Ronald Lawrence Ridsdale

In his 74th year, went home to the Lord. Ron was predeceased by his parents, Lawrence and Dorothy Ridsdale (Drimmie). Ron first attended the Ontario School for the Deaf in Belleville and later became a member of the first graduating class at OSD in Milton. During school breaks, Ron would find happiness at the Gilkes family farm, spending time with his aunt Margaret, uncle George and cousins.

Fine art was a passion for Ron and he was awarded top honours by the Canadian Cultural Society of the Deaf in the 1980s. Ron took great pleasure in the artwork that he shared to friends and family. He loved sharing stories about his farm visits and his school days; he shared a great curiosity about life.

Ron was a lifelong fan of the Chicago Blackhawks and the Chicago Bears; the sports pages were a delight for Ron.

Ron came to the Dans family as a teenager and close friend of Kenneth Dans Jr. He quickly became a well loved member of the Dans family in London, Ontario. A relationship that endured through five generations of Dans family.

Ron’s proudest achievement was being “uncle” to Ken Dans, Jr. and Gail Brunsdon’s four children: Timothy Dans (Christie) of Winnipeg, MB, Jennifer Willey (Leo) of Moreno Valley, CA, Matthew Andersen (Wallace) of Chicago, IL and Heather McCrory (Benjamin) of Riverside, CA.

Ron was then thrilled to become “great-uncle” to seven of the next generation: Spencer and Ty Willey, Abigail and Caitlyn Dans, Claire, Landon and Hudson McCrory.

Ron held respect for Douglas Dans (deceased), Joseph Dans, Edith Hollingsworth, Lorrie Vassos and Ronald Dans, as his brothers and sisters, along with their spouses and children.

He held Kenneth Dans Sr., and Henrietta Dans in high regard as his adoptive parents.

He held special memories of Edith Dans as his protector and adoptive grandmother.

The Dans family wishes to extend their gratitude to Ron’s friend and favourite interpreter, Katie Damen, for going all out for Ron all of the time.

A Celebration of Life for Ron will take place in 2022 along with his interment beside his mother.