Kay, Ronald Gordon 'Ron'
Ronald Gordon Kay of Thornbury passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the age of 92 at Errinrung Nursing Home, where he had resided for three months.
Beloved husband of Jean for 67 years, and father of Heather Kehoe (partner Arnold Bunn) and Heidi Kay, and grandfather of Karen Kehoe (partner Jacob Parkin), Patrick Kehoe (partner Sydney Ro) and Taos Kay.
Ron also leaves behind his brother William ‘Bill’ Kay and his wife Irene, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Sandra and her husband Howard McLean.
Born April 2, 1934 in Hamilton, Ont., to Hazel and Godfrey Kay, Ron was a lifelong avid sportsman. He started downhill skiing at the age of 8 at Hamilton’s Chedoke Golf Course before moving on to the more challenging Cedar Springs Ski Club to race as an adolescent. In 1961 he joined Alpine Ski Club where he remained a member until he was 88. He was active on Alpine’s board of directors and served four terms as president.
A member of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry from the age of 15, Ron shot locally at the ranges in Winona and Camp Borden, then advanced to national and international competition in Ottawa, and represented Canada in Bisley, England. He served on the executive of the Dominion of Canada Rifle Association, and was chairman of the Ontario Rifle Association.
Ron was an industrial engineer with Stelco Steel in Hamilton for 34 years. He then spent 10 years working with International Solidification with contracts in Ohio and Alabama.
Ron retired to Thornbury in 1988 where he enjoyed being active in the Thornbury-Clarksburg Rotary Club, including serving a term as president.
He bought a sailboat, then a power boat, and spent endless summers sailing Georgian Bay and the North Channel of Lake Huron. As a younger man, he was an avid windsurfer, gliding atop the waters of Lake Ontario and Georgian Bay.
Ron enjoyed a lifetime of travel, with numerous scuba diving adventures throughout the Caribbean, cruising the Mediterranean and Baltic Seas as well as up to Alaska, skiing all over the European Alps as well as many mountain peaks in the American and Canadian Rockies. He enjoyed 14 winters skiing in British Columbia in his later years, including at Silver Star, Big White, Revelstoke, Sun Peaks and Whistler.
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Ron’s Life will be held on Tuesday, May 12 at Alpine Ski Club at 3 p.m.
Ron was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2019. As your expression of sympathy, donations to the Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario, Salvation Army or a charity of your choice would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
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Make a donation in memory of Ronald Gordon 'Ron' Kay
Donations: Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario, Salvation Army or a charity of your choiceDonate securely through Ferguson Funeral Home
Sunday, April 12, 2026
Jean & Family
Please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of Ron.
Chatted with Ron a few times since we moved to Thornbury Meadows.
Cherish the many wonderful memories made over the years.
Yours,
Sandra & Randy
Dove Drive
Sunday, April 12, 2026
My condolences on the passing of your father. Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs
Valerie Shaw
Sunday, April 12, 2026
Dear Jean!
We were saddened to hear of Ron’s passing but appreciate his struggles are behind him as he enjoys a new peace on the other side!! Sending you love and strength!!
Sue & Derry Ironside
Monday, April 13, 2026
Heather & Family,
So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Deepest condolences.
Shelley & Ron Gibbons
Monday, April 13, 2026
Sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. You have lots of great memories of Ron. Bonnie Meesters
Monday, April 13, 2026
Aw, Jean, so many fond memories I have. You were amazing neighbours that I would think of often. Ron, and you, left no stone unturned. He lived a very full life. He is at peace and I will raise a glass to him at “cocktail time” with a large glass of ice. Sending you my love.
Monday, April 13, 2026
Dear Jean and family,
Please accept our condolences on the passing of Ron. He was a great family man, sportsman and friend, and will be missed by all who knew him. Sincerely Ross and Virlie Dainty,
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
My sincerest condolences Jean on the passing of your beloved Ron. May he rest in peace. He will be missed by the Thornbury Meadows Community.
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Dear Jean, I remember when you and Ron came to stay at our farm when you were starting your family and skiing at Alpine. I will always remember Ron’s smile and his chuckle about whatever he was saying at the time. I was just old enough to babysit their latest offspring at the time. I did babysit and then later that child became a friend and neighbour.
We joined Probus when we moved and returned to my hometown, and imagine my surprise when I recognized you both. It brought back many fond memories. Right now I’m going down my own memory lane.
My most sincere condolences for your loss. Ron and you have had a great life full of wonderful memories. I plan to come to his celebration of life to give my condolences in person.
Dear Heather, I’m so sorry for the loss of your dad. I’ll be there ìn May.