FURNESS, Ronald
born May 12, 1923
passed away February 16, 2007
Ron’s big heart stopped beating at noon, Friday, February 16, 2007 and he has rejoined his beloved Bella after an absence of 11 years.
Predeceased by his parents, George and Emma Furness, sister, Emma MacPherson and his brothers, George, Bruce and Jack, Ron is survived by his immediate family: son Jim Martin, grandson Lewis and great-grandson Eric and many, many friends and acquaintances. In particular, Ron shall be dearly missed by his son, Jim who shared a home, a life and the love of Jim’s mother Bella with Ronald, as he was often known to Jim.
Ron was a Veteran of World War II. He left Powell River and enlisted in 1940 to join his brothers in the Royal Canadian Navy and served in the North Atlantic. In 1946, he began a 20-year stint at Pacific Veneer in Sapperton, (New Westminster). Ron was able to enjoy his love of the sea spending 20 years as a bargeman with Shield Navigation and Seaspan International. Ron retired to Comox in 1988 where he lived by the sea at Little River.
Ron’s great passion for sports included his involvement with minor Lacrosse, Softball and Baseball teams in New Westminster. A major highlight in Ron’s life was his management of New Westminster All Stars, Canada’s 1st ever Baseball team participant in the Babe Ruth World Series held in Stockton, California in 1959. Ron’s big smile touched the hearts of the many people who loved him.
The family wishes to express their thanks to Lewis for being with Ron when he had his stroke and for his unconditional love of his granddad; for Ron’s incredible care by the wonderful and caring staff at San Javier Marina Hospital in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; also, to the attending physician and airline crew during Ron’s return to Comox and especially to Donna Woiwod, his friend and caregiver.
Ron shall be dearly missed. He shall live on in our memories of the wonderful person he was.
A Celebration of Ron’s life will take place on Thursday, February 22, 2007 at 1:00 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 160, Comox.