The last low foghorn of the cruise ship has blown.
The pilot on that final flight is saying, “Fasten your seatbelts,” because Ron has left on the best trip ever — and he’s flying first class all the way.
Ron Gillespie has found his way to the pearly gates, and you can almost hear St. Peter calling out, “Come on in, Ron — have I got a deal for you!”
On Thursday, February 12, 2026, Ron closed down his computer, folded up the Financial Post, and with that familiar mischievous smile, went looking for one last free refill of coffee.
Ron was a man who loved to travel, loved a great deal even more, and never passed up the opportunity for a spirited, slightly cantankerous debate — especially with someone confident enough to stand their ground. He believed a good conversation should make you think, maybe squirm a little, and hopefully see the other side of the story.
At Fanshawe, he challenged his students to step outside the norm. He encouraged them to live in a way that made people whip their heads around and say, “What is he doing now?” Safe and predictable were never high on Ron’s list of priorities.
He wanted to live.
He wanted to keep going.
He was always looking toward the next great adventure.
Ron valued life deeply. He wanted to spark conversations that shifted perspectives. He wanted you to pause and consider that maybe — just maybe — there was another angle worth hearing.
He will be missed at the dinner table when someone clears their throat and says, “Well, you know what I think…” and no one quite delivers it with Ron’s conviction.
He will be missed when the next great travel deal flashes across our screens and he’s not here to grin and say, “Guess where I’m going?”
He will be missed by those who experienced his candor, his humour, and his relentless curiosity about the world.
Most of all, he will be missed by his family and friends, who knew that behind every debate and travel plan was a man who lived fully.
We’ll crack a cold one for you, Ron.
Save us a seat — preferably first class — until we meet again.
Ann and family would be happy to have you join them at a celebration of Ron’s life, at the Lucan Community Memorial Centre, 263 Main Street, Lucan on Sunday, April 26th from 1- 4 PM with words of remembrance at 2 PM.
In lieu of flowers the family would be honoured to have donations in Ron’s name to London Health Sciences Foundation – Palliative Care, Ailsa Craig Food Bank or the Humane Society London & Middlesex.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Linda Davis
I have so many fun memories of playing ball and playing on the Corporate Challenge teams with Ron. Always laughing and having fun. I smile when I think of you.
Terrie Shaw
Sending deepest condolences at this sad time
Terrie Shaw and family
Jodi Greig
I was fortunate to share many thoughtful and insightful conversations with Ron over the years. I always enjoyed hearing about his travel adventures and looked forward to learning from his latest insights and perspectives.
Ron will be deeply missed, but I have no doubt he has moved on to the greatest adventure yet.
My sincere condolences to Ron’s entire family.
Angela Durand
Sincere condolences to you Ann and all the family❤️. May you continue to travel and live life to the fullest!❤️
Walter And Isa Dyet
It is with sadness we hear of Ron’s Passing. Ron was indeed a character. We first met him in NZ in a nearby apartment in our block. We were coming to Canada to do the Rocky Mountaineer the following year, and he invited us to the Lake house. We had a wonderful time with Ann and Ron and saw many parts of Ontario. Every year when Ron came to MT Maunganui Walter would join him for a swim in the Ocean, view a few open homes… with no intention of buying, have a beer and chips and I would cook them tea we would have a nice evening together and he would head home. Ron knew all the bargain spots at the restaurants and he enjoyed time at the shops while scooting around on his mobile cart. He loved the fact he missed the Canadian winters for many years.
Ron would help us choose seats on the plane when we were travelling he knew his stuff when it came to travel and cruising.
We will miss you heaps Ron. Our love to you Ann you did a wonderful job with Ron. We look forward to seeing you when you come down under. Love Isa and Wal xxx
Karen M Uhler
We send our condolences thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Will be talking with you..
