RONALD VOPNI

RONALD (RON) VOPNI
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Husband, Father and Grandfather, Ron Vopni, at 69 years of age, on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the T.B.R.H.S.C., after battling many health challenges.

Ron was born on November 7, 1956 in Goose Bay, Labrador. Growing up, Ron followed his parents careers moving throughout Canada notably Calgary, Lethbridge, Edmonton, PEI, Toronto and Amherstview.

After Ron graduated from Ernestown High School, he moved to Thunder Bay to attend Confederation College's Architectural Technology Program. After graduation, Ron took a position at the College in the Facilities Department working his way up to his ultimate position as the Director of Facilities Services, overseeing all renovations, new buildings, maintenance, grounds, parking, security, cafeteria, and the bookstore. Ron was a respected member of the college team. He truly loved his job and working with his many colleagues and staff.

Ron met his soulmate, Deb, while both were working at the college. They both enjoy sports and played on various college staff sports teams. Their love of sports brought them together. They married in 1983 (43 years this coming July), and later having two wonderful sons enter their lives. Stephen in 1989 and Kevin in 1992. Ron's family meant everything to him and they did everything together. Ron was a "hands on dad." He loved coaching his sons in baseball and hockey throughout the years. This made him very happy! Also bringing him joy was watching his beloved Boston Bruins!

In 2008, Ron became ill with cancer. After completion of his cancer treatment, Ron was cancer free and returned to work in 2009. In 2010, unfortunately, cancer struck again. After completion of his cancer treatment, once again he was cancer free; however, the treatment took a toll on him and he was unable to return to work. His health declined slowly over the next 16 years. Ron went on long-term disability and then retired at the age of 65. Ron entered LTC in April of 2022 when he was no longer able to remain in the home he designed and help build. His declining health brought him to hospital in January 2026 and again in February where he passed away on March 7th.

Ron is a survived by his loving wife, Deb, and their son Kevin (Chloe) Vopni, granddaughter Lola (his pride and joy), mother Ferne, brothers Garry (Joan), Jim (Marg), brothers-in-law Dean (Susan) Warren and Darrell Warren, nephews and niece Christopher (Jamie), Thomas (Annslea), Michael (Krista), Erik (Jess), Andy (Meghan), Laura (Josh) Hagen, Gregory (Kaela) Warren, Jesse (Lisa) Warren and their families.

Ron is predeceased by his son Stephen Vopni, his father Canon Roy Vopni, his father and mother in-law Lloyd and Helen Warren and brother-in-law Darren Warren.

Please join us in celebrating Ron's life on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 11 am, St. Paul's Anglican Church, 808 Ridgeway St. E., Thunder Bay, ON P7E 5H5, Archdeacon Deborah Kraft officiating. All are also welcome to join us for a luncheon at the church following the service.

A private interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery where Ron will be laid to rest decked out in his beloved Boston Bruins attire.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ron's memory may be made to the Northern Cancer Fund at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation, 980 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6V4 or online at www.healthsciencesfoundation.ca. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.

Ron / Dad The memories of you will live on in our hearts and in the hearts of those who loved you.