DOIG, Ronald

April 3, 1947 — November 6, 2024

With profound sadness and broken hearts, we share the news of Ron’s sudden passing at his home in Kelowna, BC, on Wednesday, November 6, 2024.

Ron is lovingly survived by his daughter Trina Joslin (Dustin), son Cory Doig, daughter Megan McClelland (Kevin), and daughter-in-law Jenny Lyttle (Elliott); grandchildren Bradly and Justin Doig, Jaxon Joslin, and Chloe McClelland; sister Geraldine Paterson (Pat); niece Michelle McPeek and nephew Brad McPeek and their families; special friend and companion, Wendy Schulz; dog Cooper – who brought him so much joy; treasured Baxters family and countless friends, associates, and extended family.

Ron was predeceased by his beloved parents, Jim and Terry Doig, and his cherished wife and best friend, Debbie Segate.

Ron was born in Rossland, BC and grew up in Trail, BC. His childhood was a happy one. He was a charming child with an adventurous spirit and a twinkle in his eye that would stay with him his entire life. He excelled at sports and came by his love of them naturally from his Dad. He played baseball and hockey from an early age, often with the added bonus of having his father as a coach. Ron graduated from J.L. Crowe Secondary School by the skin of his teeth as he had already begun working at Canada Safeway, and he felt that his job was much more important.

Ron transferred to Williams Lake, BC with Safeway as a young adult. He continued to play hockey with the Williams Lake Stampeders even donning the coveted ‘C’ on his jersey. It was in Williams Lake that Ron started his family.

The next – and final – stop along his career with Safeway brought him to Kelowna in the roles of Produce Manager and Assistant Store Manager. Ron spent many dedicated years as an active member of the Okanagan Mission volunteer fire department. A commitment he enjoyed and was so proud of. He continued to play hockey with the Winfield Raiders and was still talking about his memories there a few short weeks ago.

Ron loved the game of baseball and played competitive and recreational slo-pitch on both men’s and mixed teams for many years. He was a force batting left and playing shortstop with the jersey number 12.

After retiring from a long and successful career with Safeway, his love of baseball brought him to Kings Stadium, where he became the president of Kelowna Major Men’s Fastball. He managed and maintained the field, coordinated schedules and tournaments and, of course, played Major Men’s slo-pitch.

Retirement didn’t sit very well with Ron. So before long, he was on to his next adventure – buying, owning, and running local bars and pubs. He began with Dakodas before settling in at Baxters, for almost 20 years. Baxters became his second home; his staff, regulars, and patrons were extended family.

Ron was a people person. His charisma, sense of humour, kind heart and generous nature drew people to him. He could at times be stubborn, opinionated, and feisty, but he ruled with his whole heart. He had so much love to give, and he did so freely. He loved big and unapologetically. Ron’s boisterous laugh was contagious and cheerful, and you couldn’t help but laugh alongside him.

Ron found joy in many things. His family, his friends, his dogs, his memories, his work, a nice cold beer, yummy food shared with loved ones, juicy watermelon, pies, cookies, cupcakes, and chocolate. He loved a game of cards (especially when he won), Sudoku, crossword puzzles, a bocce match, a round of golf, sports, the L.A. Dodgers, and the Game Show Network. Ron loved to travel, especially to Mesa. He loved warm weather and the sun. He was most happy in the Arizona room at his Mesa home and would refer to it as Heaven. But most importantly, what brought Ron joy was people. The people Ron surrounded himself with meant everything to him, and he was always grateful for the relationships and connections he had.

In lieu of flowers, we respectfully ask that you raise a cold glass of your favourite beverage to toast and honour Ron with his mantra “Just one More”.

We will be holding an informal open house in remembrance of Ron on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at Baxters Bar and Grill (#2 – 1745 Spall Road, Kelowna, BC). Please drop in anytime between 11:00 am – 6:00 pm.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.