We Remember
REDNER, Ronald Bernard
November 17, 1936 — June 5, 2022
Ronald Bernard Redner was born November 17, 1936, in Belleville Ontario. His earthly journey in life ended with his loving wife and daughter at his side, on Sunday, June 5, 2022.
He will be forever missed by his wife Laura of 63 years; his beloved children, Christopher William Redner (Jane), and Cheryl Ann Aletha Molenaar (Sid); his loving grandchildren, Alyssa Jennifer Farr (Everest), Matthew Daniel Molenaar (Mariela), deceased granddaughter Lindsay Michelle Molenaar and Robert Lewis Rocket Redner (named after Lewis Redner who wrote the music to “Old Little Town of Bethlehem”); he is also survived by sisters Eleanor Austin, (David), and Mary Todd (Dick); brother James Redner (Mairi); step-sisters; Heather Hawley, Doreen Redcliffe (David), and Ruth Anne Hawley; step-brother Lorne Hawley (Jean); 27 nieces and nephews and many cousins.
Ron was the son of the late William Bernard Redner and Aletha (Bird); step-son of Doris (Hawley). He was pre-deceased by sisters Wilma MacKay (Jim), Marilyn Langman (Larry), Beverly Futers (Fred), Margaret Rose Anderson (John), Sylvia Broad (Jack), and Joy Redner; and brother Gordon (Lynda).
In 1957 following Guelph Agricultural College, he specialized in Apple Orchard Farming.
Ron had many vocations: he was a lab technician in Dupont of Canada Brockville; Mead Johnsons Belleville, working alongside his excellent boss Peter Schaafsma; FBI Foods Trenton. In 1977 he purchased Hitchon’s Radio and TV and Appliance business in Belleville with his partner Joe Cox. His last business was in partnership with his wife Laura; owning and operating, Hitchon’s Hearing Centre. He would often service his clients in nursing homes and Belleville hospital. The most rewarding experience for him was reading the Psalms from the Bible to his clients. His greatest joy was leading them to Christ.
In 1994 they sold Hitchon’s Hearing Centre and semi-retired. He continued working part-time in the Belleville and Picton areas. In 2003 He and his wife Laura decided to have an adventure, sold their farm and headed for Abbotsford BC; where he continued to work part-time for several Hearing Aid businesses in Kelowna, Burnaby, Duncan and West Kelowna.
He loved landscaping and gardening. He helped many create beautiful lawns and gardens for others. He was often called the “Dirt Man”. He was most famous for teaching his grandson Matthew to hoe in the flower bed. His grandson Rocket was delighted to pull carrots from the garden alongside Poppy.
Ron loved the Lord and served him faithfully as a deacon at Calvary Church Belleville, Ontario, for many years. He and his wife were lifetime members of Gideons. Serving as Zone Leader; Ron would speak at small community churches on behalf of Gideons, while Pastors were on holiday. He served faithfully at Bibles for Missions in Belleville. While in Kelowna he served at Freedoms Door, Food for Thought and Fellowship of Christian Farmer’s Canada.
His greatest passion was sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ wherever God opened doors.
He was a hard worker with a strong work ethic. He did everything with gusto and a ball of energy. Everything he did was fast, especially with his biking buddies, John Martens, Henry Dyke, Wynne Davies, and others. He was passionate about playing tennis with friend Dr Wilfred Wendland, and playing Bocce ball with Arizona and KGF friends.
Whenever he and his wife entertained, out came the games. He was a gamesman and loved a good competition. He was a fun-loving guy, forever smiling and always giving a “thumbs up”. He will be forever in our hearts.
“Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.”
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the compassionate staff of KGH; Dr Cassidy; Dr Rolf; for their tireless labour on his behalf. To his loving nurse daughter Cheryl Molenaar, palliative care nurses, faithful Kelowna Gospel Fellowship friends, neighbours and friends. We appreciate all for your labour of love and support.
