At the age of 70, Ronald Bruce Paterson returned home to his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on October 30, 2024. Ron passed away peacefully at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance under the gentle care of a wonderful team in the Continuing Care Unit.
Ron was born in Tillsonburg on October 2, 1954, to parents Donald and Edith (Teall). He spent his formative years in Vienna Ontario, growing up with his brothers Harold (deceased) and Roger of Hamilton. Tragically, his parents were killed in an automobile accident in 1967 when he was 10. His aunt Wilma and uncle George took their nephews in and raised them, providing the boys with a warm and loving home. After George’s passing, Wilma remarried and her husband Don continued serving as Ron’s father into adulthood.
Ron achieved his goal of becoming an Ontario Provincial Police officer but left the profession after moving to Wallaceburg in the late 70s.
On January 2, 1991, Ron put down the drink and maintained sobriety for 33 years until his death. As a Friend of Bill W., his experience led him to become an advocate, he assisted many people who struggled with addiction and alcoholism. He spent 20 years working at Westover Treatment Centre in addiction assistance services and volunteered countless number of hours of his own time helping others find a path to recovery. Ron was a graduate of McMaster University’s addictions studies program and served as president of the Chatham-Kent Drug Awareness Council, as well as on the boards of other Ontario agencies.
As his close friend Mike O’Flynn says, “Ron would help anyone, anywhere, anytime.” He loved to joke and when asked how he was, he always said “I’m the greatest of all times (GOAT).” He loved people and would talk to anyone.
An accomplished fisherman and hunter, the waters of Lake St. Clair at Mitchell’s Bay were Ron’s happy place and he spent countless hours fishing for pickerel and perch, plying the waters in his beloved boat. He loved to fry up his catch and was well known for giving away his catch of the day.
Ron also loved sports and was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Toronto Blue Jays and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Earlier in his life he coached the Wallaceburg Tykes baseball team to a provincial championship.
In later years, Ron was a familiar face at Wimpy’s Diner where he made many friends. He was also a member of the Evangel Pentecostal Church in Dresden, where he found his spiritual home.
Friends and family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the CKHA nurses and staff who cared for him in his last four weeks of life. Cremation has already taken place with arrangements entrusted to Life Transitions. A Celebration of Life will be held for Ron November 9, at Westover Treatment in Thamesville at 2 p.m.
