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Ron Goldfinch Obituary
GOLDFINCH Ron Ron was born June 20, 1954 in Chilliwack, B.C. and passed away in Vancouver, September 5th, 2009. He is survived by his wife, Marie, daughter Megan, son Scott, mother Audrey and sister Marilyn (Larry) Lindahl. Ron enjoyed his youth living on Higginson Road in Sardis. After high school graduation from Sardis Secondary, he attended UBC and graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce. He returned to Chilliwack and enjoyed a variety of careers in accounting and business management. Ron was a proud member of the Chilliwack Rotary Club. His involvement in the Youth Exchange program was a special interest for him and his family. He was a member of the Board of the new Chilliwack Arts Center. Ron was passionate about his skiing and cycling, especially riding on the tandem with Marie. Although Ron's life was cut short, he lived it to the fullest. Funeral service will be at Evergreen Hall at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, September 11 with reception to follow at the Best Western Rainbow Country Inn. Funeral arrangements are through Henderson's Funeral Services (604-792-1344). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ron's name to the Rotary Foundation.
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22 Entries
Peter Cullen
September 22, 2009
To Marie & family
Ron made our GSE stay with the Chilliwack club in May this year such a memorable experience. My team has many photos to remember the great social interaction we had & Ron had a huge impact on that.
Peter Cullen - GSE Team Leader District 9470 Western Australia
Margaret Penner
September 14, 2009
Aunt Aundrey, Marie and family. I was saddened to hear of the loss of Ron, my cousin. I understand that there was an exceptional turnout on the 11th, I am sad to have missed the service but I did not hear where and when it was going to be until late in the afternoon of the 11th. Just know that my thoughts are with you all.
Annie (Higginson) Smith
September 13, 2009
Dear Audrey, Marilyn, Marie, and family,
Like Alison, I remember Ron best from our days growing up on Higginson Road. Those Friday nights at St. John's hall, playing badminton and ferocious games of pingpong....walking home from school with the whole group of us straggling along the road, talking and laughing, gradually turning off into our own driveways. Hearing about Ron brought back sad memories of the sudden passing of his dad, as well. Audrey, I am so sad that you have had this second grief to bear. The tributes show that like his father, Ron had become a man who gave to his community, especially to young people. What a loss for you and the community, but it is obvious that he will live on in the many hearts who loved him.
I have been thinking of you ever since I heard from Brenda. I wish we were not scattered so far away. You are in my heart tonight.
Kathy Nicholson-Banks
September 13, 2009
Ron was an amazing man and an inspiration to us all. I was so lucky to have got to know him when I stayed during my GSE trip from England last year. He felt like a friend I had known all my life and it was like a home from home. I am so glad I got to return that welcome a couple of months ago. Ron will always be in my heart and will never be forgotten.
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Barb McCall
September 12, 2009
Dear Marie and Family
We share our communitys' sense of disbelief at the sudden passing of Ron.
We cannot imagine the depth of your sorrow, but would like you to know we hold you in our hearts and thoughts.
Our deepest condolences,
Barb, Amy and Bria McCall
Judith Caulfield
September 12, 2009
Dear Marie, Aunty Audrey and Marilyn, I learned your very sad news from Sidney who was sure I would want to know. My heart goes out to all of you, and you have been in my thoughts constantly. Mom tells me that yesterday's service was a wonderful celebration of Ron's life..... what a fine way to honour such a great guy. I know you have lots of family and friends around you to draw on for support but please know that from afar I am feeling your loss and praying for all of you. Lots of love, Judith
September 11, 2009
Dear Marie and Kids ... We pray for relief and to god to guide the family through this tough time ... god bless all of you ... ... Marcos Rodrigues and Ana Tereza (From Brazil)
September 11, 2009
Dear Marie & Kids,
My heart is broken for you all. You both played such a huge part of my life when I went to Japan, and for years after. I will never forget how Ron cared for me and helped me through those times. My prayers are with you. Love Amanda Korthuis
Harry Mertin
September 11, 2009
Dear Marie, Megan, Scott and Audrey,
I have known Ron and worked with him for over 20 years. His sudden and tragic passing is a stunning loss. The legacy of success and respect he left behind is without argument, tremendous, particularly in Rotary, where he has touched the lives of so many people in so many countries through his work with Rotary Exchanges.
He will be missed and he will be remembered.