Please join us in mourning and celebrating his life on Friday, July 29, 2022, at 1:00 pm at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. Reception to follow. If you are unable to attend in person, you can join by Livestream at the link below.
Those wishing to make memorial donations in his honour, may do so at Gideon’s International (now ShareWord Global), or Fellowship of Christian Farmers Canada.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Service
Friday, July 29, 2022, at 1:00 pm
Location
Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road; Kelowna, BC
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Service Information
Service Details
The service for REDNER, Ronald Bernard is scheduled for Friday, July 29, 2022, at 1:00 pm. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Him and his wife brought such light to Bethesda, where their dear granddaughter, Lindsay lived. They often came to pick her up and take her out for visits. They were so kind and patient with all of us staff, they were both such beautiful people inside and out. I’m so thankful I got to know the family of Lindsay a little bit.
I first met Ron 64 years ago when my dearest life long friend Laura and he were dating. He has always been full of fun, a hard worker, and a wonderful witness for the Love of God. I’ve had so many wonderful times together with Ron in laughter and sorrow over these 64 years with so many tales to tell. Ron has been instrumental in winning so many souls for Christ always faithful to his Lord & Saviour, He’s rejoicing in Heaven now and “Oh, what a day that will be when we all meet again up there” My sincere love and prayers go out to his precious wife Laura, daughter Cheryl, son Chris and the whole family at this time of great loss. With love, Peg xo
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I am so sorry for your loss Cheryl your mom and family. My family road the bus in rednersville with you in high school. John Tracy and Kim Fray. So sorry about the loss of your child as well. GOD BLESS YOU ALL at this difficult time. Your Dad sounded like a great person.. xoxo
Ron was friend to my Dad during the latter years of my Dad’s life. If he didn’t already, Ron could have given us all lessons on being a friend. Let me explain. 😊 Next to the Lord and my Mom, my Dad valued family and relationships with others above everything. However, like many others, as my extroverted Dad aged, his body and brain eventually failed him. As usually happens in those situations, once a person isn’t well enough to go out on their own, many of their people find it more difficult or awkward to stay in touch, although that is when they are needed the most. Well, that was not the case with Ron. Ron was the most incredible friend to my Dad as my Dad was becoming more and more isolated. When I would speak with my Dad, he mentioned Ron the time. It was very evident that Ron treated my Dad with respect and kindness – as a friend & peer, not a like Ron was treating him like a project. Ron also helped with him with practical things when he visited, also even going out of his way, on a regular basis, to bring my Dad places that would keep him connected with others… and that no easy feat. Words can never adequately express how much it meant to my family to know that there was someone committed to visiting my Dad that also was able to navigate through the changes my Dad was going through. Laura, I know you played a part in all that too. We are so deeply grateful for you as well. As you celebrate Ron’s life and mourn his passing be assured there are likely countless folks with stories like this about Ron. People’s who are grateful for his life and who’s hearts and prayers are with you this day.
Sincerely, Dana Howe
My precious brother Ron was very kind, warm and very outgoing. He was a favorite of everybody’s.. Ron had a great sense of humor and a laugh that was absolutely contagious. He loved our God and had a lot of faith which he shared with anybody Who wanted to listen. We really miss him but know that we will see him again in heaven.. That will be a huge family reunion. See you soon Ron. We so miss you and love you dearly. David and Ellie
Ron was a very unique man. He was “ one of a kind”. Many wonderful memories shared with Ron and Laura. Dan has many good stories of time spent working together as neighbours in Belleville and at Elim Lodge fishing expedition. Ron will leave a vacant spot in all our lives but I’m sure he is rejoicing with his Lord in heaven. Our condolences to Laura and family.
