Obituary for
Ronald Desmond Tharby
August 29, 1933 – January 26, 2019
The beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many passed away peacefully on January 26th, 2019 in Burlington, Ontario after 85 years and a long battle with illness. His wife, Teresa along with his family were by his side for the final leg of his great life.
Ron was born in March, England on August 29, 1933 to Alfred and Ethel Tharby and was the youngest brother of Alfred, Joan, and Roy. He grew up through difficult times that forever shaped his life, first in the small town of March during WWII and then in London, UK where he moved at 18 to attend University. After graduation with a Chemistry degree he was commissioned in the Royal Air Force to do his national service where he served with distinction.
Ron married Teresa Mary Briggs in Sidcup, England in 1962 and established their home in Frimley, England. In 1968, with their four young children they immigrated to a young Canada to build their new home in Burlington. They remained in their home together for 50 years as they raised their seven children. They hosted many family gatherings for their family as it grew with new friends, visits from distance relatives and their children’s expanding families.
In addition to his loving wife of 56 years Teresa, Ron is survived by his children Mark and his wife Lisa of McKinney, Texas and their children Matthew, Michael and his wife Lauren, and Erin and her husband Andrew, Grant and Elizabeth of Oakville and their children, Rachel and her husband Mitchell, Rebecca and Christopher, Bruce and Gillian of Grimsby and their children Alyssa and Cameron, Clive of Kinnelon, NJ and his children Maya and Elle, Hugh and his wife Joanne of Burlington and their children Brendan, Brianne, Ryan and Dylan, Katrina and her husband Todd Thibert of Burlington and their children Bradley and Amy,, and Daryl and his wife Pamela of Burlington and their children Eric and Connor.
Ron was involved in his community as a member of St Patrick’s Catholic Parish, a consistent presence at youth sports events across Burlington and Southern Ontario as his children and then grandchildren participated in soccer, baseball, football, and hockey. He not only attended but also could be found coaching, refereeing, or instructing in his children’s activities. In addition, he shared his time providing leadership on various fundraising and development committees across Burlington supporting his family. His calendar has been filled for 50 years with visits to the fields and rinks of Burlington to support his family where he could always be seen watching every minute.
Ron’s long career in the oil industry began with BP UK, Gulf Canada and then Petro-Canada working in the research and development of new petroleum technologies. Ron led numerous teams across the companies, travelled across Canada and had the chance to work with many brilliant people and built lifelong friends. He became an active member and eventually a board member of the ASTM and SAE technical societies that work to ensure the efficient and safe evolution of the energy industry. His extensive contributions and leadership on various technical committees and in industry standards bodies like the CGSB contributed to many innovations across the diesel engine and aviation industry. His expertise was recognized across the numerous industries that kept him engaged in projects helping improve development of the industry in every continent except Antarctica. In addition to his global travel, a highlight of his career was the 1988 Calgary Olympics where he led a team that developed the Olympic Torch and participated in its cross country run. Ron loved the career he chose and was extremely happy to develop his own consulting business with Teresa where for the next 25 years he shared his expertise and experience with the next generation of technologists. He was known by friends and family alike to always be teaching and encouraging the next generation.
In later life Ron was challenged with various health issues which he fought valiantly with the support of his family and the experts at the McMaster University Medical Center in Hamilton and Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington. In lieu of flowers he would appreciate ongoing support at jbhf.akaraisin.com/givetoday/ronaldtharby .
Our husband, father and grandfather will be missed by many and we appreciate the support of friends and family at this difficult time. Visitation at SMITH’S FUNERAL HOME, 1167 Guelph Line (one stop light north of QEW), BURLINGTON (905-632-3333) on Thursday, January 31 from 3 – 5 p.m. and 7 – 9 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic (196 Kenwood Avenue, Burlington) on Saturday, February 1 at 10:30 a.m.
FYI its 99.1/l
Order Flowers
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Ronald Desmond
Tharby 1933 2019..
Décès pour la Ville:, Province: Ontario