Ronald G. ARENDS

1945 - 2021

RONALD G. ARENDS, President and Chief Executive Officer
1945 -2021
Ron Arends, an icon in the security printing and systems world, died at his home on Canoe Lake on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, in the arms of his wife, Marilou, and surrounded by his family.
Ron was diagnosed with glioblastoma in February of 2020. He kept his illness quiet so our professional team would all remain focused on the corporate and personal challenges of navigating the pandemic.
In 1994, Ron's brother, Doug, had the wisdom to lure Ron to Canadian Bank Note Company, Limited (CBN) as President. In that capacity he led CBN's transformation from a largely domestic security printer to an internationally renowned supplier of highest quality secure documents and systems to government and commercial clients around the world. Under Ron's direction the company has also become an important fundraiser for governments and the charitable sector through its Lottery and Charitable Gaming divisions.
From its base in Ottawa, Ron molded CBN into what it is today with customers across North America, Europe, Africa, Central and South America and Asia Pacific. Together with Doug, he co-wrote a true Canadian success story.
After five years as a defensive half-back with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (1966-1970), Ron focused his efforts on his studies earning a Bachelor of Applied Science and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Toronto. He was a member of the Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario.
Ron began his business career with 19 years of service with Canada Wire and Cable holding the position of Executive Vice-President when he left in 1988. From 1988 through 1994 he was the President of Tremco Inc., a subsidiary of B.F. Goodrich Company. He transferred to Cleveland for a few years to play an international role before returning to Canada to take the helm of CBN as President.
He immediately set about building a strong management team and expanding the business into a growing multi-national organization focused on its customers and exceeding their expectations.
While Ron the executive stood out from the crowd, most will remember him for the person he was. He was a romantic and loving husband, a proud and loving father and brother and a true friend and often mentor.
He leaves behind his wife and best friend, Marilou; his children, Kirk (Gloria) and Jason, and Kate (Kevin) and Dean (Stephanie); his brothers, Doug and Rick (Deb); sisters, June (Dipankar) and Robyn (George); and his five adoring grandchildren, Noah, Brianna, Landon, Luke and Briar. Ron was predeceased by his brother, Larry and his sister-in-law, Shirley, who was the love of Doug's life.
He also leaves behind his CBN family, all of whom held him in the highest esteem and are committed to continuing his mission.
The family thanks Home and Community Care Support Services South East for their outstanding assistance that enabled Ron to spend his final days at home.
A celebration of Ron's life and accomplishments will be announced at a later date.
Messages of condolence can be sent to condolences@cbnco.com or Marilou Robinson c/o Canadian Bank Note Company, Limited, 145 Richmond Road Ottawa, Ontario K1Z 1A1.