RONALD DODDS

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RONALD DODDS July 22, 1922 - February 20, 2015 Peacefully after a brief illness, in Qualicum Beach, BC on Friday, February 20, 2015, Ronald Barron Dodds, formerly of Winnipeg, passed away at the age of 92 years. Ron leaves behind his sons Bruce of Winnipeg and Cameron of Nanaimo, and grandchildren Kaylee and Glenn Dodds (Jaya Beange) of Winnipeg. He was predeceased by his daughter-in-law, Pat Dodds (Karwacki), in 2009, and his beloved wife of 61 years, Irene (Bousfield), in 2010. Ron was born July 22, 1922 in St. Boniface, the only child of Gordon and May (Willoughby) Dodds. Ron's parents were pharmacists who operated drug stores on William Avenue and on St. Mary's Road in St. Vital. Ron grew up behind the St. Vital store but attended school in Winnipeg at Victoria-Albert School and Daniel McIntyre Collegiate. Following high school he joined the R.C.A.F., serving in Winnipeg and St. Thomas, Ontario as an aircraft engine technician from 1942 to 1945. At war's end he returned to Winnipeg, studying pharmacy at the University of Manitoba where he graduated in 1950, and where he met his wife, Irene, in the choir at St. Stephen's-Broadway United Church. Ron and Irene were married in 1949, living and working in St. Vital, where they operated Dodds Drugs until 1959. After selling the store, Ron embarked on a new career as chief pharmacist at Grace Hospital until 1964, and then as the administrator of Selkirk General Hospital. Ron and Irene moved to Vancouver Island following Ron's retirement in 1980. Ron was an outgoing but also intensely private man, with numerous interests and pursuits. As a child, he raised prize poultry on the banks of the Red River, developing a lifelong interest in flora and fauna of all kinds; his basement nature reserve was a warren of aquariums and terrariums and a song-filled bird habitat, home to a succession of rescue animals that became family pets. He was also a keen gardener and a fine and adventurous cook. Ron and Irene shared a love of classical music, coffee with their friends, and summer visits to their cottage at Big Whiteshell Lake. In later years he assisted Irene with her crochet and knitting displays at craft shows, and was a faithful caregiver through the final years of Irene's life as she struggled with debilitating Parkinson's disease. Ron was also a conscientious father, supporting his sons' sport and other activities, and taking pleasure in his grandchildren. Steady in these roles, he rarely sought credit or the limelight. And though sometimes quick to anger, he was also extraordinarily generous and willing to forgive - family conflicts were usually resolved with tears and heartfelt embraces. Pharmacy was Ron's disguise; deep down he was an artist, a gifted and accomplished musician. Beginning at age five, Ron participated in choirs and vocal performances for almost 80 years. Youthful activities included high school Gilbert and Sullivan and a Rose Bowl finalist appearance at the Winnipeg Festival. In adulthood he was a long standing soloist under organist Filmer Hubble at St. Stephen's Broadway United Church and choral productions at the CBC. His fine bass-baritone was a mainstay on Winnipeg's post-war musical stage, from oratorio solo work opposite visiting luminaries like Lois Marshall, to countless appearances at area weddings and funerals. Over parts of nine decades Ron's instrument never let him down - he added a reputable tenor in his 70s - and he only stopped singing when he could no longer attend practices. Ron learned that he had Alzheimer's disease in 2002. He continued to live at home with Irene, and then independently after she went into care, until joining her at the Gardens of Qualicum Beach in 2009. Though largely without short-term memory, Ron always recognized his family and the support staff that cared for him, and enjoyed his final years. Unburdened of life's complications by advancing age, he took pleasure in those around him, and was alert and present until a lung infection quietly ended his life. The family wishes to thank the staff at the Gardens of Qualicum Beach seniors' residence for their kindness and attention to both Ron and Irene in their final years. Ron was buried next to Irene at a family service in Parksville, BC on February 22. He was our dad and grandpa, and he was one of kind. We're grateful to have walked with him in this life and miss him deeply.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 09, 2015