Ron will be sorely missed. We got together for Bible Study at our home once a week and had great times of fellowship until COVID hit. After some of the restrictions were lifted, we started biking together and covered almost 3000 kms this past summer and on Monday’s we’d meet for lunch. These were precious times of more and spiritual support for one another. I miss Ron’s infectious, cheerful laugh and his refreshing enthusiasm and our times of fellowship together on our bikes. Someday we’ll meet again up in glory. Reserve a seat for me, Ron
Always loved my times with my Margaret’s brother. He was the BEST brother-in-law. His renowned competitiveness left him wide open for my “zingers”, and he was delighted to laugh and volley them right back. I will sure miss him at the lake ! He and Margaret are gaming to their heart’s content now!
We met Ron & Laura Redner at an Alpha Course at Abbotsford Anglican Church, share bible study times with them, had countless meals together, and shared valuable evenings with them.. They were our valuable friends.
“A true friend is more valuable that a pocket full of gold coins..” RIP and may the peace off the Lord be always with you. We’ll see you in heaven..
Praying for God’s peace and comfort through this time.
Blessing to all from Diane & Tim Campbell
Hello Everyone,
Here are some tributes that came in and are in the bulletin for todays service. We thought you would enjoy reading them here.
Tributes to Ron Redner
I idolized my older brother, Ron. When he came home from college, he would put me on his shoulders and we would clip clop around the house. I thought I was a princess riding on the biggest horse. They sent me to camp when I was 8 and I was homesick, so much so that Margaret was pretending I was not her sister. I was in the sick bay all day long. Ron had a motorcycle and delivered newspapers and would come down every night and pick me up, put me on the back of the bike and we would deliver those papers. When we were finished, he would take me back to camp and I would sob and hug him so tight. I must tell you the camp was less than a mile away from home. But he picked me up every night for a week and promised I would feel better in the morning. When David met Ron for the first time, he gave him such a big welcome. Being an only child, David was in awe of all the siblings in this family but felt closest to Ron almost like the brother he never had. They really enjoyed each other’s sense of humor. You would never really want to play games with Ron if he was winning, which he often did. You would never hear the end of it and the bragging would go on for hours. Of course, so did the games. –Ellie Austin (sister)
Having an older brother is special, and Ron was the oldest and therefore deemed the one in charge of his younger sisters. He was so full of life and always had a great sense of humor. His laugh is famous, I can still hear it now. He loved to tease us girls and make us laugh. Ron was always anxious to please and loath to offend. None of us could keep up with all his activities. He enjoyed tennis and then pickle ball and loved riding his bike. He will be welcomed in heaven with open arms by all who have gone before him. What a reunion it will be. He will love it. Miss you already. Wish we could have had more time together. But I cherished every chance we got. –Mary Todd (sister)
My memories of Ron go back 60 plus years. I remember him and a brother unloading apples in our front yard in Foxboro, Ontario. He had arranged with Dad (George) to drop off 40-50 bushels of “grounder” apples for sale to passing traffic on Highway 14. Local citizens and hunters bought these at the dizzying price of $1.00 a bushel and $0.25 extra if you took the basket. Two of my older siblings became enamored of Ron’s sisters, but nothing with the depth and duration of Ron and Laura’s connection. We took many trips to Rednersville to help (for pay of course, we ARE the children of a Scottish father) on the farm picking berries or planting thousands of tomato plants. Ron was omnipresent, directing activities with lots of laughter but a “get it done” directness. I recollect Ron, being very thoughtful of his sweetheart’s younger siblings, drove Bernard’s (his dad) power boat for semi successful waterskiing endeavors with me and Stanley. That poor Johnson 18hp motor just barely made the grade. There have been many memories since, all treasured. –Barry Purves (brother-in-law)
Ron Redner was an honorable and just man with deep, unwavering spiritual conviction in his belief in God, in His son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit and the union of the church. He was a loyal, loving, and supportive husband and a great father. With his joyful heart and boundless energy, he was a loving grandfather. He was grateful and honored and well-blessed to have a close and tight relationship with Sid and Jane. Ron was well-loved and respected among family, friends, and community members. He will be remembered for his laughter, his humour, his boundless energy, and His love of life, and the ability to see God in everyone and everything. –Stan Purves (brother-in-law)
I got to know Ron in 1969. He was a joy to work with. Always willing to help. He loved life and was Mr. Optimist. His laugh was infectious. He loved a practical joke. Above all he loved his Lord and Saviour. This was evident in some of his volunteer work and sharing of the gospel. He helped people in trouble. Joan and I reflected on some of the enjoyable times together spent with Ron and Laura. Invariably we focused on how God provided in our respective lives, both in good and difficult times. We miss you Ron! We thank God for getting to know you. Now you can bask in the Glory of Jesus. Dear friend, rest in peace. –Peter Schaafsma (former co-worker)
My earliest memories of Uncle Ron are at the old house for the family reunions and I remember playing baseball in the yard with him. He was always great about keeping in touch with both Mom and me, and I’m so glad we were able to see both Ron and Laura when they were traveling through Michigan. I will always remember him with a warm smile and a pleasure to be around. He will be missed but never forgotten. –Jonathan Austin (nephew)
My many happy memories of Uncle Ron can be summed up in these three words: Fun, Energetic, Godly.
