CAMPBELL, Ronald Eugene - Passed away November 30, 2011 in Kelowna, BC at the age of 70 years.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Charles Garnier Parish on Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers donations in Ron’s name may be made to the MS Society #230 - 1855 Kirschner Road Kelowna, BC V1Y 4N7.

Rita would like to thank the family, friends, doctors, Interior Health management and the care aides that provided exceptional care for Ron.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mem.com selecting stories and searching Ronald Campbell.

Arrangements in care of First Memorial Funeral Services, (250) 762-2299.

Ron was born on May 30, 1941 at home in Bear Creek, BC. His parents were Russell and Evelyn Campbell. Ron was raised in Westbank, BC. He had two younger sisters, Carol, and Diane

Ron was easygoing and fun loving. He had an enthusiasm for life that allowed him to be constantly on the go. As a result, Ron experienced a rather active childhood. He took part in baseball, hockey and swimming. In his spare time he collected turtles, and sold them for pocket money. He also had a newspaper route. He was a Queen's Scout. Ron's memorable achievements included all possible medals as a Queen's Scout.

Ask anyone who knew him from school and they would tell you that Ron was fun-loving and mischievous. He enjoyed the laughter of others, and the sounds of his friends and acquaintances having a good time. For Ron, grades may not have been the most important thing, but he really did enjoy the camaraderie of his school mates. His favorite class in high school was Woodworking, also getting into trouble, and having fun. He graduated from Westbank High School in 1959, and went on to attend a Heavy Duty Mechanics Course, which was invaluable in his choice of a career.

Ron never actually encountered a stranger in his dealings with people. He was drawn to individuals and crowds, using his gregarious, adaptable and outgoing personality to captivate his audience. This quality allowed Ron to continually develop new relationships, and an ever widening circle of friends. Ron utilized his interest in others as a great way to connect with them. While growing up, Ron had many, many friends. He and his best friend Jerry Hopkins were inseparable. Later in life, he became friends with almost everyone he met, but he had a special friendship with Bill and Ronnie (Ronikeens) Pihach. Ron loved sharing life and having his home filled with people he knew.

On June 26, 1965 Ron exchanged wedding vows with Rita Madelene Marie Charest at Immaculate Conception Church in Kelowna, BC.

At work, as in life, Ron was a real “people person.” He had a very successful way of dealing effectively with others, and his enthusiasm and energy was often contagious. When dealing with various projects and problems, Ron handed them over to Rita. His primary occupation was Heavy Duty Mechanic. He was employed by Ron Prosser Chev Olds, Bennett Dam in Hudson Hope, McGavins, and lastly by the City of Kelowna.

Ron enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were Boating (Ronchee was the name of all his boats - from 1 to 5), fishing and hunting, He loved cooking - his culinary specialty was stew and dumplings. Probably his most-loved "hobby" was Gambling. He had ongoing wagers with his Mother-in-Law and numerous friends.

Ron was excited and challenged by sports. He loved to participate and thoroughly enjoyed the competition and the pleasure of being around other people. In high school, Ron played hockey, baseball, and football. Later, his recreational sports included downhill and x-country skiing, golfing, fly-fishing and water-skiing. Ron was also a dedicated sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were hockey and football.

Ron had an endless appetite for new and different activities. He was always ready to add his energy whenever required. Because of his personality, his humor and his ability to get along with everyone, Ron's service was greatly valued and appreciated by the organizations to which he belonged.

In 1970 Ron joined the KYC. He was Commodore 1981 and 1982, and became an Honorary Life Member. He received "Recognition of Service" as Co-Ordinator for several years. He was a Commander of the Canadian Power Squadron, and earned his 20 year Merit Mark with a Life Membership. He received an "Outstanding Member Award for Service and Unselfish Help" as well as an Appreciation Award for years of service. He was a Bona Fide Member of the International Order of the Blue Gavel.

Ron was involved in activities he deemed important. He was charitable, kind and giving, qualities that made him a natural volunteer. Ron was a member of several community groups, he was involved with McHappy Days at McDonalds, Blind Fishing Derby, Boats for Hope, Lake Patrol during public events and all Water Functions.

It is no surprise that he loved to travel and to visit new and different places. He was naturally curious about other parts of the world and loved the real life adventure that came from visiting them. He was impulsive and willing to try anything once. Favorite vacations included: 25 winter vacations in Mexico. They also traveled to Las Vegas, Reno, Phoenix, Hawaii, and the Philippines. His last vacation (2000) was a 2 week cruise to the Caribbean.

Ron and his little buddy Chipoo (a chihuahua-poodle cross) were best friends for almost 20 years. More recently, he took up birdwatching, and enjoyed the numerous visitors to their bird feeders.

Due to medical reasons, Ron took an early retirement. With his diminishing strength and energy, but with an intense desire to get the most out of life, he found pleasure in accumulating many new acquaintances. Since he'd never met a stranger, he made plenty of new friends as well.

Ron passed away on November 30, 2011 at Kelowna General Hospital, after 38 years of courageously battling MS and its ensuing complications. He is survived by his devoted wife, Rita, who provided him additional years of quality life; Rita's family-including his Mother-in-law Clara Erasmus, Brother-in-law Jerry Charest, Sister-in-law Joanne (Mark) Knorr (Yan), sister Carol (Gary) Carr, sister Dianne (Pat) Toutant; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles. Services will be held at St Charles Garnier Church, Kelowna BC.

Ron brought joy to all of those around him. He loved to have a good time and was always looking on the bright side of things. Everyone loved Ron's grin. Ronald Eugene Campbell lived life to its fullest and made everyone around him happier just for knowing him. He will be sadly missed, but he will be remembered with a smile.

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