Our beloved dad and grandfather died on May 1, 2015 at the age of 79.
Predeceased by his wife of 45 years, Barb and their infant son David.
He is survived by his three children, Wendy Kempton, Chris Kempton and Lori Buchanan (Lonnie), grandchildren Devon Kempton, Karli and Celesta Buchanan, Rachel, Ron, Cindy and Brodie, and three great grandchildren. Siblings Evelyn, Barb, Shirley, Walter and families, and many lifelong friends.
Ronn was proud of his Nova Scotian heritage, born in Milton a small village on the South Shore in 1935. He was an avid story teller and enjoyed relaying his lousy start in life, having been born "on the po pot"! He had an idyllic childhood along the shores of the Mersey River and regaled many with stories of creative mischief with his tight-knit brotherhood of friends. Despite their dubious beginnings, these same boyhood friends all went on to become King’s Scouts and the pride of their community.
He met his beloved Barb when called upon to serve her at the local store. Her beauty and red horn-rimmed glasses befuddled him and resulted in one of the largest ice cream cones ever served! After a year in the Merchant Marines he joined the Armed Forces; he and Barb were wed in 1956 while stationed overseas. They toured all over Europe and Dad fondly recalled these memories in his later years. After postings to Downsview, Georgetown, and Ottawa he was stationed to the beautiful Comox Valley, which he called home for the remainder of his life. Ronn and Barb were actively involved in several organizations including Square Dancing, Scouting/Guiding, Power Squadron and enjoyed hosting and entertaining many events. In his leisure he enjoyed fishing, camping, painting, playing the banjo and creative toy and tree house building. Eventually he and Barb owned and operated Kempton Custom Drapes and Blinds and it is in this capacity that many remember his attention to detail and social nature.
A special thanks to the many care givers at Saint Joseph's Hospital and to those at Cumberland Lodge and Glacier View Lodge who became Dad's extended family, he adopted and bestowed many with nicknames and remained a delightful story teller until the end.
A celebration of Ronn’s life will be held on Saturday, June 20th, 2015 at 11:00am from Comox Valley Funeral Home, Cremation and Reception Centre, 1101 Ryan Road, Courtenay.