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Ronald Charles MEINTS

January 6, 2010

1928-2010

Ron lost his war with Alzheimer’s disease on January 6, 2010 after eight years — a war he fought so hard but could not win. He never complained or gave up the fight. 

Ron was born in Hershel, Saskatchewan to Ernest and Alice Meints on January 2, 1928, where he spent his youth playing hockey and curling. As a young man, he and a pal came to B.C. to make their fortune. They tried potato farming but lost their first crop to the rain. The military looked good to Ron, and he made it his career. The military took him all over Canada.

While in Calgary, he married Bertha and they spent many years together raising their family, mostly in Chilliwack. He also served in Germany and Korea and finally to CFB Chilliwack, where he spent most of his years until retiring. His passion was Arabian horses, which he raised and his daughter Shawnne showed all over B.C. He was very active in the Chilliwack Riding Club and the Chilliwack Horse Show Association. He served as president and show chairman. He was also a 4H leader. Ron was dedicated to the youth. 

In 1981, Ron married Louise and they had 28 years of married bliss, and square dancing with the Chilliwack Rhythm Reelers, where they served as president couple for four years. They also served on the Fraser Valley Square Dance Committee. They spent many years at Thousand Trails, Cultus Lake, where Ron volunteered and became “Mr. Fix It”.

They spent many years travelling in the RV, and in 1999 they moved to Gibsons, B.C. Ron loved the Coast and looked forward to exploring it, but in 2002 he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. This was the start of his last journey.

Ron moved into Christenson Village, April 2008, where he received the most caring and loving care by the nurses and caregivers. Thanks to all of you. You are angels. Also, thanks to Dr. R. Lehman.

Ron is predeceased by his parents; brother Les; sisters Winnie and Joyce; and Bertha, the mother of his children. Ron is survived by daughter Shawnne DiPasquale and grandchildren Matthew and Rachel of Kelowna; son Tim (Diane) of Nanoose Bay; grandchildren Phillip, Sarah and Carla of Chilliwack; stepson Dwayne Clegg (Debbie) of Roberts Creek; step-grandchildren Lisa (Jerry); and great-grandson Carson, of Chilliwack; Keith Clegg, Ron’s special buddy, of Sechelt; Ralph Clegg of Sechelt; extended grandchildren Andrew and Olivia Elliot of Sardis, B.C.; sister Irene Brown of Rosetown, Sask.; brother Raymond (Nadine) of Fort McMurray, Alta.; brother-in-law Fred (Sue) of Mantic, Port McNeill, B.C.; sisters-in-law Leah Mantic of Vancouver and Diane (Ed) Kunderman of Port Alberni, B.C.; and many nieces and nephews. 

Ron was loved and respected by all who knew him. He never judged anyone. We were so blessed to have had Ron in our lives. Extra special thanks to Debbie Clegg and Debbie Mantic who travelled this journey with me. Your shoulders are so strong.

A private memorial will be held Saturday, January 23, 1-3 pm, at Christenson Village Activity Room, Gibsons, B.C. No flowers, please. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society / Research or to Children’s Hospital.

Dance with the angels my darling, until you take me in your arms again, and we will dance forever among the stars.

Love forever, Louise



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