Ronald Clarkson

CLARKSON _ "Ronnie" Ronald Robert Gordon was born on November 14, 1919 in the city of New Westminster, B.C. On September 27, 2006, he peacefully succumbed to pneumonia cradled in the arms of his adoring wife, Phyllis, with every understanding of how he was loved and cherished. From the time he was diagnosed with Dementia of the Alzheimer's type in December of 1997, his wife ensured that their journey would always afford him the dignity, the respect, and the honour that he so deserved. Ronnie's accomplishments were many. With the Royal Canadian Air Force, during World War II, as a young man, he served his country valiantly in order to make this a better world for us to live in. Soon after, he found his passion...real estate. He opened his own business, Ronnie Clarkson House of Homes and his sign won the design award for Canada. Royal Trust, wanting to get started in the West, later bought him out, keeping him on as manager. He almost instantly brought this new office out west to top the charts for Royal Trust all across Canada. He continued to manage for Royal LePage after a later merger. He served his industry well and became President of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver in 1980. It has been said that he brought "class" to real estate on the west side. While Ronnie worked hard, he also played hard. He loved the water, and took immense pleasure in boating the Gulf and San Juan Islands. He loved people and was always so engaging...the most generous and hospitable of hosts. He loved to travel and enjoyed showing Phyllis exotic destinations all over the world. He loved fine dining...one of the big decisions of the day would be where we would "do lunch" or where we would find the decorated chefs. He loved to read, often devouring a novel in a day. He balanced his "go, go, go" work spirit with the pleasure and contentment he valued so much in his home and leisure life. Ronnie was abundantly kind, selfless, flamboyant, charismatic, charming, completely honest and the most generous. He is mourned and will forever be loved by his devoted wife Phyllis. He is survived by his children: daughter Christine Lyons; son Brian Clarkson (Cindy); son Michael Clarkson and their mother Mary E. Clarkson; by his grandson Stephen Lyons and granddaughter Tara MacKenzie; by his brothers Roy Clarkson (Pearl), Ken Clarkson, Norm Clarkson (Karen), Jim Strassman (May) and Edgar Strassman (Brenda). On Friday, October 6, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. a burial service will take place at Victory Memorial Park, 14831 - 28th Avenue, Surrey, BC followed by a memorial service at 2:30 p.m. Trinity Baptist Church, 1460 West 49th Avenue, Vancouver. Special thanks to all those at the Louis Brier Home and Hospital, Delta View Habilitation Centre and Vancouver General Hospital who opened their hearts to Ronnie and offered gentle care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of B.C. in Ronnie's memory. There is a link death cannot sever, Love and remembrance last forever. Victory Memorial Park Funeral Centre www.victorymemorialpark.com 604-536-6522