RONALD DEAN McQUAKER

It is with great sadness that the family of Ronald Dean McQuaker announces his peaceful passing, with his family by his side, on Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Ron was born June 19, 1929 to William and Annie of Stratton, Ont.
Ron was a man of many talents. He worked as a camp guide, truck driver owning his own truck, and then moving up to operating heavy equipment. He also worked on the pipeline.
He was most proud of his hoisting engineer ticket and was sought-after for his strength in this area.
He worked on many major construction projects of bridges and buildings in Ontario and most notable in Fort Frances, the kraft mill, Robin’s Donuts, and Canada Customs, with his last job being the construction of North American Lumber.
Ron was a great man with a flare for story-telling. He never forgot a name or a date. Ron also was very proud of being a self-taught organist.
He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, and enjoyed a competitive game of crib. He loved to take Irene out dancing and they spent many happy hours together at different dance functions, and also enjoyed travelling around visiting family and friends.
Ron is survived by his children, Debbie (Ron) Hebert, Sheri (Bill) Horbachewski, and Kirk McQuaker; their children, Ryan Urbanski, Ben (Rebecca) Urbanski, Shane Urbanski, Kim Raparanta, Tina Raparanta, and Ronnie Arnold; and nine great-grandchildren.
Ron was united in marriage to the love of his life, Irene Bobczynski, on Aug. 16, 2008, who survives with her children, Joseph (Fawn) Bobczynski, Howard (Marna) Bobczynski, Pam (Les) Kaun, Trisha (Rosaire) Lizotte, and Sharon Fredrickson, and their children, Kevin, Brent, Patrick, Christopher, Jillian, Jamie, Nicholas, Emily, Lindsay, Stephanie, Paul, and Stoney.
Ron also is survived by his brother, Carson McQuaker; numerous nieces and nephews; and many, many good friends.
Ron was predeceased by his parents, William and Annie McQuaker; first wife, Joyce; infant son, Bruce, two grandchildren; sister, Margaret (William) McLeod; brother, William (Azela) McQuaker; sister, Mary (Sigurd) Olson; sister, Hazel (Peter) Morken; sister, Isabel (Harry) Miles; brother, Norman McQuaker; and sister-in-law, Iris McQuaker.
Ron was a proud member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, the Royal Canadian Legion in Emo, and the Grand Lodge of Free Masons of Canada.
A celebration of Ron’s life will be held Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013 at 1 p.m. at Northridge Funeral Home in Emo, Ont.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations maybe made to the Continuing Care Unit at Riverside Health Care Facilities, Inc. in Fort Frances, Ont. c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com