Obituary of Oliver Ronson

RONSON, Oliver (Ollie) Barry January 3, 1945 - March 8, 2025 Passed away surrounded by family at the Brantford General Hospital on Saturday, March 8, 2025 in his 81st year. Beloved husband of Kathie. Loving father of Tina (Paul), Scott (Amy), Randy (Kerri), Jack (Lindsay) and Oliver Jr. (Marnie). Cherished Papa of Ty, Talia, Lauryn, Bennett, April and Sunny. Survived by his sister, Nancy MacDonald (Bill). Predeceased by his siblings Carol, Bob, Wayne, Tom and Shirley Barkley. Brother-in-law to Vicki (Don) Minshall, Ken Calleya and Don Calleya. Predeceased by Jack (Sandy) and Joyce Calleya. Fondly remembered by any nieces and nephews who loved Uncle Ollie. Ollie worked as a skilled tradesman, welding for Trailmobile in Brantford and King Truck in Woodstock; he finished his career at the Brant Catholic School Board as a much appreciated custodian. On the water is where Ollie loved to be, especially on Lake Erie. In his early years, it was in the fishing village of Port Dover and later at Booths Harbor in the hamlet of St. Williams. He loved the water and boating and rarely missed the annual event at Pottahawk and was always happy to help his fellow boaters. His enjoyment was infectious to family and friends. The memories on the water will last forever. Ollie showed people how much he cared by doing things - mowing lawns, fixing just about anything that came his way, driving people around - he was always busy helping others. He loved spending time with his kids and grandkids, with lots of that time spent watching them in sports (along with his kids friends) and he enjoyed the company of his nieces and nephews too. If you popped in for a visit, you would find Ollie tinkering in the shed, washing the cars, or helping Kathie around the house and yard - but he was always glad to stop and spend time with you on his front porch, usually accompanied by an offer of a drink. Ollie’s life was full of family and friends - including his coffee group at Tim’s each morning, and he almost always had a smile and a twinkle in his eye! A celebration of life will be held at the Brantford Golf and Country Club (60 Ava Road) on Thursday, April 3rd from 4-7pm. There will be a short program remembering Ollie where we can raise a toast to him around 6:30pm. A tree will be planted in memory of Ollie in the Beckett-Glaves Memorial Forest.