LIDKEA, Ronald

(March 13, 1959-August 13, 2018)

It is with broken hearts that we must share the sad news of the unexpected passing of Ron.  Ron passed away at his residence on Worthington and Sherbrooke.  Ron took great pride in living in the house that was built by his grandpa Lidkea.  He worked hard at learning the house repairs and upkeep, when his loving dad, Elmer E. Lidkea (1901-1974), passed away when Ron was twelve. 

Ron will be deeply missed by his best friend and closest confidant, Lori Hladin, who he considered family and spent almost every day with for over 22 years. They had a special mutual protective relationship. They met at the N.B. Public Library, in the spring of Lori’s first year of university, when she asked if she could rest her books on Ron’s table, and he later offered the use of his home phone. “The love we had was a pure love.  We were there for each other because we loved each other, not because we expected anything in return.  Ron, you were my constant; my protector; my all encompassing...you got me through everything.  My life will never be the same without you by my side. I feel lost and have no idea how to do this life without you.  I will miss our crazy laughs.  No one has ever been there for me, no matter what, like you have been. Stay by my side until we meet again. I love you.”

Ron was the proud and loving Dad of Keegan Hladin.  Ron enjoyed watching Keegan play hockey, watching movies together, and teaching him carpentry. Ron and Keegan loved each other with all of their hearts, and Ron treasured everything Keegan made him or gave him.  They had so much fun at their sleepovers when Keegan was younger. Ron also looked after Keegan’s family pets when needed, and co-parented Sugar Princess (2003-2016), Keegan’s dog.  He helped look after Sugar often when Lori was unable to.  Ron loved and missed Sugar as well, and we are sure they are now comforted by one another, while playing in the grass. 

Special loving thanks to Chelsea Chadbourn, who has been a support through this trying time.  

Ron is survived by his brother-in-law, Robert Beaulieu (husband of loving sister, Nancy, 1955-2003).  Ron always enjoyed their afternoon visits on the veranda, and was happy for Rob when he got another motorcycle.  

Ron is also survived by his eldest sister, Eleanor Lidkea. 

Ron is also survived by cousins (Rivers), as well as extended family of Lori and Keegan, all who considered him family.  He was also survived by many friends and neighbourhood friends…too many to mention by name, yet some considered him family, like Mrs. Artan.  Ron was the first to help neighbours and friends without even being asked.  He’d surprise neighbourhood friends with snow blowing, shovelling, lawn mowing, repairs, and giving rides. Ron never wanted to accept payment for anything, but out of respect, would accept baking, jam, and garden delights.  Give Ron something impossible to fix, and he was up for the challenge to figure it out, from bicycles, air conditioners, snow blowers, generators, lawn mowers, to sewing, and even cutting Lori’s hair. He was a jack of all trades.   
 
Ron was a big help to his mom, Eleanor Phyllis Lidkea (Rivers) (1923-2011). He remained living at home to help care for his mom in her later years. In earlier years, when his mom ran the daycare in their home, he would play with the children to help her out.  

Ron was an academic and skipped two grades in school, and graduated grade 13 with honours.  As a younger man, Ron worked at Cochrane’s Hardware Store for his late friend, Vic Reynolds, and was extremely good at repairing bikes. Ron later worked making lenses at Venasse Optical for Gary Venasse, who he spoke highly of, and was planning to visit.  For years Ron helped Lori and Keegan with different events at their Church, volunteering his services often, and drove them weekly to Church for years in his prize possession, 1992 Ford Ranger, that he had until a few years ago when it was no longer feasible.  He always made mention that he got his truck the same year Keegan was born. Ron loved most genres of music, and listened to all of the radio stations, but he was “101.9 Rock’s” biggest fan. Ron was quiet and reserved, yet so much fun to be with.  He truly was a selfless angel, who was always there for all of his family and anyone who needed him.  

Ron, you were and are loved by all of us, more than you ever knew. You are unforgettable and are deeply missed.

As per Ron’s wishes, a cremation will take place.  We encourage anyone who has ever been touched by Ron’s sweet spirit to join us in a “Celebration of Ron’s Life”.  Feel free to bring pictures, and an open invitation to share your memories about Ron will be extended to those who wish to do so.  

Special thanks to Patrick Theoret, from Hillside Funeral Services, who has been a support and guided us through this process. 

Ron’s Celebration of Life will take place at 2:30 PM
Saturday, August 25th, 2018
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
988 Airport Road, 
North Bay, Ontario.