happen. He was involved in many high-profile transactions and developments. His honesty, integrity and loyalty to his clients were second to none and was how he met many of his closest friends. At 86, he sadly hung up his license after 55 years and after many of his latter years working with his daughter.
Ron was our father, our mentor, our supporter and our friend and we will miss him immensely, until the day we meet again.
There will be a COL mingle with light refreshments on August 9th, at UVic’s University Club at 6:30pm. Please RSVP to ronmacdonaldscelebration@gmail.com by June 30th.
In Lieu of Flowers, consider donations to the Alzheimer Society or Ronald McDonald House.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
-
Clive and Anne
-
Paul Cheryl & Family my sincere condolences on Ron’s passing. I will miss his stories , sage advice , and wisdom . He was always had time to share his knowledge and experiences.
Paul Whitney
-
Dana Reiter Dear Cheryl and Family, Your Dad was a pillar in our industry and very knowledgeable. He was always willing to share his knowledge and his professional approach was in the forefront. I am deeply sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in days ahead with cherished memories.
-
Nancy Vieira PREC When you have a passion for something then you tend not only to be better at it, but you work harder at it too.
Vera Wang
Ron will always be known for his passion in his chosen industry and his stellar personage. A life well lived. Well done Ron and thank you for all your advice through the years.
-
Kevin Starling I’m so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Ron for over a decade. His knowledge of the industry was unsurpassed and he loved his work. He always made time to listen and offer his sage advice. He will be sorely missed.
-
Jacqueline Baker Chery and family
Your Dad was a wonderful man and a true gentleman.
I had the great pleasure of working with him at Pemberton Holmes for many years.
He was always very kind to me and was good enough to share his vast knowledge of real estate with me and we were able to do some deals together.
It was my honor to know him and he has left a lasting impression and memory to all who knew and worked with him I am sure.
Deepest sympathies to you and your family at this difficult time.
Jacqueline Baker
-
Dave Helm Ron was simply a good guy and by far the best boss I ever had. Will miss his smiley face and listening to his words of wisdom. What a guy!
Heartfelt condolences to the family
-
Brian Peterson Ron was a major influence in my life. He befriended me and mentored me and I learned so much from him. He was a good friend, honorable and kind. I will miss him greatly
My condolences to Cheryl, Kathy and his family
Brian
-
Bev Highton Ron and I both joined the Real Estate Industry in 1968.
I always found Ron to be a man of integrity and whilst we didnt always agree his dedication to his clients always shone through.
Pleade accept my most sincere condolences on Ron’s passing.
-
Helen Jones I am very sorry to hear about the passing of Ron. He was a stalwart member of the Real Estate Institute of Canada, and could always be counted on to come to our monthly meetings. He was a kind man who was a great example to us all. He will be truly missed by many.
Good Night, God Bless Ron.
Thanks for being a friend.