Ronald Melvin Bright Obituary
Ronald Bright — Dedicated Family and Ford Man
Oakville, ON Canada — Ronald Bright, 86, loving husband of Dorothy for 63 years, passed away Monday, January 20, 2020 in the ICU at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, following a gallant battle with multiple lengthy illnesses.
He is survived by his wife Dorothy (Tomlinson), daughters Karen (Michel Tétreault) of Kingston ON, Kathy (Sam Manfredi) of Myrtle Beach SC, sons Mark (Samantha Tullett) of Burlington ON, Paul (Kristine Nash) of Niagara Falls ON, as well as ten grandchildren aged 10-31, stretching from Vernon BC to Yellowknife NT to Halifax NS, plus their first great-grandchild, Harper who brought Ron and the family much joy in recent visits. Ron and Dorothy have been proud of their whole extended family, including grandchildren Nicholas (Nicole); Jake (Jade and daughter Harper), Madeleine (Maxence); Fraser, Andrea, Nicholas, Hannah, Chloe, Henry and Finn.
Born and raised in Woodstock, ON, the son of the late Pansy Bright and late stepdad George Morgan, and grandson of the late William Bright, Ron was a long-time resident of Oakville. Ron enjoyed over 63 years of marriage to his loving wife Dorothy. They seemed destined to be together from the moment she “stole” his bicycle and heart in Woodstock, where they grew up across the street from one another.
Ron’s academic ability was recognized early, being awarded a full scholarship to attend Queen’s University at Kingston for Mechanical Engineering, graduating in 1956. His first career employment spanned 43 1/2 years with Ford Motor Company, semi-retiring to consult for Ford and the Engineering society. Ron’s career traced the main central Ford locations, with time spent in Oakville’s COB, Windsor, Brampton, Detroit, and back to Oakville where he headed the Environmental & Safety group, reporting to the president. His accomplishments were many and included leading the institution of safety belts at Ford Canada, and heading their alternate fuels program.
On top of a hectic work and relocation schedule, Ron also later earned his MBA from McMaster University. Proudly wearing his iron ring, along with his son-in-law Michel and grandson Jacob, Ron was a long-time member of Professional Engineers Ontario.
He and lifelong friend Cliff Wright put these skills to use building the Wrights a unique single-level residence in their hometown of Woodstock. Their families often spent fun times together there and on the Wright’s houseboat on Lake Erie, fishing and swimming together for hours.
When the children were young, Ron & Dorothy also took the family camping up north in Bon Echo, where they’d canoe, walk trails and enjoy the campfire. Buying a tent trailer brought trips to Key Largo in The Florida Keys, Orlando for the first year opening of Walt Disney World, trips to the East Coast and Myrtle Beach. Sharing his love of fishing with his children and grandchildren, Ron took them to various Ontario fishing holes to teach them while young. A golf enthusiast, Ron enjoyed rounds with family, especially son-in-law Sam in Boca Raton, Bermuda, Myrtle Beach and the Oakville area, recently recalling with a grin his hole-in-one witnessed by Kathy & Sam.
Ever passionate about dogs, Ron loved all those they saw, fostered and rescued. Becoming allergic, his resolve to have a dog-free home was quickly demolished when teenaged Kathy suggested they just go “look” at pups of new breed, only to drive home with Tiffany, a sweet natured Cockapoo. Oliver was his latest constant companion, tucking in beside Ron in his recliner to enjoy a Western movie, war documentary - particularly featuring Churchill, travel log, a PBS serial or special.
Recently selling their Oakville home of 45 years, Ron and Dorothy have enjoyed condo living overlooking Bronte harbor where they could breakfast with friends at McDs and Dorothy could easily walk the dog. Many may recall Ron and buddies eagerly plotting the path of lottery numbers, discussing politics and world events, unraveling crosswords or solving Sudoku to challenge their minds and stay current. He enjoyed meeting up with colleagues at the regular Ford Retirement luncheons and kept abreast of automotive and alternate fuel developments.
Ron has traveled extensively with his job, taking his wife with him whenever possible once the kids were grown, and sparking their love of Bermuda in particular. Later he enjoyed travel with friends and his adult children, kissing the Blarney Stone in Ireland with longtime friends Murdoch & Jenny Jefferson, heading to Britain, France and Monaco with Karen & Michel to check out the opulent Monte Carlo Casino, Bermuda with Mark & Kathy and several more times to scooter, shop and golf with Kathy & Sam, repeating the adventure to golf in Myrtle Beach, and more local outings with the rest of the family.
A mere six years ago, Ron & Dorothy ventured to Halifax to attend the University graduation of their eldest grandchild, Nicholas, and last year Ron Face-Timed to witness his wedding. Ron has enjoyed many family celebrations in Niagara Falls with Paul, Kristine and grandchildren in their lovely home and Mark & Samantha have cooked and hosted countless tasty meals for Ron & Dorothy to share with grandkids and family in nearby Burlington.
In recent years, Ron traveled vicariously, through documentaries and through Karen & Michel calling from Dunkirk, the Great Wall of China, and the Prime Meridien in Greenwich; Kathy & Sam calling from Hawaii, Italy and Argentina; Mark, Samantha & family calling to recount the sights of Big Ben, Harry Potter land and London Bridge; Paul & Kristine lending them Molly to dog-sit while traveling to Myrtle Beach, the Caribbean islands and Mexico; and grandchildren checking in from points across Canada. Ron loved to hear about the sights, people, history and culture and never stopped being interested in the world around him.
Ron and Dorothy shared a love of family, friends, good food, and four-legged furry buddies. Among other things, Karen has inherited her Dad’s love of history and knowledge, Kathy shares his love of travel to witness the beauty of the ocean and trees, Mark inherited Ron’s sharp mind and acute analytical abilities, and Paul echoes his Dad’s inherent good nature and believing in the best of everyone.
Donations to the Oakville Humane Society in lieu of flowers are appreciated. https://omhs.ca
Services for Ron will take place Thursday, February 6, 2020 at the Oakview Funeral Home. A visitation is at 1-2 pm and a memorial service at 2 pm, followed by a reception.
Oakview Funeral Home
56 Lakeshore Road, W.
Oakville, Ontario L6K 1C7
Canada
(905) 842-2252
