Ron Phippen

First I need to thank everyone for writing their thoughts and stories about Ron. It's so nice to read so many comments when my grief is so raw. I am stuck in the "denial" stage. It seems like a nightmare that I wish I'd wake up from and he'd be sitting in front of me. Or we'd be on a road trip and I just nodded off. I met Ron in Sept 2015 on top of Mt. Sleese. I wasn't looking for love that day. Just some nature therapy. I'm quite sure it was the spirits of a plane crash years ago that brought our paths together. I ended up hiking with Ron for the most of the hike. There was a section of trail near the summit, it was steep and slippery. I was so scared to take that step. Ron put his hand out and helped me up. He made me believe I could do it and I did. I'll tell you when our hands met, I felt it. I knew we were going to have something very genuine and special, I just didn't know how beautiful and sadly short it would be. That day I'd leave a note on his friends truck for him thanking him for helping me get to the top. Really, I wanted a date because he was a babe. He answered me the next day however, it would take a lot of convincing from me that I was somewhat normal. We talked for 6 weeks and finally had a date. I would continue to tease him about the fact that he made me wait so long. Ron showed up with yellow long stem roses stating they were "friendship" roses. It was the best date ever and we were never apart after that. He stayed at my condo in Cloverdale (I gave him a key not long after). We went on many adventures and when I worked double shifts he took my dogs on road trips, made me breaky, dinners and sometimes my lunch. I have seen more with Ron in the 4+ years then I have in my entire life. The only fighting we ever did was over a mushroom we found in nature. The fight was always me mad that he could take a better photo effortlessly while I crawled on the ground and got all muddy and wet. We both ran in the house all excited to show case our photography on FB. He was my best friend, my adventure'r & my lover. He was my Mr. Dreamy. He was very romantic and always left love letters all over the place. Every morning I'd wait for his message from fb messenger. Even with me sitting beside him he'd always write me a note...I miss those. In the summer 2019 he went home to visit family. I cried as he left; he handed me a red book. He had written a note or each day he was gone. On the flip side of the book I wrote each day back to him. He was the best cook...always taking into count I didn't use salt. He could make a mean omelette, pancakes, lasagna and fajitas to die for. He bought pure honey. He was always there for me. We had the best adventures. One time we went to Well's Gray Park. We slept in the front of his truck while the dogs had the whole back. He took me on the Juan de Fuca trail, Tofino and just last year we stayed in a quaint little B&B in Qualicum Beach. He always included the Huskies on our trips. I will miss those adventures the most. I guess the best part of our love story is the last few days before he left this earth. I crawled into his hospital bed and his big beautiful eyes looked up at me. He said, "I want you to be my wife, I want you to marry me." He would pass away two days later while I held his hand begging him to not go. Ron & I just bought a house at the bottom of a mountain. It was our dream to move here. He had plans to propose to me on our balcony over looking the valley. Our plans together included getting a canoe and setting our sails for the Slough and Harrison Lake. We were going to travel to Ontario so I could meet his folks. We had plans! Ron would never spend a night in his new home. And I would never get to marry this wonderful man. We had a fairy tale that lasted 51 months. I want to thank all his brothers and sisters in blue, friends, strangers & family who helped me & him during his un-expected stay in hospital with diagnosis of: flu-gallbladder-rare auto immune genetic liver disease-metastatic melanoma...with the celebration of life...and even now. Your kindness & messages have helped more than you'll ever know. Ron was a diamond in the ruff...a genuine soul. I will love him forever. #fukcancer

Ron, was my brother, my best man at my wedding, and my friend and there are no words which I can fully explain what his loss means to me. I will miss his humour, laughter, adventures, stories and smile. He was the quiet one in the family but he sure could tell stories when he wanted to or write you an email or letter like no one else that I know. I regret not being on Facebook sooner to see more of his adventures in BC or to go to out to BC more often but he will be forever in my heart as well as my family's. I am thankful he came out to Ontario last year and in 2018 so we could catch up and go on an adventure together. More recently I met the love of his life Lori and I quickly learned how perfect she was for Ron. The similar passion for the outdoors could be seen in all the photos and the friends that I met. Lori is part of my family now and I am honoured to have her there. Ron, until we meet again and go on another adventure together, rest well my brother and friend.

It’s with a very heavy heart that we share the love for Ron that he shared for us. Ron, your soft gentle heart was always full of adventure. The love you had for the outdoors was something you treasured. We will forever have you in our hearts. Sending all our love to the Family.

