Ronald (Ron) Leonard Roy Ego
Posted By Egan Funeral Home On April 11, 2023 @ 2:47 pm In Bolton Area,Obituaries | 32 Comments
Ron Ego, the gentleman, mischief maker and anchor to many, passed away peacefully, with family by his side, in the early morning of Friday April 7th, 2023 at Collingwood General & Marine Hospital.
Ron will be remembered for his humour, twinkling eyes, wisdom and generosity for his family, friends, community and every stranger in a line who he could chat with. Wherever he went he was sure to leave a smile on the face of someone he met even if it was their first meeting.
Ronald Leonard Roy Ego, an active and passionate local of Wasaga Beach was born in Mount Dennis June 11, 1943. He was the youngest of five and was raised by his quietly stoic mom Rose Brown (of England) as his dad Herbert Ego (from Orillia) passed when he was just 5. His closest brother Vic and his other siblings, Bill, Ray and Doreen will no doubt have greeted him with open arms on the other side of the rainbow. Ron’s in-laws are also there with a hug and a bit of cheek for sure from Irene, Jack, Mickey and Lloyd. He will be sought out by some of his NHL official friends, for tale telling and reminiscing, most notably Bob Sloan whose birthday was the same as Ron’s passing.
He found his own path through childhood life in Mount Dennis with sport and friendships (not school) with a tight knit group (Gerry, Murray, John) and fair bit of mischief and mayhem.
One night out skating, Ron was smitten with a little sprite of a 15-year-old girl named Faye, also the fifth baby in her family. Their life became one when they married 60 years ago this Fall (September 7) and they complemented each other to achieve his dream of a career in the NHL. Ron’s career as an NHL official allowed him the opportunity to travel across North America and see some of hockey’s most memorable moments including a few Stanley Cup play-offs.
Ron and Faye raised three children in Brampton who have now grown and had children of their own. Ron aka Dad, Gramps, Papa will forever be remembered by Michelle (Ego) & Richard Arnold, Michael Ego & Kathleen Chrysdale, Collette (Ego) & David Hart and grandchildren: Samuel, Georgie, Meghan, Annabel and Sophi. There is now slightly less competition for Faye’s butter tarts, but they are left wondering who is going to chop the vegetables for family celebrations.
Ron now leaves nephew Ray, who was more like a brother to him due to their close ages, as the patriarch for this side of the Ego family. His many nieces and nephews have so many fond memories that will regale you for days.
In his many careers, Ron was a hard worker from a young age determined to succeed or at least to help someone else along the way. However, many a boss can attest to his enthusiasm often getting in the way of proper execution; with a spillover of a full load of Pepsi bottles while taking a corner on opening weekend at the Ex, or misspelling the name of his favourite beer Labatt’s on an entire engraving order when he owned Ego Trophies. We believe he primarily napped, a skill he truly could do anywhere, while employed by Toronto Hydro. The catching up on sleep back then was probably a true requirement after driving all over Ontario to officiate in every hockey rink built in Ontario. He was chief Shipper and Receiver and Master Salesman for Faye’s business, Collette’s Gift Baskets, on the days he was home from his NHL Supervisor duties.
Ron loved sport, or to be more specific, social sport and was often found sharing a curling lane or round of golf with Faye and friends. Partial to a punt on the ponies, his children will always hear the racing bugle and think of him. Trips and travel stories are aplenty, starting with driving his brothers’ cars to Skelton Lake (potentially as an underage driver), reading the newspaper to Edie Shack on flights with the NHL, as a teenager driving the jockeys’ Cadillac to Florida, golf adventures with so many of the guys (John, John, Dave), and oh the places Faye took him to; Turks and Caicos, Bahamas, Hawaii, Newfoundland, but it’s the family vacations to Allenwood beach that grounded the family for many years. However, daughter Michelle took him the furthest and truly out of his comfort zone into the Canadian high Arctic where they called him “Half Beast” for his size to chaperone her high school trip and to her new home in the Outback of Australia.
If you needed something done in the community as a fundraiser, you often found Ron at the helm of it. He was never one to sit on the sidelines, he was fast to action and recruited the best people to help him achieve his goals. Watch out though because you might have found yourself getting pulled into his tornado force for success, such as swimming with the Rubber Duckies in the Credit River while he was president of the Brampton Kiwanis Club. Golf was his play space, but also where he knew he could get a lot of work done. He leveraged his relationships fueled by passion to initiate the fundraising at the Brampton Golf Club for the first Women’s and Childrens shelter in Brampton. His most recent victory for his community was the creative solution to get a Walk-in Medical Clinic in Wasaga Beach during his term of Councillor.
