Ronald Malcolm Banks

It is with great sadness that the family of Ronald Malcolm Banks announces his passing on Sunday, May 28, 2017 at LaVerendrye General Hospital, after a lengthy battle with cancer, surrounded by his family and friends. Ron was born on February 4, 1955 in Fort Frances to the late Robert and Alice (McRitchie) Banks.

During Ron’s early years he attended school in Fort Frances and spent summers at Reef Point which is where he met his wife Carol. Ron and Carol were united in marriage on June 15, 1973. They soon after started a family with the birth of their daughter Sheri followed by Rhonda. Ron was a loving husband, father and later a grandfather. Ron accepted a job at Boise Cascade in 1976 where he remained until his retirement from Abitibi Bowater Inc. in January 2011.

Ron enjoyed many summers at the cabin on Reef Point with his family. In 1993 he and Carol realized their dream of living at the lake year round when they built a new house. With their new house came the addition of one more member of the family, his most favourite dog, Mireag’s Miller Legend, known as Caesar. He and Caesar are now reunited after years apart to cross the Rainbow Bridge together.

Over the years Ron spent many hours outdoors, hunting, fishing, golfing or helping a friend with a roof, fence, or whatever they needed help with. Ron could also be found out having coffee with friends on his days off and almost daily in recent years.

Ron’s other interests included camping, snowmobiling, riding his motorcycle, water skiing and watching racing. Many Augusts were spent camping in Brainerd, MN to watch racing. Ron and Carol also spent many hours tracing family genealogy and reconnecting with family members.

While living full time at the lake, Ron was a volunteer with the Watten Fire Dept. Ron also held the position of President for the snowmobile club, volunteered for many years with the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship and was previously a member of the Early Iron Car Club.

Ron is survived by his wife Carol, daughters Sheri (John) Payne and Rhonda (Lance) Besignano and grandchildren Ashley and Carter Payne. Also surviving are brothers Bob (Doreen) Banks and Bill (Wendy) Banks as well as nieces and nephews and many close friends.

At Ron’s request there will not be a funeral. Interment will take place at a later date with a private family ceremony.

If friends so desire, in memoriam donations can be made to the Watten Volunteer Fire Department.