I recently posted this on Facebook for Ron. This poem gives me tremendous peace at this time when we all lost a wonderful person. _________________________________________________________________________ THE DASH the poem by Linda Ellis I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning… to the end. He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke of the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years. For that dash represents all the time they spent alive on earth and now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth. For it matters not, how much we own, the cars… the house… the cash. What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash. So think about this long and hard; are there things you’d like to change? For you never know how much time is left that still can be rearranged. To be less quick to anger and show appreciation more and love the people in our lives like we’ve never loved before. If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile… remembering that this special dash might only last a little while. So when your eulogy is being read, with your life’s actions to rehash, would you be proud of the things they say about how you lived your dash? __________________________________________________________________________ When I read the poem, I think about all of the living that Ron did in his dash. While we lost touch over the years, we were able to reconnect over Facebook. Over the past 5 years, Ron and I often messaged each other often. We were able to learn about the things, good and bad, that happened during our dashes. Ron and I have been friends since grade 3, when his family moved to Marathon from Heron Bay but in my mind, he will always be that little boy with wonderfully curly hair and a mischievous smile. I loved seeing his life playing out through his pictures, especially the incredible love story that he shared with Lori. I remember a message from Ron and he said that he met a girl ..... who knew what a spark it would turn out to be! To Lori, his girls and all of his family in friends, I hope that time will mend your broken hearts. Rest in Peace my friend.

I was deeply saddened when I heard the news of Ron's illness and of his passing. It has been many years since I have seen Ron but there are some things that I do remember about him. I had the good fortune of being Ron's grade 3 teacher at Alexander Public School in Marathon, Ontario. While my memories of my students have dimmed over the years, I do remember that Ron was a delightful boy who loved to learn. He was a cheerful and helpful student who didn't seek out being the centre of attention. While he was a quiet boy, he took in everything that was going on around him in the classroom and schoolyard. Over the years of following him on Facebook, I loved looking at his pictures and I remembered how passionate he was as a child learning about Nature and animals. I will miss seeing the adventures that Ron took with his loves Lori, Casseopia, Kayia and the huskies. Rest in peace Ron.

I am so sorry for the loss of Ron we all grew up together in Marathon. My father and Ron’s father were great friends many ours spent at White Lake and helping them tear down a old house in Heron Bay so they could build a new one. RIP Ron again so sorry for your loss

What an amazing man Ron was. I thank his memory with all my heart that he was able to love my mother with all his heart and show her that there is light in this dark world. Ron may have been a quiet individual, but his pictures and stories spoke volumes and made you feel as if you were standing next to him when said stories were happening. I'll always miss you Ron. My condolences to his kids and his family. Rest in paradise good sir.

I met Ron for the first time when he decided to go on a road trip to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario with his daughter Kiaya in the summer of July 2014. He is everything people said about him. He was easy-going, happy go lucky, loved to take photos... he was always taking pictures! :), and he especially loved exploring the nature around him. Three years later Calvin and I decided it was our turn to head to beautiful BC. It was breath-taking, and I could see why Ron wanted to live there. Ron and Lori took us on a few adventures to see breath-taking views of this beautiful province. It makes me so very sad he will not be there the next time we visit family. There will forever be a piece missing in many hearts. He was a very special person with a big heart. I will especially be thinking of Lori and his two daughters, for my heart breaks for their loss. Rest in peace Ron. Love you, your sister-in-law.

Ron you were so kind and have a heart a gold. Chris and I enjoyed the time at White Lake last summer when you did a surprise visit at the campsite. Rest well my friend

For Ron's family and loved ones, we send sincerest condolences. We pray God's blessing on all touched by Ron's passing and give special thanks for Stan, Andrea and Alexander, as they mourn the loss of a brother and uncle. In truth and in love, Kevin, Sandy, Kelsey and Damon

I met Ron when I entered Mission Institution back in 2008 as a naive nurse, fresh out of hospital nursing, unsure of my new “clientele” & routines. Ron was amongst the most welcoming & friendly staff, & made working in a somewhat* intimidating & cold environment warmer & more human, with his smiles, genuine kindness, & stories of his outdoor adventures & love for his girls & eventually his falling in love with Lori

Were so sad ,sorry to hear of Ronald passing ..he was our neighbor and babysat a few times and was so responsible in his teens ..RIP Ronald you will be missed.. Condolences to all his family.

I always knew Ron as a quiet, unassuming fellow, never wanting the spotlight, enjoying his solitude. He and I as kids used to talk comics a lot. We'd take turns at taking out the Batman Encyclopedia from the library, occasionally getting together to talk over it about certain parts we'd read and sharing a laugh or two. He had a great sense of humour and liked to laugh. He was one of the gentlest souls I have ever known and I'll miss him. Ron will forever remain in my memories as sitting quietly reading, enjoying the peace of that simple experience.

I first met Ron well over a decade ago when I started dating his stepdaughter Kaeli. From there we became friends, eventually he became my father in-law and grandfather to our two daughters. Ron showed me the love of the back country, first it was him playing tour guide with me in the passenger seat to eventually getting my own vehicle to be able to chase after him while exploring this beautiful province we call home. As the years passed we continues to keep in contact no matter what was happening in life. We may not have seen each other as much as we liked over the last couple years but I will always be grateful that we would text several times month just to see how each other is doing, what was new and where we explored to. Back in December when I went and visited Ron we talked for hours. We talked about how important our daughters are to us and to always make an effort to stay in their lives, we talked about him finding his love (Lori) on top of a mountain. We also talked about our love for the back country and how we had to try to make an effort to get out together more. He also gave me some words of wisdom that I will never forget. Ron was a strong, caring, kind, passionate, willing to help anyone kind of man. I am grateful I was able to be apart of his life and he will always be in my memories and with me on all the adventures me and his granddaughters go on.

