Ronald (Ron) Leonard Daniels, 80, of Goderich, Ontario died January 4, 2025 in London, Ontario due to complications from pneumonia and kidney disease.
He was born on November 1, 1944, to Alfred (Alf) Daniels and Dorothy Spence Daniels in Toronto, Ontario.
Ron married Helen MacDonald on August 6, 1966 in Toronto. They moved to Goderich, Ontario where they purchased one of the town’s most beloved historical homes and had three children, Shannon, Suzanne and Samuel. Ron and Helen lived in their family home for almost fifty years.
Ron was the owner and operator of the Maitland Toy Soldier Shoppe, located on the ground floor of the family home, where he specialized in antiques and toy soldiers, a lifelong passion for Ron. He continued his business online until his death.
Ron’s other passion was music. He was an avid jazz musician who spent most of his life playing the guitar. Ron belonged to several bands including the Howlin’ Dog Vintage Jazz Band, Lite and Easy, Lighthouse Swing Band, Dukes of Dixie, the Shannon Band, and many others throughout the years. He was well known and respected in the Southwestern Ontario music scene and worked with numerous other artists throughout his long music career.
Ron is survived by his wife, Helen; his children, Shannon, Suzanne (Anthony), and Samuel (Nichole); his grandchildren, Olivia, Fiona (Eid), and Veronica Daniels-Brown; brother, Wayne (Linda) Daniels; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by parents, Alf and Dorothy Daniels.
Ron will be remembered by his family, friends, bandmates, and community for his sense of humour, positive attitude, love of family, knowledge of antiques and toy soldiers, and musical talent.
Special thanks to the staff of the Dialysis Unit of Alexandra Marine and General Hospital and Dr. Chaulk and staff of LHSC University Hospital. He will be fondly remembered by his friends in the Geezer Club.
At Ron’s request, there will be no funeral home visitation or service. Memorials or donations in his memory may be made to The Children’s Hospital at LHSC.
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).
Mike Lutyk
Our condolences to Helen and the family. I was a long time customer of the Maitland Toy Soldier Shoppe. We no longer live in Ontario but some of my fondest family memories of our years living at CFB Borden were the frequent trips to Goderich for family outings on Lake Huron which for me always included trips to see Ron & enlarge my toy soldier collection & shoot the breeze. Rest in peace Ron, you’ll be missed by everyone who ever had the pleasure of knowing you.
Mike Lutyk
Gord Marshall
I’m sorry for Ron’s passing.Ron and Helen let us into their shop in 2004-2005 with all the small town charm and warmth I remember. Like them I also was originally from Toronto. Ron was always helpful towards a novice toy soldier collector .His shop was worth the long drive up Highway#8 and was a place of wonder .It was a Time Machine in a beautiful lakeside town . I am missing the small town treasure that was Maitlland Toy Soldier. Thanks Ron
Mike Kenny
There was no such thing as a quick visit to the Maitland Toy Soldier Shoppe! Ron loved to talk. He was always engaging and eager to share his knowledge of toy soldiers, local history and music. Time seemed to stop when you walked into the store. He was truly one of a kind and the likes of Ron will not be seen again. Rest in Peace.
Tom Hindle
Dear Kelly: it was with great sadness that we learned your husband and our good friend Ron has passed away.
He was a good person, and we only wish that we could see him play his guitar one more time.
I grew up with Ron and Wayne in East York, and I remember attending their practices down in the basement. Their dad gave them a lot of encouragement.
Condolences to Wayne, his only brother, yourself and the rest of the Daniels family.
God speed Ron!
We will see you again soon!
Tom and Gale Hindle
Debbie Whitmore
Helen and family. My condolences on the passing of Ron. I met the two of you as neighbours and remember Ron’s smiling personality.
William Cookson
My condolences to Sam and the rest of the family. It is sad to hear that another member of the coffee/breakfast club is gone after Don Hullah and Terry Beer, both of whom I knew as well.
-Will Cookson
John and Donna Flynn
John and I have such fond memories of our times of friendship with Ron and Helen. Dining together and enjoying all of Ron’s funny stories and his stories of his experiences in his business. Once, after visiting for an evening, our shepherd, Miranda started to make funny noises at Ron, and he was getting concerned. He asked what our dog wanted, and since it was around 11 pm, we told him she was telling him it was time to go. Now that he has, we are very saddened.
John and Linda MacDonald
To the Daniels family: Our since condolences in your recent loss. Enjoy all the great memories and may they bring comfort to you in the coming years. We often saw him and enjoyed his music in many bands. May he rest in Peace.
John and Linda MacDonald
Chris Kelly
The first time that I met Ron was when he came to Windsor to set up a table and the local toy soldier club meeting (about 30 years ago) . I was new to the hobby & Ron spent considerable time talking to me about soldiers. I was hooked!! From there, phone calls and orders were occurred regularly. Then, family trips to Goderich became regular occurrences at least 2X a year. It would follow a same formula – check in at the hotel, go to the beach, walk the circle in town and spend 1.5 hours at Ron’s shop followed by dinner at Paddy O’Neil’s and home the next day.
