Ronald Routledge

It is with great sadness that we said goodbye to Ronald William Routledge on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend. Ron is survived by his wife of almost 52 years June, son Brad, daughter Janine (Marcus) Croy, grandchildren Sophie Routledge and Maggie & Ewan Croy, brother John (Peggy), cousins Beverly McTaggart-Cowan (Jim) and Wayne Gwinn (Colleen), and nieces Wendy (Dave) and Abby (Travis). Ron was predeceased by parents Bill and Kae Routledge.

Born in Killam, Alberta on January 28th, 1950 the youngest of two brothers, Ron grew up on the Routledge family farm and actively participated in many community events within the Lougheed and Sedgewick communities. He attended the University of Alberta and received a Degree in Honors Zoology in 1971. While there, he sang in the U of A Mixed Chorus where he met his wife June and several life long ‘chorus friends’.

After graduating, Ron was hired by National Parks Canada as a Chief Park Naturalist for Georgian Bay Islands in Ontario, then Riding Mountain in Manitoba. He transferred to BC Parks in 1978, then moved from Nelson to the Regional Office in Kamloops where he was one of an active team in Central Region, working to make this region one of the most progressive in the province. Throughout his working career he maintained his passion for educating others in and about nature and natural history until his retirement in June 2007.

Upon retiring from Provincial Parks, he put his leadership abilities to work by learning, then instructing students in taxation completion for H & R Block. He also acquired additional knowledge in property management, renting to those pursuing advanced education. All the while he was an active member of Kamloops United Church, serving on Church Council, on Presbytery, co-chairing the Church renovation and 429 St. Paul Legacy build, and most recently working to have worship services broadcast during Covid. His voice was welcomed on the Kamloops Symphony Board, and he offered congenial leadership to many additional committees. His singing voice turned heads as he shared his talent and contributed to many musical productions, choirs, choruses and as a soloist. Travelling was also a valued part of Ron’s retirement life. He and wife June had the good fortune to share several trips to Australia, Europe, and China.

Ron loved nature and was passionate about educating the public. His curiosity and desire to explore new natural areas took him through many BC Parks (Mt. Assiniboine, Mt. Robson, Wells Gray, Top of the World, Kokanee Glacier). Each summer for many years, he and son Brad would plan a trek into the mountains, preparing dried food, gathering back packing equipment, and encouraging one another when rain/wind/sleet/snow provided obstacles. Ron garnered spiritual wisdom from nature and enjoyed canoeing, hiking, photography, and cross-country skiing immensely.

In 2017 after chemo for metastatic prostate cancer, Ron had the good fortune to join the True North Project, an exercise recovery program for men who had undergone lower abdominal surgery. Sponsored by the City of Kamloops along with Rob Petrie of F3Fit, Ron valued this program and remained an active participant at Rob’s F3Fit Gym until February of this year.

Family and friends were always important to Ron. He was very proud of the accomplishments of both his children and loved sharing his passion for science and the outdoors with his grandchildren. He celebrated their activities, jumped at any opportunity to attend skating carnivals and highland dance competitions, and accepted every volleyball / badminton / playground / Lego challenge thrown his way.

A heartfelt thanks goes out to Dr. Terry Simpson (retired family physician), Dr. Peter Loland, the wonderful staff of the Kamloops Cancer Clinic, Home Care Nurse Tina, and the Staff and Volunteers at Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Hospice for their compassionate care and support during Ron’s final days.

A Celebration of Life is planned for 10:30 am Friday, July 12th at Kamloops United Church, friends attending the service are invited to join the family for a luncheon at 12:00pm in the Church Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ron may be made to the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Hospice Home, Kamloops United Church, or a charity of your choice.