It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ronald Ernest Sheffield of Stittsville, Ontario (previously Brockville). Ron, a WWII veteran, earned the1939-45 Star, Atlantic Star C.V.S.M. and Clasp, Pacific Star, Burma Clasp, France and Germany Clasp, War Medal 1935-45 while serving in the British Merchant Marine. He was the youngest Chief Steward and Purser of the Beacon Grange (torpedoed and sank) and the Hornby Grange. Ron had many close calls with death. He survived 5 days in a lifeboat after his ship was torpedoed and sank in the North Atlantic. He participated in the D-day invasion as they transported troops across the channel. He survived a forty foot fall down the dry dock. Ron could recite hundreds of poems, was an accomplished painter and created many beautiful stain glass windows. He was a past-master Mason and had received his 60 year jewel. He enjoyed a good game of chess, checkers and bridge with friends and family. He had to be a smooth dancer to keep up with his wife, Myrtle, who was a member of the Blue Bell Bullets dance troupe that entertained the troops in Europe. He was an accomplished Brockville lawn bowler, winning many trophies. Ron worked as a ward supervisor at the Brockville Psychiatric Hospital. He helped develop and supervised the Homes for Special Care program (placing many patients back in the communities). Suffice to say that Ron’s life was full of adventure, danger, love, challenges and successes. He will be missed but remembered as a kind unselfish English gentleman. Ron was predeceased by his wife, Myrtle, his brothers (John, William, George, Bernard, Eric, Gilbert) and sister Rene. He is survived by his sister Anne, his sons (Bill and Eric) and his grandchildren (Jessica and Thomas). Thank you Dad and now Rest In Peace with mom - TOGETHER FOREVER
Family and friends are invited to attend at graveside service Roselawn Memorial Gardens, 2451 County Road 15, Maitland on Tuesday August 13, at 1.30 pm. Members of Masonic Lodges are invited to attend. Send condolences or make a donation online at www.irvinememorial.com.