George Ronald (Ron) Palmer
August 20, 1927 - May 23, 2017
Our family is heartbroken to announce the passing of a much loved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Ron was born during the depression era in the small community of Sight Hill, Manitoba where he received his early education. It was a time when no one locked their doors, and neighbours helped each other, with whatever was needed. At a very early age, it became Ron's responsibility to manage the family's mixed agricultural farm. In 1948 he made the decision to move his elderly parents to Chilliwack where they operated a small grocery store on Fairfield Island. During this time as well, Ron began work as a milkman with the Fraser Valley Milk Producers, at that time located in Sardis, BC covering the Valley up to Boston Bar. Ron enjoyed going to family dances which were popular in the early 50's. It was at one of these dances that he met Lorraine. The couple married on September 3, 1951. In 1952 Ron took a job with the Provincial Government Engineering Department. He worked in Chilliwack measuring out the first traffic lights at Five Corners. The crew later moved to Port Moody, Burns Lake, McBride, Kamloops & Vernon. In 1953 Ron began work at the Canadian Forces Base in Chilliwack, which was the beginning of his 35 year career at the Base. He often remarked that he was sorry to see the Base close, as it offered training in so many skills, as well as providing hospital and emergency response personnel to the community. Ron and Lorraine both retired in 1988, a time in their lives when they could enjoy more time with their family, as well as traveling across Canada, Europe, Asia, Scandinavia and the Caribbean. They would often recall the wonderful memories of their travels. Ron is predeceased by his parents, George and Lillian Palmer, sisters Elizabeth, Kathleen and Jean, and his brother Albert (Bert). Left to mourn his passing is his wife, Lorraine, daughters Sharron Foerster & her husband Tom, Marlene Palmer & her husband Phillip Hurst, granddaughter Jennifer (Huber) & her husband Brett, grandson Bob Foerster, granddaughter Katie Hurst, great granddaughter Charlotte Huber, sister-in-law Myrna Jones & her husband Bill, niece Debbie (Terry) Allan, nephews Randy and Mike Palmer. The family has lost the wise counsel of Ron, a truly honest, generous man, whose word was his bond. He will forever live in our hearts. We wish to thank Dr. Lisa Le Gresley for her care and understanding. A Private family memorial will be held at a later date.
Go rest high on that mountain.
'Cause son, your work on earth is done.