Thursday, October 9, 2008

Remembering Ron


Ronald George Charbonneau
October 8, 1945 - March 1, 2002
My brother died of liver cancer when he was 56 years old.
Yesteday, he would have been 63.
He leaves behind a devoted wife and lovely daughter.
A history professor at Vanier College in Montreal, Canada, Ron lived his life to the fullest.

This is taken from the "euology" I wrote when he died. I didn't know I was writing anything formal. I just sat down and wrote:

We lost a cherished brother today. He left this earth too soon, in his middle years, just when the frantic pace of youth was beginning its gentle slope towards peace, wisdom, harmony and balance; a time to get out of the rat race and focus on leisure, home and family.

Ron worked hard all his life. From an early age, he shouldered responsibilities beyond his years. Never would he refuse to help anyone in need. Extremely loyal and devoted to his family, friends, students and coworkers, he set a fine example for others to follow.

Turning the corner with anticipation to begin a new phase of life, a well deserved life of retirement, of time for himself, time to read, to write, to listen to music, to plant exotic flowers, to cook gourmet meals, to enjoy his beloved wife and daughter - something happened.

As he was preparing to leave behind a lifetime of fierce blizzards, ice storms, and snow shovelling, characteristic of our harsh Canadian winters, to take up residence in the sunshiny, warm and welcoming climate of the South, he mistakenly took a wrong turn, got on the wrong path, opened the wrong door - and entered the Summerland instead. What made him lose his way? We'll never know.........


Dear Ron, our brother - firstborn - first to enter the world, first to leave. He was the cornerstone of the family - the sacrifical lamb - he who paves the way for his younger brother and sisters to follow......

Ron..... husband, father, brother, and son - we will miss your smile, your happy, round, jovial face, your joie-de-vivre, your sense of fun and mischief and your love of laughter. May you soon find your way out of the darkness and towards the light with grace and dignity. Go with our love Ron, and may you rest in peace.









13 comments:

Grammy said...

Oh Wendy, I am so sorry for your loss. Big hug.

Wendy said...

Thank you grammy. Nice of you to drop in.

peppylady (Dora) said...

So sorry. I can offer you a hug and prayer.

Abba's Girl said...

What a wonderful tribute to your brother. You must all miss him so much.

Thank you for your prayers for Benjamin.

Rose said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your brother, Wendy. This is a wonderful tribute to him. Although time can help to ease the pain, we can't forget. I hope you have many happy memories of your time together.

Cheryl said...

Ron is so obviously still in your heart........I am sure he often walks besides you.......a wonderful tribute to your brother......

mj said...

That was a beautiful and heartfelt tribute to your brother. You have such a way of putting thoughts into words.

Shammickite said...

That was a lovely tribute to a loved brother. He seems to have lived life to the full, so sorry that he was taken away so young.

Wendy said...

Thanks everyone for your kindness and concern.

Marimoy said...

This is beautiful. So well written.

Q said...

Dear Wendy,
I too am remembering those that went before us.
Lovely tribute to your brother.
He is loved.
Sherry

Anonymous said...

My deepest sympathies for you and your family. What a moving tribute to his memory.

Mary said...

Beautifully written, Wendy. I'm sure dear brother loved it.