The Family would like to extend gratitude and a hug to Ron’s ICU nurse, Kyle and all staff we encountered at Collingwood Marine Hospital especially the Emergency room trauma team. He was treated quickly and we were all supported with the utmost care, compassion and dignity. Hats off to the paramedic and Firefighter teams of Wasaga Beach who attended to Ron at his home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
- The Salvation Army, Honeychurch Family Life Resource Centre
- The Collingwood General & Marine Hospital in memory of Ron Ego.
Funeral service will be held at Wasaga Stars Arena, Community Room, 425 River Road West, Wasaga Beach on Thursday, April 20th at 1:00pm.
A social gathering will follow the service along with an opportunity to lace up and skate on the ice that Ron once skated.
The ice will be open to anyone in the community from 3:00-4:00 for the Ron Ego Memorial Skate.
Come dressed in the colours of our favourite referee’s uniform (Black & White), or your favourite hockey jersey.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Condolences for the family of “Ronald (Ron) Leonard Roy Ego”
Faye and family I am so very sorry for the loss of Ron.
I first met Ron while he was selling ice cream treats at Allenwood beach and was taken by how friendly and welcoming he was. Later our paths would cross at the first meeting of the Wasaga Beach Ratepayers. His observations, suggestions and encouragement were vital. Wasaga beach residents will miss his humour, thoughtfulness and his tireless work for our causes. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
It is with sadness that I am typing my comments, Ron was one of the most congenial person I ever met. He always made me laugh and wanting to spend as much time with him as I could.He was a excellent official and I learned a lot from him with his style of be laid back but firm with players. Ron you will always be in my prayers and it was a honor to know you my friend
To Faye and Family,
I met Ron when I was officiating in the NHL.Ron was a supervisor. He was a great coach and friend. Always a smile on his face and a warm greeting when he saw me. Many memories that I will always cherish. My condolences to all of you.
Brian Murphy
Dear Faye and Family;
So sorry to learn of Ron’s passing. Ron was able to see the lighter side of the “business” of the NHL. As a supervisor he wanted you to succeed, and enjoy the game and all it had to offer. He brought a sense of humour and a positive outlook, l enjoyed working for him.
Sincere condolences,
Mark Pare.
Faye & Family: Please accept my heartfelt condolences with your recent loss. Ron was my first mentor when I joined the NHL in 1970 and we crossed paths many times in the Officiating business over the next 35 years (both on and off of the ice). I always admired his upbeat personality and learned early to not turn my back on him or you would quickly become the recipient of his next prank! Ron was definitely a people person and could carry a conversation with new or old friends without missing a beat. May you rest in peace Ron, and please say hi to all of our officiating family who have passed before. Until we meet again.
Very few people in life, are blessed to know and be personally touched by a man like Ron. His welcoming, caring, and joyful nature was felt by so many….Rest in Peace, Ron……
Hi Faye Sad to hear of Ron’s passing. Thinking of you & your family. Dayne & Judy
David and I have such beautiful and wonderful memories of conversations with Ron and his love for breakfast brunch. He was a wonderful man with such a calm and positive attitude. His smile would light up a room. So many words of positivity for such a great person cannot be expressed in just a few words. Condolences to the family.
What a beautiful “life history” of a man who lived life to the fullest and gave back wherever he was.
Our condolences to Faye and the family.
Ron and Kathie Rouse
Ron was instrumental in me learning how to officiate early in my career. He was a pleasure to be around and a class act. Thanks Ron!!! Sincere condolences to the family. Pierre Racicot NHL 1993-2021
Our sincere condolences to you Faye and family. We have wonderful memories of Allenwood Beach and the boys’ personal “Ice cream man”. Rob, Inka, Alex, Evan and Zack Nolet
Our deepest condolences Faye
Faye, we were so sorry to hear about Ron’s passing. We have fond memories of golfing with the two of you and visiting you in your home. I also remember many good chats with Ron when I worked at the Town. His upbeat attitude and sense of humour, I’m sure, will be missed. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. RIP Ron.
Lorraine and Carlos Santo
To Faye and Family,
Our sincere condolences on Ron’s passing. We will never forget the ice creams by the beach on a hot summer day. Ron always greeted us with a smile and a wave as we walked by on our walks. He will be missed by all of us. Forever in our hearts.
Steve and Alenna Emer, and Family
Faye,
We are so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. Indeed, Ron is an unforgettable legend in so many ways. His many life experiences have impacted countless people so positively. Personally, we will miss seeing him across from Allenwood beach in the summer and hearing the many adventures that you both along with Cliff and Liz would enjoy together. A legend is a legend forever. Our sincerest condolences to you and your children at this time.
