Ronald Gene Quillian

Ronald Gene Quillian passed away January 9, 2016 at the age of 81. Ron and Joyce immigrated to Canada in 1957 with their then small, young family when Ron was recruited by the Ottawa Roughriders. Ron graduated from Tulane University with his Bachelors of Science in Geology, where he played for Tulane's Green Wave, and in 1991 was inducted into their sports Hall of Fame and where he still holds Tulane football records. By his mid-twenties, Ron became a member of the Society of Professional Engineers, the iron ring awarded to him in Ottawa and sponsored by Colonel R.B. Harkness of Ontario. Ron at age 50 completed his Masters degree at the University of Calgary in Engineering. Following a lengthy and productive career in oil and gas which began in Ontario, Ron and Joyce retired from Calgary to Kelowna in 1997. Ron was one of the founders of the Ontario Petroleum Institute (OPI) in 1963 and their President in 1970/1971. Always an athlete, Ron excelled in golf; and, in retirement, trained and became a ski instructor at Big White. Ron is survived by his wife, Joyce; his children Debi, Jim (Julie), Ed (Tracey), John and Cameron (Detti); his grandchildren Jesse (Amie), Jordan (Hayley), Stasia (Allen), Samara (Jason), Asha (Aaron), Alex, Mike, Kassy (Zach), Mike and Marshall; and eleven great-grandchildren Nova, Faeryn, Indigo, Penny, Madeline, James, Grace, Roman, Juliette, Hudson and Hazel. Ron was predeceased by their daughter Stacey (December 4, 1960) and by their son, Russ (January 3, 2016). Although a man of few words, Ron loved his family very much. Dad, Grandpa, Poppy, you will always be held in our thoughts and hearts. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favourite charity. A family memorial will be held at a later date. To share photos, condolences and stories of Ron, please visit www.choicememorial.com.