Those 90 minutes (or more!) were always so engaging. The customer service was beyond exceptional but there was always a feeling of more. We were always welcomed with open arms by Ron and Helen. Conversation spanned multiple topics and his knowledge of things added a rich depth to the time!
As time went by, the kids grew up. trips went farther afield, our own journeys with aging parents and the $ of toy soldiers rose steeply, my collecting slowed (but did not stop) as did the trips up. Sometimes, if there was nothing to order, there was still an email or phone call to see how they were doing. We came up a couple of times after the storefront closed and we stopped by for a visit. As always, a warm welcome and conversation. I remember one time, Ron was waiting for his first hip replacement and movement was exhausting, but as we talked soldiers, his eyes lit up and he was back in his old form.
The Arts of Conversation and Customer service have lost one of their greatest practioners. Sleep well Ron – you will be missed!
Brenda Peck
Precious are your family memories and how many of the laughs were instigated by Ron. His bravery and determination to cope with health issues and keep on ‘living’ were remarkable.
God bless you all as you mourn and support each other.
Cecelia Denomme
Dear Helen – you and your family are close in my heart with prayer.
Ron’s gift and love of music – was special to all – and always remembered.
With sadness and sympathy-
Sincerely – Cecelia
Jeff Scott
Ron struck a chord in the hearts and souls of so many that even Ron couldn’t begin to count! He is a treasured memory that we chose to have live on in our hearts so that we might be able to pass on that same joy in honour of Ron for generations to come. How fitting that we can begin this work through the Sick Children’s Hospital.
One more once, Ron …
Finola MacGinty
Our deepest sympathies to you Helen and to all the family. Ron was such a gifted and amazing musician. It was always such a joy to perform and practice with him. May his gentle soul Rest in Peace. Sending hugs and warm healing energy to the entire family circle at this very sad time.
Amanda Sudyk
Sincere condolences to the whole family.
Mike and Amanda Sudyk
Senga Smith
We are all heartbroken and Rons passing came as a shock to all of us. I have known Ron much of my life as an early teen when he was then dating my Aunt Helen in Toronto. He was an amazing guitar player and played in many bands so talented and handsome. I was a junior bridesmaid at Helen and Ron’s wedding and he liked to tease me because as everyone knows Ron loved to joke around and was very quick witted. We will miss you terribly Ron you were one of a kind a loving husband to Helen, Dad to Shannon, Sam and Suzanne, and beloved Grandfather to grandchildren Olivia, Fiona and Veronica, and loving brother to Wayne. We will think of you fondly Ron our hearts hurt today as you meant so much to all of us and touched so many lives with your music and kindness. Love you always Senga and Earl Smith and family.
Barbara Desjardins
It was with sadness that I read of Ron’s passing. I always enjoyed his music and the pride he took in showing off his toy shop. He will be missed by many who have such fond memories. Rest in peace.
Liz Herman
Dear Shannon and Family: Thinking of you at this sad time! We thank God for the memories we get to hold on to. Sincerely: Liz and Floyd Herman
Joyce and Peter Herring
So sorry to hear of Ron’s sudden passing. It seems like we all just got together.
What good memories we have. We will miss his keen sense of humour. Thinking of your close family and praying for you that Gods peace will keep you in the coming days
Hugs Joyce and Peter
Phil Main
Ugh, so sad to see this. Having recently returned to town, I was hoping I might run into Ron sometime soon or get to listen to him play that guitar like only he could. I have such wonderful memories of him. Sending loving thoughts and prayers to all who love him.
Wayne & Laila Scott
Dear Helen and family; We are truly saddened by the passing of your beloved Ron and we want to share our sincere condolences for the loss of a great friend and a very talented musician. He will truly be missed but never forgotten.
Wayne and Laila
Brent Little
Im so saddened to hear of Ronnies passing Helen. I go back a long way knowing you guys,at least 50 plus years. Please accept our condolences to you and your family from Wendy and I and the entire Little family.
Liette Pfrimmer
He will be sadly missed by his band mate and friend Ernie and Liette. Sorry for you loss,our deepest condolences to the family. Ron and I met painting the Krohmer apartments, shortly after we me met my husband and Ron became band mate. We love you Ron Rest In Peace ❤️❤️ We love you Helen❤️
Susan Belfontaine
What a great sadness for you Shannon I never met your dad but watching your life on Facebook , your love and closeness was palpable ❤️
Lee Brown
Dear Daniels Family; Sincere condolences as you lost such a special and important husband, dad, grandfather and brother…The many precious memories you have of Ron will always be with you and may they bring comfort at this sad time in your lives….. With Love Lee……
Irene Hubar
Very shocked and sad to hear about the sudden, unexpected passing of our friend Ron. My husband, Bill and I very much enjoyed his musical talent, sense of humour and friendship. He will be profoundly missed by his family and devoted wife Helen who shared their lives together for nearly 60 years. God speed Ron. You will be missed.❤️