Kathy
My heartfelt sympathy to you Ann & families.You have all been in our thoughts. Ron was a clever Man..He always had great tips of where to invest in the stock market. He had a way of getting the best interest rate! An Inspirational man who lived life to the fullest while saving money along the way. He could start a debate with just a few words and then sit back laughing watching the sparks fly. I will miss our conversations and visits Ron made to NZ… Rest easy Ron. Big hug to you Ann. Hope to see you again in NZ. Love Kathy & Dave.
Gehl and John Rumig
What a great writeup and picture for Ron. The best!
Ron enjoyed the simple (but not costly) pleasures of life and the costly pleasures (at a his best price), good friends and the kind of landscapes you never forget in Bluewater and New Zealand. John and I will miss you on the Snowden circuit. We are indeed fortunate to have known you. Our best wishes on your next journey.
Ann and Max, we look forward to seeing you soon.
Gehl and John
Isabel Goodall
Dear Ann- The send off message is just as he would have wanted it. First class and smiling. He was a great man. We loved your visits to NZ and would welcome your return. Many fond memories of him here and in Canada They will last forever. There is probably not too many things he didn’t do or places he didn’t go. Condolences to you and his families. Forever in our thoughts. His life was certainly lived to the max. Love Graeme and Isabel
Janet Heaman
Hello Ann, I am so very sorry to hear that Ron has gone on this trip, He will leave a big hole in your Heart and in Alicia and Ian’s families! I know you had many good trips and times together over the years, so talk about him, remember the good times, and share these memories with others.
Love, Janet Hugs
Cameron Barnes
So sorry to hear about the loss of Ron. He was the coordinator of my RECREATION LEADERSHIP course 1982-1984. This beer is for you RON….Cheers to your heavenly life.
R.I.P. RON
Julie Fisher
Ann, I’m so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing! I never had the pleasure of meeting him but your stories of him made me feel the two of you were meant to be. He was lucky to have you in sickness and in health!
Sending hugs to you and your family!
Jenn & Tim Elliott
Ann I’m so sorry to hear of you loss. Our deepest sympathies to you and all of the family. Many great memories at the cottage with you and Ron. He was an amazing man and touched many people.
Arlene Forsythe
My condolences to you and family.
Shirley Mann
Ann and family our deepest Condolences It is so hard to loose a Loved one. Sending Hugs. Shirley Mann /Ron Campbell
Pat Fields
So sorry for your loss Ann & family🙏🙏
Mary Wade
My deepest condolences Ann, Alicia and Ian and family on your loss. I know Ron will be missed by many. Keeping you all in my thoughts.
Cathy
So sorry to hear of your loss! Thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers!
Jerry Prosser
Ann I am very sorry to hear that Ron had passed, my deepest condolences
Jerry Prosser
Mark Isaac
Ann… I am very sorry to hear of your loss. May you be comforted by your memories and those of all your friends and family. I extend the deepest condolences of all at the food bank.
Richard & Brenda Schilbe
Ann & family
How well said. Ron was a great man who left an impression on everyone he met. He will be greatly missed by all. Keeping you in our thoughts & prayers in the difficult days ahead.
Fanshawe College Retirees' Assocation
On behalf of the Fanshawe College Retirees’ Association, our condolences are extended to Ron’s family and friends. He was a Program Coordinator of Recreation & Leisure Services in the School of Human Services at Fanshawe College.
Becky and family
Aunt Ann we are going to miss all those debates and political conversations. All those smiles when he thought he’d gotten your goat.
He is absolutely having the trip like no other.
Colleen Faulds Walden
My sincere condolences to Ann, sorry for your loss.
Colleen Faulds Walden
Judy Cloutier
Our sincere condolences Ann and family,Ron’s life was a very well lived one,will be missed by many.
Lyn
Ann – what a send final send off for Ron. Will see you on the 26th. Love Lyn and Doug
Jill Collings
I had the pleasure of meeting Ron at the bank. A smiling, intelligent, very friendly gentleman who kept coming back for discussion after discussion. We developed a working friendship and to be honest, I adored him and everything he taught me about investing and taxes. What a guy. Ron, rest in the sweetest peace old friend. Hope your pups are waiting for you and you get to take them swimming and stick throwing. Xo