“For so many to feel such friendship, love and loss only to realize we are each just a small, but significant, part of an incredible mans’ legacy” – Ronald Edward Newson: December 15th, 1935 – December 5th, 2021
Ron was born to Mildred and Leslie Newson and was raised in East Vancouver where he played American football and rugby and graduated in 1955 from Vancouver Technical School. Being a lifelong hard worker, he was fired from an early job as his boss recognized his potential to do greater things. His career then started at General Electric Warehouse where he quickly advanced to the sales desk and soon again, to the sales department. G.E. transferred him to Montreal for 2 years where he became the Product Manager, after which he went back to Vancouver to service major appliance accounts .
In 1964, Ron, his wife and daughters Darlene and Tracey, moved to Prince George to open Ron Newson’s TV and Appliance Centre on George Street, the first in PG. In 1973 he opened Ron Newson Furniture on Victoria St. and 2nd, later becoming Ron Newson Home Furnishings. From there, he had numerous businesses; including Talisman repairs, which supplied washers and dryers for all the apartments, and the first rent-to-own store in PG – Maison Furniture Rentals.
Throughout his life and career, Ron was also a great supporter to many around him. There are numerous stories of gratitude from those he guided and helped set up in business for themselves, going as far as providing financial support, schooling, and business advice. To many, he was a trusted friend, mentor, father figure and dependable leader who was counted on time and time again. Many of his friendships were lifelong and his relationships went deep.
“Service above self”. Ron believed in investing in those around him as well as his community and was an amazing leader helping build many clubs he belonged to. He joined Rotary in PG in 1970, was a Paul Harris Society member and a benefactor of the Rotary foundation. In 2021, he was inducted as a senator of Kamloops West Rotary, which is an honor reserved for those who have dedicated their lives to Rotary. Ron and Barb traveled to several international conferences, volunteered at, and attended meetings at clubs all over the world, were involved in countless fundraisers to help those in need and hosted numerous exchange students that still call him Dad to this day. Rotary’s Four-way test asks four questions: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? Ron exemplified the four-way test. Ron went through life selflessly helping. The funny thing about inspiration, kindness, or a ripple, is that we have no idea how far it will reach or the effect it could have. He truly had a heart like no other!
Ron was also dedicated to the YMCA. He was recruited to the board of the PG YMCA in the 80’s and was part of the leadership Group (volunteers and staff) that went about saving the PG YMCA from insolvency. He did everything he knew how, to help make things better and he remained a committed Y leader right through the Senior Volunteer ranks to Treasurer, Vice President, President and Past President. Part of the reason there is still a Y in PG was due to his leadership. He subsequently got involved in the Kamloops Y board and did 2 terms as Board Leader and again played a role in salvaging and keeping the Kamloops Y alive to serve the community. He was on the board when they decided to raffle a home. Well known as the ‘Y Dream Home’, it has become a very valuable fundraiser now in its 26th year. Ron was well liked and respected in Y circles across BC and Canada being both a character and an articulate, genuine leader. He also received the Outstanding Community Service award for contributing significantly to the quality of Life in the Community in PG in 1994.
Ron and Barb started dating in 1987 and in 1994, moved to Kamloops and purchased their ‘dream’ home on the river, where they were married in 1995. As always, the dream required a lot of hard work and dedication. Together they created a piece of paradise and an open-door home that has hosted hundreds of gatherings and people from around the world. They continued their love of travel and made friends wherever they went. It was nothing to arrive home and shortly thereafter take off to stay in another country with new friends they had made or vice versa. Don’t talk to strangers was not his motto…he’d invite them to come stay in his home! Truly pillars of the community, they spent much time volunteering and fundraising, giving how and wherever they could. They continued to travel for as long as possible, spending time each year in Maui, Borrego Springs, and whichever large trip they could make. It wasn’t unheard of for them to be working a soup kitchen in Maui.
Ron’s passions also included golf, his vehicle collection, socializing, telling a good story or joke and making people laugh. He had a way of laughing the hardest at himself and his energy was contagious. He could always get to the heart of whomever he met. Their home was commonly referred to as ‘The Zoo’ for his love of animals meant constantly getting more…dogs, cats, rabbits, fish. A good dog book could break his heart and we truly considered sending him off with a pocket full of dog treats.
He was the apple of his kids and grandchildren’s eye. Spending time at the lake with both his families and always there to support and guide and instill a strong work ethic. He will be missed more than words can explain. Ron is survived by Barb(wife), stepdaughter Dana (Shane) & grandson Logan, stepson Curt (Taira) & grandchildren Meila & Griffin; daughter Darlene (Stan) & granddaughter Alyssa (Ryan); daughter Tracey (Conrad) & grandchildren; Carisa (Andy); Miranda (Kirk); Chase and Cole, as well as great-grandchildren: Eli, Raidan, Salem, Anisha, Cypress, Shaylin, Sasha & Seth; brother Ray (Bernice) as well as numerous nephews and nieces.
Ron was welcomed home by his oldest grandson Garrett and is surrounded by his Pet Sanctuary. Days later, they welcomed nephew Doug.
Our family would like to thank everyone who supported us in Ron’s time of need; his friends that continued to take him on weekly outings (you know who you are): RIH; Ponderosa Lodge as well as friends for their cards, flowers, food, and hugs.
If you were Ron’s friend, you were likely his family and he was a man who loved his family dearly, who took care of others, and who tried to leave the world a better place than when he entered it. His wish was granted as he passed away at home in his sleep.
Ron always wanted to “Buy the last drink” so a service will be postponed until he/we can safely do so. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating your time or money to your local food bank or SPCA.
“Each journey begins with one step. Each friendship begins with one handshake”
“May the hinges of friendship never rust”
Offer Condolence for the family of Ronald Edward Newson 1935 – 2021
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Ronald Edward Newson 1935 – 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Kamloops, Province: Colombie britanique