I was fortunate enough to know Ron for 19 years. Working together, in a not so pleasant environment at times, I always appreciated Ron. He was funny, caring and treated people with respect. I remember one time he was observed by a manager throwing a broom on top of a roof. When she questioned why he did it, he shrugged his shoulders and said, “cause it seemed like a good idea at the time!” We laughed about that for many years, me saying that I was going to buy him a t-shirt with that quote on the front. Ron loved his daughters so much. They really were a bright light in his life. And his fiancé, Lori, she brought a new meaning to his life. He had finally met his soul mate and loved her like no other. As devastating as his passing was, I hope his family can take some comfort in knowing that Ron left feeling a sense of contentment and love I don’t think he’d ever known before. RIP my friend.

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Ron’s passing. He was so full of life and I looked forward to seeing his beautiful wildlife and outdoor pictures, as well as, pictures of his family on Facebook. I was fortunate enough to reconnect with him on his trip back home to say goodbye to Jack Lombara a few years ago and it was great to see that he was still the same person I remembered him to be growing up. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family, Lori and his daughters. I really was cheering for you two when you started dating Lori. It was a true honour knowing him and I know he will live on in all of us. Rest well Ron

Si sad To hear of Ron's passing my condolences To the family who's been through lots .

What a wonderful tribute to Ron, his life, and his family. We're very sorry to hear of his passing at such a young age. Our condolences to Ron's family and friends.

Ron worked for the Lion's Club, at Penn Lake Park, for several summers. Groundskeeping. Ron and Gerry Landry were excellent people to have working for us. Ron and Gerry kept everything in excellent order. When the Lion's Club did the Octoberfest Events Ron & Gerry were 2 of the folks that worked in the background and again did excellent work. Sad to hear of Ron's Passing. Godspeed.

I was very sad to hear of Ron’s illness and passing. His posts of Facebook were a breathe of fresh air. With his pictures of hiking adventures to his rare loving romance flourishing I always stopped to read his posts. My sincere condolences to family and friends and I hope everyone can find peace in the great memories Ron left us all. Jack Harmer

I was thankful that I was able to chat with Ron last year a few times via fb msgr and had hoped that I would see him at our hometowns 75th. Unfortunately he was not there but fb kept us all current on his very happy life. He spoke nothing but love for Lori, his families and Lori’s furry kids. RIP Rob heaven has gained a great adventurer.

My dad always was there for me, even when we lost touch for a bit. He fought so hard for my sister and I, and I will never forget that. He was always so strong, yet so kind and gentle to all the people he met. I hope I can carry that trait on, and keep his memories close in my heart. He loved taking photos, and I love all the photos he took of my cats. He loved Milo the most out of all of them, because he would just snuggle with him. I cherish these memories.

Hello, I worked with Ron at Mission from 2010 onward. While i would never consider myself close with him, or even his friend, I felt I had good rapport with him and enjoyed the time we spent working side by side, as in frequent as it was being on different lines. In 2018, my son was diagnosed with cancer and underwent treatment for 6 months. Upon retuning to work I saw Ron shortly after and being the good-hearted soul he is, immediately asked about my son and how he was doing. Him asking about my son’s progress and health would always be a question he would ask when we did work together. His care, compassion and empathy will always be remembered.

I was a pleasure working with you these last 15 years. You always had a smile and a story when you and I crossed paths. Rest easy my brother in blue, I've got the next round.

Ron is no longer pain, he is resting until his loved ones will see him again! May you all feel the Father's love and comfort as you heal from your loss of this special man!

My heart is hurting for Ron's family and all who loved him. Especially you Lori. May the beautiful memories of Ron bring a smile to your face, til you meet again.

Ron was my close friend for 19 years , the Brother I never had . My condolences to his Family . He will be forever missed ! Rest in peace my Friend and Brother you have earned your rest ...................

I met Ron a few years ago at my aunt Tina's. I considered Ron a friend. He was a great person and I wish I got to know him better. I know he loved the outdoors and always went hiking when he could. I could tell that he loved his family as well. I will miss him so much. So sorry to see him go so young. May he rest in peace and hopefully he's in a better place

Walter and I send our deepest condolences to all the family..we are so sorry to hear about Ron's passing...love and hugs to all.

So very sorry to hear of Ron's passing.

Ron was a great friend

Ron and I are first cousins and although I haven't seen him for several years I have fond memories as kids. I have really enjoyed reconnecting thru facebook a few years ago. It has been wonderful to get to know him again thru all his truly amazing pictures. My heart if heavy and so very sad for loss of this kind gentle man.

I worked with Ron for over 10 years. He was great man who was willing to help in any way he could. He was there for many when in time of need. We had long talks during our boring graveyard shifts about life, the future, his children and family. Life was not always fair to Ron but he continued to live it positively and to the outmost one could. Ron reconnected with his kids, the pride and joy of his life and I remember how excited he was to spend as much time as possible with them. He then found Lori who changed his life for the better. Ron I’m going to miss seeing your face in the yard shack, I’m going to miss snacking on your goodies. You were a great man, one that will never be forgotten! Rest easy my friend, till we meet again!