March 9, 1937 - January 3, 2023
In loving memory ~
Ron was born March 9, 1937, in Port Alberni, B.C. and passed away January 3, 2023, in Vernon, B.C., at the age of 85 years.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Judy of 54 years. His children; Terry (Susan), Kenton, grandchildren Genevieve, Wesley, and Jessica along with numerous extended family members and friends. Ron was predeceased in death by his parents Charles and Mae Nairne, brother David, sister Carol and his first wife Marilyn.
Ron was a Builder/Owner/ Operator of tug boats, fishing vessels, booming grounds, houses, and pleasure boats - from 8 feet to 43 feet. The 43-footer was our home for 5 years. A commercial fisherman of prawns, salmon and whatever arrived in the prawn traps, on the lines or in the gillnets. With the decline of salmon fishing for commercial boats we ventured into sport fishing. Changing our home (on land) into The Sea Crest Lodge, in Kildonan, B.C. Another boat was built for sport fishing and yes prawn fishing over the winter months. Ron met the guests in Port Alberni and brought them to the lodge for their 3-day fishing trip. The trip from Port Alberni to Kildonan was filled with the viewing of the Orca Whales, Dolphins and feeding the Eagles that came when whistled for their attention. Then he would throw out some fish he had handy and the Eagles would swoop in and grab the fish out of the water. Ron had the guests out in the mornings and evenings for their fill of fishing. Afternoons were spent sleeping, eating and relaxing. Time to leave the water and look into building more houses. Finally retiring (sort of) from building big things to building something smaller. Model Railroading became his hobby. Miles of track later, lots of scenery and building, he travelled the imaginary rails. We did travel south to Arizona and California for a few winters. He lived life the way he wanted. Enjoy the rest of your journey, Ron, whether it be by rail, drifting with a line in the water or on your beloved tug boats. I'll meet you at the train station or the fish docks in a little while.
Sincere thanks to the Doctors and Nurses at the Vernon Jubilee Hospital, (ER and 2 East), for the kind and intensive care they gave Ron.