Ronald Archibald DANCEY

RONALD ARCHIBALD DANCEY Peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, June 12, 2021 at the age of 77. Beloved husband of Lillian for 54 years. Loving father, grandfather and great- grandfather. Ron was an avid reader of books and newspapers. He wrote short notes on each book he read. If a newspaper article caught his attention, he researched it before writing the politicians. He was strong in his beliefs as a Presbyterian and biblical quotes were included in his letters. Ron became involved in volunteer work and he believed strongly in this and became involved throughout his life. He was a founding member of the first breakfast program in Durham Region schools. He was a founding member and board member for the men's hostel (now Cornerstone). He was a founding member and board member of Oshawa Distress Centre (now Durham Distress Centre). He was a founding member and board member of Durhamcrest, a group home for men who were employed, received short sentence for drinking and driving through the Ministry of Correctional Services. He was a volunteer with Community Care and their fundraising committee. He was President of the board for Volunteer Action Centre, an agency who matched volunteers with community agencies. He was President of the board of Durham Literacy. He sat on the committee for the College of Social Workers. He was a volunteer with the Lung Association to assist people on how to quit smoking and assisted with the fundraising. He assisted Durham Mental Health Agency (it's name was different) and made it well known in the community getting funding, hiring staff and partnering with Whitby Psychiatric Hospital to work with mental health patients as they transitioned from hospital to the community. He started the Poverty Committee in Durham because of Jack Layton. He wrote a proposal and got funding through the Federal Government to start a company; Durhamac. He approached Lofthouse Brass and was allowed to use their facility to train young people who had quit school to learn a trade as a machinist with Durham District School Board and Mental Health Durham. He was also a board member. He was a board member of the Unemployed Help Centre until his resignation 19 years later. Ron became involved with the immigration group in Ajax offering advice and help for their transition as a new immigrant. Ron retired from the Region of Durham, Director of Family Service, Department of Social Services. He had a great respect for the staff who worked in this field as there was a lot of negativity towards welfare and the job became more about saving money and less about people. At Ron's request there will be no funeral. A private service has been held for the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Rose of Durham (905-432-3622) or Simcoe Hall Settlement House (905-728-7525). Donations can also be made through McIntosh-Anderson-Kellam Funeral Home Ltd., 152 King St. E., Oshawa (905-433-5558). Online condolences may be shared through: makfuneralhome.com