Ron was born in Salmon Arm BC, to William and Edith Belton and the family moved to Revelstoke BC when he and his older brother Bill were still quite young. They grew up there and as a young man, Ron got a job with the local post office on the advice of his parents, who thought a career in government would provide a secure future. His heart was never in it, but he managed to save up enough money to go on a six-month adventure through Europe in 1960, fueling a lifelong love of travel.
A few years later, Ron met Paula Maxwell in Nakusp, BC, and she became the love of his life. They were married in August of 1964, and lived in Prince Rupert for several years, where Ron worked for the brand-new pulp mill, Columbia Cellulose. They moved to Castlegar, BC in 1970, when Ron started working for Celgar Pulp Company in the Human Resource Department, where he worked until his retirement.
As kids, Ron and his brother spent countless hours on a golf course managed by their parents, and this led to a love of the game that Ron carried throughout his life. Ron was an avid and accomplished golfer, winning many tournaments. He also enjoyed fishing, skiing, (cross country, downhill, and water), curling, and beating the poker machines down in Vegas. He spent many years travelling to Nevada, the Cook Islands and Arizona with Paula, and then in later years to San Jose del Cabo, Mexico.
Ron’s love for Paula showed itself in his devotion to her over the years he spent as her caregiver after she developed Alzheimer’s Disease. After she moved to Castleview Care Centre, he spent time nearly every day with her, and he was known for the care he gave his beloved. His open heart and abundant generosity of spirit helped him think of the staff at Castleview as part of the family.
Ron passed away after a recurrence of cancer on April 11, 2017 with his children by his side. His family would like to thank Dr. Dave Larocque for his wonderful care and personal attention during Ron’s final days.
Ron is survived by his daughter Kimberley (David), his son Brian (Amanda), his grandsons Spencer and Jacob, and many beloved family members and friends. A service for Ron will be held on Friday, May 12, 2017 at the Castlegar Community Complex in the Selkirk Room at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the Canadian Cancer Society in Ron’s name.