Obituary for Ronald McAlister
Ronald McAlister
It is with sincere sadness that we announce the passing on February 8,
2023 of Ron McAlister at Rainy River Hospital Long Term Care. Ron was
born September 20, 1932 in Toronto, Ontario, to parents John and Florence McAlister.
He grew up in the Toronto area. Until 1991, he worked several business
ventures including Silk Flower distributor to local florists. In 1991,
Ron and Marilyn decided to pull up stakes and go west. Eventually they
found themselves in Rainy River, which they decided was to their liking.
On arriving he met Gary Kilpatrick and together they renovated the house
on Second St, stripping it to the exterior walls, and with new wiring,
plumbing, floors, really everything, turned it into a warm and inviting home.
On April 1, 1992 Ron and Gary produced the first Westend Weekly and in
January 1993 Ron and Jacquie Dufresne bought out Gary Kilpatrick. Ron
became well known and much liked on his advertising sales trips
throughout the district especially in Fort Frances and Emo. Tall in
stature, he was easy to spot walking down Scott Street every Monday and
Thursday, waving hi to all the people he came to know as friends.
Ron retired in 2005 and he and Marilyn did some traveling before settling
down to gardens, reading, and spending time with their beloved dogs. They
were both very interested in cut glass and enjoyed producing small
projects in their basement craft room. They also enjoyed collecting art,
particularly bird prints. They loved watching the birds in their yard
and often went on birding expeditions.
Ron developed macular degeneration which caused almost complete blindness
and ended many of his favourite activities. He was always an active
member of the Rainy River Public Library and was very grateful for their
efforts to keep him in large supply of books on CD.
Even with failing eyesight, he was an avid bicycle rider and was often
seen on all the trails in and around Baudette as well as country routes
around Rainy River. Into his 80’s he would easily put in 10 miles in a
day. Ron loved to sing and often performed for the seniors at Rainycrest
and in various choirs.
When Marilyn passed he became a lost soul for quite some time. Not able
to care for himself he moved into Rainy River Long Term Care and his
beautiful baritone voice could be heard in the halls belting out hymns
during Tuesday worship services. His favourite was “Mine Eyes Have Seen the
Glory of the Coming of the Lord”
As per Ron’s wishes, no service will be held. Donations may be made to
Rainy River Public Library C/O Northridge Funeral Home Box 89, Emo, ON
P0W1E0.
It is with sincere sadness that we announce the passing on February 8,
2023 of Ron McAlister at Rainy River Hospital Long Term Care. Ron was
born September 20, 1932 in Toronto, Ontario, to parents John and Florence McAlister.
He grew up in the Toronto area. Until 1991, he worked several business
ventures including Silk Flower distributor to local florists. In 1991,
Ron and Marilyn decided to pull up stakes and go west. Eventually they
found themselves in Rainy River, which they decided was to their liking.
On arriving he met Gary Kilpatrick and together they renovated the house
on Second St, stripping it to the exterior walls, and with new wiring,
plumbing, floors, really everything, turned it into a warm and inviting home.
On April 1, 1992 Ron and Gary produced the first Westend Weekly and in
January 1993 Ron and Jacquie Dufresne bought out Gary Kilpatrick. Ron
became well known and much liked on his advertising sales trips
throughout the district especially in Fort Frances and Emo. Tall in
stature, he was easy to spot walking down Scott Street every Monday and
Thursday, waving hi to all the people he came to know as friends.
Ron retired in 2005 and he and Marilyn did some traveling before settling
down to gardens, reading, and spending time with their beloved dogs. They
were both very interested in cut glass and enjoyed producing small
projects in their basement craft room. They also enjoyed collecting art,
particularly bird prints. They loved watching the birds in their yard
and often went on birding expeditions.
Ron developed macular degeneration which caused almost complete blindness
and ended many of his favourite activities. He was always an active
member of the Rainy River Public Library and was very grateful for their
efforts to keep him in large supply of books on CD.
Even with failing eyesight, he was an avid bicycle rider and was often
seen on all the trails in and around Baudette as well as country routes
around Rainy River. Into his 80’s he would easily put in 10 miles in a
day. Ron loved to sing and often performed for the seniors at Rainycrest
and in various choirs.
When Marilyn passed he became a lost soul for quite some time. Not able
to care for himself he moved into Rainy River Long Term Care and his
beautiful baritone voice could be heard in the halls belting out hymns
during Tuesday worship services. His favourite was “Mine Eyes Have Seen the
Glory of the Coming of the Lord”
As per Ron’s wishes, no service will be held. Donations may be made to
Rainy River Public Library C/O Northridge Funeral Home Box 89, Emo, ON
P0W1E0.