–Jeff Futers (nephew)
Uncle Ron impacted my life and others. What stands out to me was his love for God, his love for his family, his love for others, and his exuberance for life. You could see his love expressed when he was engaging with others, whether in conversations or activities that he enjoyed like golf, board games, walks in nature, or skiing down snow-peaked mountains. Life for Uncle Ron always involved fun, laughter, and lots of adventure. I can still see him smile and hear his contagious laugh. His love for God and others was expressed in so many special ways that I’m sure it would take an entire book to record. He loved to share his faith in Jesus with anyone who would listen everywhere he went. I’d like to call these God adventures because Uncle Ron loved adventure. He would explain the gospel in a way that a child could even understand. In a way Uncle Ron was like a little child, joyful, playful, and full of energy. The time Uncle Ron had on this earth was actually preparing him for the greatest adventure of his life, and that is eternal life in heaven. He is also very happy to be reunited with his family who had gone before him. Uncle Ron, I am looking forward to seeing you in heaven where the true fun begins. Thank you, Uncle Ron for impacting my life and leaving a beautiful legacy for us to follow. – Jill (Redner) Sell (niece)
The first word I think of when I think of Uncle Ron is ‘Fun’ but perhaps a better word is ‘Engaged.’ While it’s been years since we’ve had the privilege of seeing Uncle Ron, he was always so engaged in our conversations and engaged in his zest for bringing people together in the spirit of creating lasting memories. He was a wonderful person. –Larry Futers (nephew)
I remember my mother and father always playing the game of Rook. Always heard laughter and cheers. Always met with a big hug and warm smile. So much fun to be around. The family reunions. My mother’s booming laughter at the sight of her favorite brother. –Linda MacKay (niece)
I loved spending time with Uncle Ron when we would visit. Uncle Ron had a sense of humour, a contagious laugh, and an engaging smile that brought such joy to everyone around him. He was generous, had passion for living life to the fullest, and was a fun adventurer. I will always remember Uncle Ron as a great man with a positive attitude, a love for God, and a desire to see people know his Saviour, Jesus! – Mark Redner (nephew)
Uncle Ron will be remembered fondly. He always had a smile and a laugh. His zest for life and adventures was contagious. He was an age-defying wonder to us. From skiing, tennis, sailing, golf, and more, I remember seeing him in action and hearing the stories from my Mom when they would get together. How he loved to play, whether it was sports or games. His play was more than just an activity but to enjoy life and enter new social circles and share more laughs and fun. From Uncle Ron we learned that we shouldn’t be a wall flower. That if we wanted to learn something or do something, get out there and do it. He taught us to not be shy, stretch out your hand, say hello, and make friends wherever you go and whatever you do. He taught us that if we fall, make a splash, or tip the boat over, it’s not the end of the world, it’s all part of learning. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. –Patrick Galesloot (nephew)
Laura, Thank you for contacting me. I lost your contact info. Please call me again. Keith