It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Ronnie. He died peacefully on August 31st 2024, at the age of 94. He lived a long and prosperous life. He was a strong and loving husband to Estelle who passed away just a year and a half earlier, and a wonderful father to Rick (Lynne). He will be sorely missed by his sister Jennifer (Ron) and his brother Aubrey (Brenda) and sister in Australia, Maureen (Ronald) He is also predeceased by his sisters in Australia, Doris (Edward), Rose (Meredith)and brother Churchill (Heather). Ronnie also was predeceased by a brother in Sweden, Huxley (Margaret) and a brother in England, Walter (Doreen).
Ronnie was born in Columbo, Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and loved by his parents Edward and Mona Vanderwert. Ronnie and Estelle had one son, Rick, born on September 1st, 1962. They moved to Canada to join Estelle’s family in Toronto, in 1964. Ronnie and Estelle had been married for over 61 years before Estelle’s passing, and Ronnie passed away on what would have been their 63rd wedding anniversary. Ronnie started his work career in Toronto at the Toronto Telegram Newspaper, where he worked for 7 years. After a brief career at Farr Filters, he joined the East General Hospital and worked in the Fracture Clinic until his retirement. Ronnie always enjoyed getting together with his son Rick and Lynne and their family, Jody (Warren), Tracey (John), Craig (Tanya) and dearly loved being Great Grandpa to Graydon, Stephanie, Carter, Avery, and Brendan.
Ronnie was very much a sportsman, with Cricket being his favorite sport back in Ceylon. Bodybuilding and Boxing were also great passions of his. He took many trips to the Boxing Hall of Fame and loved following his brother-in-law Ronald as he competed in bodybuilding competitions. Ronnie also made sure his son Rick got involved in sports in Canada, like hockey and baseball, even though he learned the rules of the game at the same time Rick did. Ronnie loved his music, often being the DJ at New Years house parties. Ronnie and Estelle, loved to join in on family get togethers, picnics, and were instrumental in bringing many family members to Canada where they have lived and prospered. Ronnie and Estelle also liked to travel and visit their families across the world, visiting family in England, Sweden and many trips to visit family in Australia. He will be missed greatly by all his numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and all those who were privileged to meet and know him. He was truly a standup man and well respected by all. Ronnie was strong-willed but had the kindest heart and was always there for his family and friends.

There will be a private internment with family at 12pm, followed by a celebration of life for family and friends, to be held at Pine Hills Cemetery, (see website for address) on October 5th at 1pm, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.