Ronald MARSDEN

MARSDEN, Ronald

With great sadness, the family of Ronald Marsden announces his peaceful passing after a courageous battle with chronic lung disease on October 2, 2015. Ron will be forever missed and cherished by his beloved wife of 59 years Valeria (nee Beardwood). Ron gifted many wonderful memories to his two children, Philip and Alison; his three grandchildren (Alanna, Emmett, Byron); his daughter-in-law, Suzanne; his sister, Cathleen Wright; sister-in-law, Sylvia Fisher; brother- in-law, Jim Fisher; and cousin, Susan Fillary. He will be remembered fondly by many additional family and friends, especially for his beaming smile and amicable personality.
  Born in Darwen, Lancashire, England on April 11, 1935, to the late James Thomas Marsden and Alice (nee Gorton), Ron was a member of the British Royal Air Force from ages 18 to 21. Ron and Val, along with their two young children, immigrated to Canada in 1967 aboard the Empress of Canada. Immigration to an unknown country illustrates the couples' gallant and adventuresome spirit. Together they demonstrated their entrepreneurial talents as owners of several jewellery stores. Ron was a gifted salesman who connected readily with customers. He demonstrated strong work ethics, typically working 6 days per week to serve the public. Outside business hours, Ron often held the TV remote, set to TSN, as he was a fan of all sports and an avid supporter of the Blackburn Rovers, Montreal Canadians and Detroit Red Wings. He was a football goalie, horse racing bookie, cricketer, banker, fisher, bird feeder and zealot for crime detective novels, especially Dick Francis. Ron was a card shark, who foremost enjoyed the companionship aspect, though beware a player who miscounts cribbage points, underbids a euchre hand or overbids a bridge hand. Ron was a refined gentleman with his signature British accent, always immaculately groomed with daily attire of a pressed shirt and tie, along with pocket handkerchief often ironed by his wife. He was a very generous man who gave his family the most important thing in the world: all his love. Ron and Val shared a deep love and commitment to each other with many treasured memories created during their 59 year marriage. What an amazing life, legacy and golden heart!!
A memorial service is planned for October 31st, 1:00 p.m., at the Brighton Funeral Home, followed by a private family gathering. The family is eternally grateful for the outstanding care Ron received over the years from his Family Doctor, Dr. Arlene MacIntyre of Brighton and his Respirologist, Dr. Roger Goldstein of the University of Toronto and West Park Healthcare Centre.
  Those desiring to make a donation in memory of Ron, please consider the West Park Healthcare Centre Foundation. The Foundation supports rehabilitation programs for patients with chronic lung disease and may be reached at
416-243-3698,
foundation@westpark.org
or at westpark.org
www.rushnellfamilyservices.com