Obituary of Ronald Thomas Winterbottom
Ronald Thomas Winterbottom died peacefully on July 7, 2024, at the remarkable age of 91. He leaves behind the love of his life, and wife of 71 years, Catharine, who lovingly tended to his every need over the past 5 years.
Kind and loving father to Cathy Penner, Patty (Eugene) Serwatiak, Tom (Parnell), Ron (Brenda) Theresa Van Kralingen (the late Harold) and Bill. Grandfather to many grand and great-grandchildren. Dear brother of Bob (Beth), Jim (Tina), Madeline (Joe) Kish and Charles (deceased).
Ron had a hardworking nature which he developed at a young age when his father hired him at the canning factory and when he delivered groceries to the ships that passed through the Old Welland Canal in Port Dalhousie. He became a competent “Master” Plumber and supported his family through his trade. When he retired from plumbing he took a position as Apprenticeship Councilor with the Worker’s Compensation Board where he steered up-and-coming trades people toward their goals.
Always a willing contributor to the community, he was especially proud of his inductions into the St. Catharines, Ontario, and Canadian Lacrosse Halls of Fame for his dedication to helping young people grow and succeed in life and for his dedication to building the sport of Lacrosse. He was a founding member and Past President of the St. Catharines Old Boys Lacrosse Association. Ron was a member of the St. Catharines Rowing Club. He volunteered as a media colour commentator for the first World Rowing Championship held on the Henley Course and worked many regattas as a finish line judge and clerk of the scales.
Ron will be lovingly remembered for his kind and giving spirit, telling us all that we should help other people whenever we can. He loved his family. Rest in peace Dad.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to the nursing staff at the St. Catharines Hospital for their compassionate care during Ron’s final days.
In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at George Darte Funeral Home, 585 Carlton St. St Catharines, Ontario, L2M 4Y1 on Sunday July 14th from 2-4pm. A funeral mass to celebrate Ron’s life will take place at Star of the Sea Church 34 Elgin St, St. Catharines, ON L2N 5G5, Monday July 15th at 11am.
A private internment will take place at Victoria Lawn Cemetery at a later date.
If so desired, donations to a charity of your choice or the Niagara Health System would be appreciated by the family.