Ronald Christopher Fishlock
November 7th, 2023
Ronald “Ron” Christopher Fishlock of Abbotsford, BC, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 7th, 2023, at the Abbotsford Regional Hospital after a short but hard-fought battle.
Ron was born in Collegeville, Pennsylvania on April 29, 1948, to parents, Raymond Fishlock and May Price. He had two siblings, Brian Finnemore and Linda Howe. He was especially close with his younger sister, Linda and her family, Peter, and Rick Howe.
From his young teens, Ron developed a passion for hovercraft, and with determination, was able to turn that into a career, where he used his degree in engineering to not only design but manufacture them with his company, Canair Hovercraft.
In 1973, Ron met Linda Mulligan in Ottawa, where she was a nurse at the hospital Ron’s mother was receiving care at. He knew a good thing when he saw her and snatched her up with his British charm and quirky personality! They were married a short time later, on May 4th, 1974, and made their home in the small town of Carleton Place, Ontario. They have two children together, Christopher (Keri Cramp) and David (Yuting Xiao). They gifted Ron with two amazing grandchildren - Eden Fishlock and Emmett Fishlock-Xiao - whom he loved dearly.
In 2013, Ron happily retired and spent his time between his hovercraft plan set company, TPD Designs, entertaining himself on YouTube, and thanks to the saintly patience of his wife, Linda, watching, rewatching, and then rewatching all 12 seasons of Bones. In the summer months, he enjoyed spending time in his backyard on his beloved swing, surrounded by family and pets.
Ron was strong willed and stubborn at times, but he also had an enormous heart and wonderful sense of humor. He was generous with his time, loyal, and had an infectious smile. He was clever and full to the brim with knowledge gained through his life experiences, always tinkering around, and coming up with weird (and sometimes painful) solutions to household repairs.
In typical Ron fashion, there are no services planned, certainly no pomp and circumstance. A private celebration of life will occur at a later date with family and close friends sharing fond memories and enjoying some of his favorite foods…because the man certainly loved to eat!
He will be forever loved and missed…and then some! A heartfelt thank you goes out to the medical staff at Abbotsford Regional Hospital for taking great care of him and helping the family through a trying time.
Messages:
RIP Ron. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to fabricate hovercraft skirts for you both in Ontario and BC. Your wonderful personality lives on in my memories. May peace be with your family.
Linda and family. I was deeply saddened upon hearing of your loss of Ron. You my deepest and sincerely condolences.
My deepest condolences to the Fishlock family and Ron's friends. Ron taught me so much about hovercraft design and construction. He was very generous with his knowledge and experience. A kind, warmhearted friend. I will remember him always. Rest in peace Ron. Greg Dietlein.
Dear Linda, Years ago, when we worked together, Ron helped me by giving me rides somewhere. I cannot remember the circumstances that resulted in Ron transporting me; perhaps it was to a bus stop. The details of the where and why are not of importance. What has remained with me, and is of import, is the remembrance of Ron's kindness, Ron's smile, and that Ron was a genuine, caring human being. I am sincerely sorry for your loss, and you have been and will remain in my thoughts as you go through this difficult and sad time. I send my love and condolences to you and your family. Liz Rutherford
We are so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. Our sincere condolences to everyone. You have many wonderful memories of your lives together and places you have been. When you are having a difficult day, and there will be many, remember how fortunate you all were to have had such a great husband, father and grandfather in your lives. Ron leaves a big hole in your family unit. Many people are keeping you all in their thoughts and prayers at this time. May he rest in peace. Gail
My sincere condolences go to everyone in the Fishlock family on the loss of a husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather and friend.
Very sad to hear that Ron passed away, condolences to you from all of us ❤️
Sincere condolences to Linda and family. I’m so saddened to read of Ron’s passing. So many memories of working with him in Newfoundland and Carleton Place with the many trials and frustrations. Thankfully was able to have a short visit a few years ago when I finally moved to BC. I will never forget him nor the challenges we worked so hard to overcome getting CanAir 1 built and operational. The trial runs at Topsail Beach where we were all so happy. So happy to have met and work with. What an experience!
My deepest condolences go out to everyone in the Fishlock family. I never had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Fishlock in person but I heard so many wonderful things from his son Dave. May he Rest In Peace.
So sad to learn that Ron has passed. I never met Ron, but had the great fortune to "chat" with him by email about hovercraft several times. My condolences to the Fishlock family