Hartlen, Ronald Thomas
July 3, 1940 – September 17, 2023
Ronald Thomas Hartlen passed peacefully and on his own terms, surrounded by loved ones, on Sunday September 17, 2023 in Collingwood, ON at the age of 83.
Ron was known for his sharp mind, his intellectual curiosity, his sense of humour, and most of all his love and caring for those close to him. He will be deeply missed by his family, close friends and colleagues.
Born and raised in Bedford, Nova Scotia, Ron studied Mechanical Engineering at Dalhousie University and Technical University of Nova Scotia (TUNS) and obtained his PhD in Dynamics from the University of Toronto. It was while he was at U of T that Ron met Patricia Medd, who he married in 1965.
Following his studies, Ron joined the Research and Development team at Ontario Hydro, where he spent the majority of his career, while he and Pat raised their family in Toronto. After a successful career with Ontario Hydro, Ron took early retirement and launched a part time consulting business, using his world class technical knowledge to help clients around the globe, while also enjoying more time on the golf course, playing bridge with friends, walking his dogs and spending time by the lake. After spending their early retirement years in Enfield, Nova Scotia, Ron and Pat returned to Ontario in 2006 to be closer to their family, settling in Clarksburg. While in Clarksburg, Ron had a prominent presence in the local bridge community, was an active member of the Beaver Valley PROBUS Club, enjoyed singing with OSSIA, took a keen and analytical interest in municipal affairs and enjoyed years of skiing, kayaking, cycling and walking.
Ron is survived by his wife of 58 years, Patricia Hartlen (Medd), his daughter Rebecca and son Graeme, and his five grandchildren, Emily, Alex, Brody, Ryder and Chase.
Ron was most grateful to the dedicated medical team that oversaw his recent care, including Dr. Derek Nay and Dr. Juku Kamra at the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Program at RVH in Barrie, Ontario, Dr. Ray Bouchard, and the wonderful staff and volunteers at the Campbell House Hospice in Collingwood, ON.
A celebration of Ron’s life will take place in the Town of Blue Mountains later this fall.
As your expression of sympathy, donations to the Hospice Georgian Triangle 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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Thursday, September 21, 2023
Hello,
My name is Jan Chappelle and I am the manager of the Meaford Duplicate Bridge Club. I speak on behalf of our whole club, when I say how saddened we were of learning of Ron’s passing. He made a big difference in the world of bridge in the Thornbury/Clarksburg/Meaford area. He ran games for us all and spent many hours taking care of it. We have missed him since COVID, but our thoughts were with him and Pat. What a kind and thoughtful man, who will be greatly missed.
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Our Burnie Group team is thinking of Ron and the Hartlen family. Graeme has been a leader in our firm and spoke often of the close relationship he had with his father. I’m certain Graeme’s strong leadership, problem solving and sense of humour were in large part due to the role Ron and Patricia played as parents.
Our deepest sympathy to Ron’s family and friends.
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Dear Pat – We are so sorry to hear of Ron’s death. It was good to see you at the Kolapore Wilderness Trails AGM in June and get caught up with your news – I missed seeing Ron. Both of you have given so much to the community. No doubt there are many changes to your life ahead and I know you have friends and family to help you with that. Count me in.
Sunday, September 24, 2023
Dear Pat,
Doug and I are so sorry for your loss. We loved singing with you and Ron in Louise’s virtual choir. It was always such a joy for me to see and hear you both. ❤️ We are sending much love to you and your family during this sad time.
Love Bonnie and Doug
Sunday, September 24, 2023
Dear Pat – although we haven’t been in touch for awhile, we think of you often and were saddened by Ron’s passing. I think the last time I saw Ron was at the Duntroon Golf course on a summer day. We always enjoyed your time on Braeside Rd, talks with Ron and Teddy and offer any help you might need through this difficult time.
Sue and Mike Bradley
Sunday, September 24, 2023
Dear Pat and family, My deepest condolences. Although no words can really help to ease your loss, may the special memories you shared be a source of comfort to you as you deal with this difficult time. Ron was a great friend and a source of wise counsel.
Alar Soever
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
So many enjoyable times together over 60 years in Toronto; our cottage near Mont Ste-Marie, QC; in Enfield, NS and tackling Cape Breton’s “Fab Four” golf courses; and Clarksburg – we have much to grieve, but also much that is special to remember. We unexpectedly missed Ron in his final days, and wish to express special gratitude to Rebecca for keeping us informed, and for that unforgettable video. Our most sincere condolences to Patricia, Rebecca, Graeme and family. John & Jennifer Fowell, Ottawa, ON
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
With sympathy, Pat and family.
Always enjoyed seeing you both walking about town.
Thursday, September 28, 2023
Ron was a dear friend from the Meaford bridge club and devoted many hours to organizing Swiss Teams games at St. George’s Church in Meaford on Friday afternoons. I’ll miss playing with him and seeing his friendly smile.
Friday, September 29, 2023
Dear Pat, Rebecca and Graeme,
Please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your husband and father. I remember Rob’s intelligence, great sense of humour and kindness from the time I lived in Halifax and when the kids were little. He will be missed. Take good care of yourselves and each other. May time ease the pain and bring comfort.
Sending healing thoughts,
Cris, Nick, Oliver and Max
Monday, October 2, 2023
Dear Pat,
So very sorry that you have lost your beloved Ron. It’s been several years since we’ve seen each other but I remember you fondly from our time doing yoga with Helga. My heart goes out to you and to all your family.
Elizabeth Park
Friday, October 6, 2023
I have just learned of Ron’s passing. Ron and Pat sang with our community choir (formerly OSSIA, then Oh Sing!) for at least 10 years, both in person and online during the pandemic. They were valued members of our singing family. I am so very sad to hear this news, and extend my deepest sympathy to Pat and the family.
Louise Jarvis
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
Dear Pat and family. I am so sad to learn of Ron’s passing. You and Ron were such an integral part of our choir since I first joined OSSIA. You were the cutest couple…..always taking care of each other.
Louise and I still talk about the visit we had with you at your beautiful home two years ago…..such gracious hosts with so many stories to tell.
Ron will be remembered as a caring, generous man.
Sari Mothersell
Thursday, October 12, 2023
My deepest sympathies to all of Ron’s friends and family. I sang with Ron and Pat in the OSSIA/Oh Sing! choirs. Ron was a real sweetie and now I know why – he was from the Maritimes.
Thursday, October 12, 2023
Dear Pat,
I was saddened to hear the news of Ron’s death. I have good memories of singing and chatting with Ron and you at OSSIA (Oh Sing) choir in Owen Sound , at Harrison Park, and online during the pandemic. Sending condolences at this time of sorrow .
Thursday, October 19, 2023
Though we never got together personally, I really enjoyed email messages with Ron and other friends about his views on atmospheric physics and climate politics, both of which he had a keen eye for. He didn’t ‘walk on eggshells’ when he thought he was right, but was very reasonable in discussion; both good traits to have.
Saturday, October 21, 2023
Dear Pat,
So sorry to hear of Ron’s death. My only time with you guys was in choir, but it was always a treat to see and sing with you, and his absence will leave a big gap.
Take care,
Steve