Ronald "Ron" Sidney Wright

He was the son the late Maude (nee Wright) Lorde-Cox and the late Herman Cox and is survived by his daughter, Renee Wright, his granddaughters Atheana, Nevaeh and Aniyah, his son Justin (Madison) Wright and his grandson Unique, Moncton, NB whom he loved deeply. Ronnie is also survived by his biological father Charles Izzard, Toronto, ON, and his only remaining maternal uncle, Charles “Henry” (Marjorie) Wright, Beechville, NS.

He was the second oldest of eight (known as #2). He is survived by his siblings Perry Wright, Timberlea; Alonzo (Tammie) Wright, Halifax; Pearlene Wright, Halifax; Chris Lorde, Halifax; Lincoln Lorde, Halifax; Paul Lorde, Musquodoboit Harbour; and Anton Lorde, Yarmouth, NS. He was especially fond of his 18 nieces and nephews. Ronnie was blessed to have a special brother, Gordon Kevin Connor, who is appreciated by his family.

He was a child of the Most-High God and a dedicated servant who used his Christian faith as the foundation to manifest his purpose. He was a man of integrity, fearless in his execution of excellence. He was the former Vice President of the African United Baptist Church (AUBA) Laymen’s Council, and he served as a member of New Horizons Baptist Church, occupying positions as President of the Men’s Brotherhood, and member of the New Horizons Revival Choir. He was steadfast and always abounding in the work of The Lord.

Ronnie was a staunch proponent of the virtue of education, having been influenced by his mother’s wisdom and guidance, and by the Community YMCA philosophy of “Each One, Teach One.” He was a graduate of Queen Elizabeth High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dalhousie University. He was a gifted basketball player who was lauded for his talent at the high school and university levels, and through Basketball Nova Scotia. His love of community, education, and basketball shaped his influence as a mentor and successful coach, positively impacting the lives of countless youth. He always said: the principal of basketball equates to life—the goal to persevere and ‘keep your eye on the prize’. Ronnie coached for 30 years at the Community YMCA, selflessly volunteering endless hours and enjoying every moment. His famous phrases (usually directed to the referees) could be heard across the court: “What’s going on out there?”; “Can we talk about it?!”

Ronnie was employed with the Nova Scotia Department of Justice, initially as a Youth Care Worker at the Waterville Correctional Facility for 15 years, pouring his values and wisdom into challenged youth. Over the years, he was often approached by young men who testified to the positive impact of his caring and moral influence in their lives. He later transitioned back to Halifax as a Probation Officer, continuing to touch the lives of youth, adults, and colleagues. He often stated that he loved his profession, and during the latter part of his career he was a Probation Recruitment Officer, managing the recruitment of Black/African Nova Scotians to increase representation in his field, across the province.

During his 38 years with the Department of Justice, he humbly received Public Service Commission Long Service Awards, Corrections Exemplary Service Medals, the Minister’s Award for Exceptional Humanitarian Service, the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal, and will posthumously receive another Corrections Exemplary Service Medal.

Ronnie was a sports aficionado. He enjoyed playing board games, bonfire games and cards with family; his passion was participating in the Texas Hold’em league in Fairview where he developed strong friendships of mutual respect and adoration. Ronnie was a force to be reckoned with! He was invigorated by skilled competition, so much so that he continuously ranked high in local and global matches, most notably representing Halifax, NS in the World Series of Poker Tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Ronnie excelled at patiently acquainting himself with others and he recognized the humanity in everyone who crossed his path. His ability to bring out the best in people with his unique, caring and genuine communication style was one of his trademarks. Ronnie’s humour, teasing, quiet-thoughtful conversation will be missed by his family and by those for whom he cared.

The family would like to extend sincere thanks to Ronnie’s supportive friend, Delores, and thank you to friends and community for the outpouring of love, condolences, and prayers. Special thanks to Dr. Mark Walsh, Gastrointestinal Surgeon, and Dr. Alexander Sun, Oncologist, and medical staff who were involved in Ronnie’s care.

The celebration of life will commence with the visitation on Thursday, April 3, 2025, 2-4pm and at 6-8pm with the AUBA Laymen’s Council/Men’s Brotherhood Service at 7pm, at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax. The Homegoing Service will be held at New Horizons Baptist Church, 5457 Nora Bernard St., Halifax, on Friday, April 4, 2025 at 2pm, officiated by Rev. Grace Skeir, assisted by Rev. Dr. Lennett Anderson and Rev. Lloyd Grant. A reception will follow in the church hall. Interment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the name of “Ronald Sidney Wright” to the Canadian Cancer Society (1-888-939-3333 or cancer.ca) and designate for colon cancer research. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.jasnowfuneralhome.com