A well known local hockey icon passed away this weekend.
Ron Ringler, was a personable hockey scout who still loved going to the rink, many times sporting his traditional cheese cutter hat.
The North Bay native has served on the OHL's Peterborough Petes scouting staff since the 2010-11 season. Prior to that, he was a scout with the Oshawa Generals, Saginaw Spirit and served as a scout and then assistant coach for the North Bay Centennials from 1998 to 2001.
"Ron loved his family and was a devoted and caring grandpa to his grandchildren. Ron was passionate about, and actively involved in the sport of hockey, having started his playing career as a young boy and going on to play OHL junior hockey and then semi-professional hockey in the international hockey league," his obituary stated.
Ringler, born on June 20, 1947, resided in Powassan with his wife Linda. He was 75.
Ringler also played for the Petes, suiting up under Roger Neilson as one of the team’s leading scorers during the 1967-68 season.
“It is a sad day for the Petes organization, losing someone who has done so much for the team throughout our history. You would be hard-pressed to find anyone in the junior hockey community who wasn’t impacted by Ron’s dedication to the game,” commented Petes General Manager, Michael Oke in a release.
“Ring was a valued member of our organization and a great man. He will be missed by the entire OHL and hockey community. Our deepest sympathies go out to Ron’s wife Linda, sons Peter and James and their families, and all of Ron’s family and friends across the province and around the world.”
The Petes will commemorate Ringler’s life during the opening ceremonies of the Home Opener on Thursday, September 29 at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.
Family and friends are invited to gather at the Paul Funeral Home, Powassan, on Saturday, October 1 from 1:30 to 2 p.m.
A celebration of life service will take place at 2 p.m., followed by a reception until 4 p.m. In memory of Ron, donations to a charity of your choice or the Heart and Stroke Foundation (heartandstroke.ca) would be appreciated.
