Ronald Joseph Dower
(September 14, 1937 - December 22, 2024)
Ron- our Dad- a Husband, Brother, Poppy, Grandfather, Uncle, Great Grandfather, Neighbour, and Friend to anyone he encountered, passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family members including his wife, daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchild.
Ron was predeceased by his parents, Ronald and Elizabeth Dower, and sisters, Bride Power and Elizabeth Hawco.
Ron is survived by his wife, Shirley, daughters, grandchildren, great grandchild, and sisters, Alice Dower and Mary Dower.
Born in Conche, Newfoundland, Ron was the fourth born of five children and the only boy. Needless to say he was “spoiled rotten” by his older sisters and was a protective “big brother” to his baby sister, Liz. Ron moved to St. John’s and began his 25-year career with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, retiring as Sergeant. He took early retirement with the RNC and pursued his life long dream of becoming a commercial fisherman.
Ron and Shirley raised four daughters, Cathy, Sandra, Paula, and Lisa in Newfoundland and spent their winters after retirement in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Ron swam in the Gulf every day and spent his time playing shuffleboard, winning at euchre, cooking, baking, and visiting with his great grandchild. For well over 20 years, Ron hosted an annual Christmas dinner with all of his neighbours missing their own families.
Ron was a wonderful friend to many and in earlier years could be found on any Saturday night belting out tunes at a kitchen party. Ron was a remarkable foodie and was known to make many “scoffs.” He became famous for the thousands of healthy muffins he made and shared with others.
This past Summer, Ron and his rowing crew from 1958 were inducted into the Royal St. John’s Regatta Hall of Fame. Ron attended and accepted this award as the only surviving member of his rowing team. What an honour.
Ron has been a tireless caregiver for his wife, Shirley, for the past twelve years. Please don’t worry Dad, we’ve got Mom.
Ron leaves behind his wife Shirley, his sisters, Alice and Mary, daughters Cathy (Paul), Sandra, Paula, Lisa (Steve), and grandchildren, Danielle (Erin), Nicole, Natalie (Abrahim), Alexzandra (Sanj), Madison, Xenia (Daniel), Marcos (Frannie), Brandon (Cristan), Heather (Jacob), Caleb (Jewel), Josh (Ella), Levi (Kristen), and the light of his life, great granddaughter, Eriphili.
Cremation has taken place and the family will announce a celebration of life with a date to follow. Arrangements entrusted to Carson Funeral Home - J.H. Lynn Chapel (705-526-6551)
Ways to Donate to Hospice Simcoe: call 705-722-5995 or visit www.hospicesimcoe.ca
Condolences
Cathal MacArtain
Jan 20, 2025A gentle soul a true gentleman to my father and our family. Only fondest memories of Ron. Rest in peace good neighbour from all of us in Dundalk Ireland
Bruce and Cavelle Hollett
Jan 10, 2025Shirley, Sandy, Paula, Lisa, Cathy and families. Bruce and I have many wonderful memories of spending time with the Dower family back in Newfoundland many years ago. Ron was very interesting, talented and quite entertaining! Please accept our deepest condolences on his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ed and Anita McCann
Jan 8, 2025We extend sincere sympathy to Shirley and family. Ron was an interesting man and a pleasure to be around. I enjoyed our conversations (usually about food, fishing or growing up in rural Newfoundland). He will be missed.
Debra Perigo
Jan 4, 2025My dearest Shirley I am so sorry for your and your families loss. Ron had a kind heart , told many a great story and had such a twinkle in his eyes when he laughed. I know he is now sailing calmer seas.
Marie Power and Paul Nugent
Jan 1, 2025Aunt Shirley, Cathy, Sandra, Paula and Lisa, such sad news to hear Uncle Ron has passed away. Lots of good memories of card games, songs at family weddings, and stories of growing up in Conche recounted by him and Goggy. I’m sure he and Mrs Liz were waiting for him, along with his sisters, Sending our condolences to you and all the family.
Liz Power and Kevin Haverty
Dec 31, 2024Sending our heartfelt condolences to Aunt Shirley, Cathy, Sandra, Paula, Lisa and all of Uncle Ron's much loved family. May your memories of him ease your sadness and bring you comfort, and may you always hear his voice belting out a tune or feel the warmth of his presence whenever you need it. With much love, Liz and Kevin
Colleen and John Fitzpatrick
Dec 28, 2024Shirley, Cathy, Lisa,Paula,Sandra we are sending you all our prayers and love . Uncle Ron was a big hearted force of nature, hard working and generous We were fortunate to connect again with him in Calgary and have great memories of that time. Our love to you all
Pat Snoddon
Dec 26, 2024We are certainly going to miss Ron around the euchre table - even if he did seem to win all the time, despite making it on next to nothing! What a lovely man, with great stories to tell. Shirley, please remember that you have lots of friends here and only need to reach out if you need anything at all. RIP Ron
Rosalind Dyke
Dec 24, 2024To Shirley and family, Ron will be missed by everyone who knew him. He was a good friend to us, and I will remember the muffins, games of euchre at Sylvette and his skill at shuffle. Ron was a great person.