Obituary of Ron Colwell

It is with great sadness that the family of Ronald "Ron" Earle Colwell announce his passing on March 2, 2025, at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital, at the age of 90.

He was born on December 4, 1934 in Scotchtown, New Brunswick, to the late Ralph and Edith (Wasson) Colwell.

Ron is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Marie (Fox); daughters, Debra Cooper Roach (George), Doris Burleigh, and Donna Murray (Sean); grandson, Tavis Burleigh (Eileen); great-grandchildren, Linsay, Saydee, Greysen, and Easton; sister, Susan (Brice) McCracken, and his extended family.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his infant sister, Verna; grandchildren, Joshua "Josh" and Rebecca "Becky" Cooper, and sons-in-law, Ben Cooper and Bruce Burleigh.

Ron worked for 34 years with the Federal Department of Agriculture in potato research, starting in Fundy Park, then moved to the Experimental Farm in Lincoln and transferred to Benton Ridge as Farm Foreman in 1975.

He had many interests; he enjoyed working with his hands, creating furniture and crafts for flea markets and craft shows, and travelling around Canada and the U.S with his wife and other family members. He also enjoyed spending summers boating and water-skiing at Grand Lake, as well as snowmobiling, fishing, shuffleboard, and bowling. Ron and Marie loved square dancing and belonged to the Elm Tree Square Dance Club and Woodstock Square Dance Club. He was blessed with the "Gift of Gab", and was a wonderful storyteller. Over the years we heard many stories of his childhood antics and his adventures throughout his adult life.

Ron was hardworking, and had a sense of community throughout his life, always ready with a helping hand for family, friends, and neighbours, or a kind  word for a stranger. Ron was also a volunteer firefighter for the Meductic Fire Department until he retired.

After retiring in 1989, Ron and Marie became snowbirds, enjoying 20 wonderful winters in Florida and surrounding states, travelling around with friends and family. He kept himself so busy in retirement that he often said he would have to go back to work in order to get some rest.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Ambulance NB, Dr. Bock and Dr. Stymiest, and the nursing staff on 3E and Palliative Care for their compassion and exceptional care of Ron during his final hours.

A funeral service will be held in the J. A. McAdam Memorial Chapel on Thursday, March 6, 2025, beginning at 11:00 am, with Rev. Karl Csaszar officiating. George Roach, John Barton, Malcolm Fox, Mark Barton, Ralph Brown, and Sean Murray will be Honourary Pallbearers. For those unable to attend, this service will be livestreamed at https://vimeo.com/event/4969786. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Hospice House, or a charity of the donor's choice.