On Sat. May 29, 2021, Ron Lundin passed away at his home in Kenora, Ontario, surrounded by the love of his family.
Ron was a true gentleman, and truly a gentle man. He was continually attentive to others’ needs, had a remarkable ability to calm crying babies, was always dressed for an occasion, and gave the most comforting hugsever. Ron made everyone feel welcome, valued, and respected. His dry sense of humour was uplifting and ever-present, right to theend. Ron was easy to be with, and easy to love. We will all miss him terribly.
Hands down, family was most important to Ron. He was the youngest of 9 children born to hisSwedish immigrant father, Victor Lundin, and his Rat Portage born mother, Ester Bergeson, whose parents immigrated from Sweden. When he met Margaret (Marnie) McMullen, a gal from the big city of Toronto, he proudly introduced her to his close-knit Kenora folks. They married in 1956 and carried on the tradition of raising a family with strong ties. Ron and Marnie would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in July.
Ron dearly loved his wife, Marnie Lundin; their4 children: Heather Shapland, Janet Gilfix, Stephen Lundin, Cathy Lundin Neill; 8 grandchildren: Aaron & Calder Shapland, Noah & Madeline Gilfix, Stephanie Novak & Blake Lundin, Tanner & Olivia Neill; and3 great-grandchildren whobrought a twinkle to the eyes of their ‘TenTen’: Holly, Rohan, & Magnolia Novak. He was also happy to welcome into the family his daughter-in-law Marie Lundin, sons-in-law Randy Shapland, Joel Gilfix, and Rob Neill, Aaron’s fiancé Celine Wadhera, Stephanie’s husband Dave Novak, Tanner’s partner Emily Collins, Olivia’s husband Matt Carvalho, and Blake’s partner Ellie Tavares.As well, Ron’s 18 nieces and nephews were very special to him, his warm heart embraced them all.
Blessed with a mellow bass voice, Ron enjoyed singing a wide variety of music throughout the years, ranging from Barbershop chorus and quartets to selections from Handel’s Messiah. He sang in the Bethesda Lutheran Church choir from the age of fourteen, and later with the Knox United Church choir. Over the years, Ron provided leadership in Luther League and Young Life groups and contributed his time on church boards and committees.
Ron enjoyed a career in Sales, especially his 15 years as a Representative with the H.J. Heinz Company, working throughout the N.W. Ontario region. He valued his contacts with merchants and camp owners, as well as the comradery of fellow travelling salesmen in his territory. Ron was also a long-time employee of the Liquor Control Board of Ontario, and afterwards eased into retirement by working as a Bailiff at the Provincial Courthouse.
As an outdoorsman, Ron especially enjoyed fishing for pickerel and trout on Lake of the Woods. He also valued the time spent with his best friend Len Hanton while on deer and duck hunting trips. An all-round sportsman, Ron immersed himself in hockey during his younger years. When he hung up his hockey stick, Ron became a curling enthusiast. More recently, Ron’s happy place was on the golf course with fellow senior golfers John Kozak, John Zilinski, and Terry Tillberg. Last year, Ron achieved his goal of ‘shooting his age’, 88 at 88.
Travelling became one of Ron’s and Marnie’s great pleasures. Together, they visited family living in the Middle East, toured numerous countries in Europe and Asia, and enjoyed several trips ‘Down Under’ to Australia and New Zealand. If it weren’t for hisKenora ties, Ron may very well have emigrated to his favourite destination of New Zealand and become a ‘Kiwi’.
Predeceased by his parents Victor and Ester Lundin, brothers Hilding and Stanley, sisters Shirley, Helen, Agnes Paul, Selma Golder, Evelyn Storey Paul, and Esther Edmonds, Ron is the last to join them all in heaven. Perhaps they are partaking in a welcoming smörgasbörd of Swedish foods oftenserved at Lundin celebrations. Ron will also meet up with those from Marnie’s family who passed before him, including her parents William and Margaret McMullen; twin-sister Eleanor and her husband Walter Thompson; brother William McMullen Jr. and his wife Lorie Bennett.
While Ron was in the Kenora hospital andflown to Thunder Bay, he was overwhelmed by the great medical attention and compassionate palliative care he received. He wanted very much to commend and support the local hospital and its staff. Donations to the Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation in memory of Ronald Lundin would be much appreciated.
Cremation has taken place, and due to Covid-19 restrictions, interment at the Lake of the Woods Cemetery will be attended by a limited number of family members. A Celebration of Ron’s Life will be planned fora later date.