RON GOLDFINCH
A fine father
A devoted husband
A loving son
A respected and proud Rotarian
Alison Higginson
September 11, 2009
Dear Marie and Family, Marilyn and Mrs. Goldfinch,
I am very sad to hear of Ron's sudden passing. I will always remember him as one of the Higginson Road gang of kids that always had a blast together. Who could forget Friday night badminton with all of us, led by Ron's Dad. It was great to grow up among such good friends. I have lost touch with you all over the years, but looking at the tributes, I can see that Ron touched many lives in a very special way. My thoughts are with you all.
Shanda Davis
September 11, 2009
Dear Goldfinch family,
Ron was a very important part of my life. I looked forward to going to work knowing he was there to always share a laugh or two. He was my work "dad" as I used to call him. He was definitely a father figure in my life, his door was always open to talk to him. I chuckle as I remember the time Ron and Marie took me snowboarding for the first time. I had a great time and some really good laughs. When my first son was born early and transferred to Royal Columbian Hospital Ron and Marie were the first ones there even before I was. Ron used to get down on his hands and knees and play with my kids when I came to visit work. It just goes to show how genuine, authentic, and loving Ron was. He will always be in my heart, forever remembered. It's not fair the he was taken from us too soon. I've learned so much from Ron, and I am so thankful and fortunate to have known him. Think of all the people out there who never met Ron... I think we're the lucky ones. Thinking and praying for you all at this time. Lots of love.
Pascal Coutant and Family
September 11, 2009
Dear Marie & Family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you throughout these difficult moments.
Ron will be greatly missed in our community and within Rotary.
With kind regards,
John Young
September 11, 2009
Marie, Megan, and Scott. My thoughts are with you at this time. I know the time that I worked with Ron was not long, but what I learned in that short time will stay with me a lifetime. What amazed me most was his passion he had for the loves in his life; his family, his friends, and the activities and time he shared with them.
Everytime I see a tandem bike I will smile and think of Ron.
A great man that touched the lives of so many.
Donna-Marie Johnston, Kalgoorlie-Australia
September 10, 2009
Deepest Sympathy to Marie, My thoughts and prayers are with you. The world has just lost one of life's true gentlemen. May all your beautiful memories of Ron comfort you and bring you peace. Thankyou for opening your home and hearts for me.
Brooke-Louise O'Donnell
September 10, 2009
Dear Marie and family,
I am so saddened to hear of your loss, Ron's amazing outlook on life, his compassionate soul and his crazy jokes made him an important part of our Rotary Journey. I will never forget the funny stories and times we had with you both- I will be thinking of you all tomorrow- although we are miles away you are close in my heart at this time.
Lots of love Brooke
Australia Rotary Team Member 09
Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there, I did not die. - - Anonymous.
Danielle Mullen
September 10, 2009
Dear Marie:
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Ron was such a warm and outgoing person who showed his joy and love of life to everyone he met.
He was a force in Rotary. His and your families' dedication to the youth exchange program opened the world to many young people. He was also a great ambassador for the Group Study Exchange program.
His voice, his smile, and his humor will be missed.
Tim Brown
September 10, 2009
Dear Marie
Even here in Australia he will be remembered as being a larger than life man, who made my recent trip to your part of the world Memorable.
My condolences to you and your family.
Janice (Nicholas) Adams
September 10, 2009
Ron was a wonderful man and it is so sad to hear of his passing! Ron believed in me even before he ever met me and helped me get many bookkeeping jobs and I will always be so thankful for that. He was a great man and a great boss too! Ron, you will be greatly missed by all. My heart goes out to Marie, Megan, Scott and the whole family. My prayers are with you all!
September 10, 2009
Dear Marie,
My heart aches for you everyday. I still cannot believe this happened. I hope as each day passes your grief can be replaced by fond loving memories of a life lived & shared.
With much compassion.
Kira Whitlock
Kristin Tustian
September 10, 2009
Ron quite literally helped open up the world to me, and for that I am grateful. His passing will be felt by many but the good that he has done will live on in the hearts and souls of everyone who has known him. As the ancient Greek politician Pericles said, “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” Ron leaves behind a blanket of warmth and integrity that stretches around the globe, one we can all find comfort under. My deepest sympathies to all Ron’s family and friends.
Rose Tustian
September 10, 2009
When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight. ~Kahlil Gibran
Thank-you Ron for being a bright length of yarn in my tapestry of life.
Prayers for courage, strength, understanding and peace for Audrey, Marie, Megan and Scott.
Linda Blaschuk
September 10, 2009
Dear Marie...I just heard about Ron and cannot believe he's gone. When we lived in Chilliwack, the two of you were awesome friends and helped me so much. He will be missed. My love, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love, Linda Blaschuk
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