Ron was born and raised on the family farm outside of Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. After high school, he moved to Winnipeg, and then Calgary, Alberta, before the age of twenty. It was while working for AGT in Calgary that he met Elizabeth, the love of his life. They were married in Calgary on June 26, 1971 and in November of that year they went into business together, moving to Invermere, BC and purchasing the Toby Theatre.

In 1977, Ron obtained his Private Pilot’s License, which enabled him and his family to travel to places like Vancouver, BC, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and Saskatoon, SK, when they weren’t showing movies on the big screen. He later taught his teenage daughter Nicole how to fly a single engine airplane. Ron loved to laugh, watch baseball, enjoyed science-fiction, and was an avid learner, teaching himself about computers long before they were commonplace.

While some customers attending a movie may have referred to him as Mr. Toby, his favourite role was one of husband and father. He was a man of quiet strength, devoted to caring for his family, and was particularly gifted when it came to carpentry, creating beautiful spaces upstairs in the family home as well as in the theatre lobby and auditorium. Running the theatre for 43 years was a labour of love that required hard work, skill and ingenuity more often than not.

Ron is survived by his wife of nearly 52 years, Elizabeth, and two daughters, Tammy and Nicole. He is also survived by his brother, Edward. Ron was predeceased by his parents, John and Annabel, and sister, Shirley.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Shannon Page, RN Deena Weber and Rev. Katherine Hough for their unwavering support and compassionate care.

At Ron’s request, no funeral or memorial service will be held.

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