So sorry to hear this sad news! Remembering Ron from Brampton days and then up here in Wasaga! A man that gave so much to so many! Faye and family …..hang on to the fun times your shared!
My heartfelt condolences to the entire Ego family. Ron was a true mentor to me in the World Hockey Association. His kindness, enthusiasm, and shared love of the game has remained with me to this day. He helped me be a better person.
With prayers and great appreciation,
Kevin Weatherby
Our deepest condolences to you all. Faye my heart breaks for you, as your longtime partner in crime has passed. He was such a special person, filled with so much love and always giving to others. I will never forget the kindness that he showed me, from the moment I met him. I have been blessed to have had him in my life. He has lived quite a full life, and now is with all those he loved that passed before him. Ron you will be missed.
My thoughts are with you Faye. I wish you strength over this sad time and comfort in many happy memories. Patti (Tai Chi)
To Faye and family.
So sorry to learn of Ron’s passing. Such sad news, sincere condolences.
Lucy, Dogs We Love
My condolences to Faye and family.
Ron was a tremendous person and amazing NHL Supervisor.
He was such a great teacher and person to be around as I started my career. Such a positive, good natured human being.
RIP “Hoss”.
Don Van Massenhoven
Dear Faye & Family, Please accept our sincere condolences for the passing of Ron! We were shocked to hear the news today through the Family Life Resource Centre. He touched our lives in many ways as Gary also knew him through his membership with the Brampton Kiwanis and work with The Salvation Army in Brampton. The generous support Faye and Ron provided to the Women’s Shelter (Honeychurch Family Life Resource Centre) and Faye’s 20+ years on the Community Council have impacted so many lives.
We thought of you both as the Dynamic Duo! Your tribute to Ron describes him to a tee. He was one of a kind and the world is a better place for him being in it! May you find peace at this difficult time and joy through your reminiscing of the many wonderful memories you have of a life well loved and lived. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Fay, I was very sorry to read the story in the local paper of Ron’s passing. He was a kind and lovely man with always a warm smile, I am sure Bill was at the pearly gates with a glass of vino to welcome him to the “ Vintages Bar In The Sky”. May he Rest In Peace.
Kelly Hambly
Faye and Family;
We are so sorry to hear about Ron’s passing. He always made us feel like family!
Allenwood Beach has lost a beauty!! Summers simply won’t be the same. Be well.
Duane Rose, Michelle. Luke and Christian. Along with the Entire Bozoian clan.
Dear Faye, we feel honoured to have met and known Ron for the short time that we did. Our hearts are with you and your family at this sad time.
Joan & Tom MacPherson
[the Calgary couple at tie chi]
Dear Faye,
Our sincere condolences to you and your family on Ron’s passing. We were deeply saddened by this news. We looked forward to seeing him every time we pulled into our driveway . Wasaga beach will not be the same without him. We will miss him dearly . But remember, we are still here and if you need anything we are just a knock away. God bless. He left a great legacy behind with his wonderful children and grandchildren.
Dear Fay and Family. Please accept our deepest condolences for the loss of Ron. He was a Lion in our Wasaga community and will not be forgotten. Andrea and Peter
Faye,
I was so sorry to hear about Ron. I think of you often, remembering our ski adventures over past years. Condolences to you and your family today.
Dear Faye and family.
I am so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. I was at the Keesdale arena those many years ago when
You and Ron met. I also was at your wedding 60 years ago as well with Bill Clarke.
Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss of Ron.
Sharon Anderson (Connelly)
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Just returned from Europe and heard of Ron’s passing. Thoughts and love to the Family. Ron’s childhood home backed onto my childhood home in Mt. Dennis. Besides knowing Ron from this, he officiated many of my hockey games as well as umpired the hardball league I played in. In later years he lived next door to another friend Ken Galloway in Brampton. I remember him telling us in his backyard that he was going to join the WHA. Great gent and surely missed by all. Ron knew me by my nickname ‘Butch’ along with my sister Patty who also lives in Wasaga Beach. Love and hugs to Faye and the Family.
Dear Faye and Family,
We just heard yesterday of Ron’s passing and are deeply saddened by the news. Ron was such a wonderful person, and a joy to be around – one of a kind, and always had a story to tell. He will be missed by all.
Sincerely,
David (aka Woody) and Laurie
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Brent and I send our sympathy to Faye and family. Brent remembers the many golf games shared with Ron during their summers off from hockey. May your family and friend memories be a source of peace during your time of sorrow.