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.