Ronald Gene Quillian

QUILLIAN: Ronald Gene passed away January 9, 2016 at the age of 81. Ron and Joyce immigrated to Canada in 1957 with their then small, young family when Ron was recruited by the Ottawa Roughriders. Ron graduated from Tulane University with his geology degree, where he play for Tulane's Green Wave and was later conducted into their sports Hall of Fame. Although by his mid-twenties Ron became a member of the Society of Professional Engineers, the iron ring awarded to him in Ottawa sponsored by Colonel R.B. Harkness of Ontario, Ron at age 50 completed his second degree at the University of Calgary in Reservoir Engineering. Following a lengthy and productive career in oil and gas, that began in Ontario, Ron and Joyce retired from Calgary to Kelowna in 1997. Always an athlete, Ron excelled in golf; and, in retirement, trained and became a ski instructor at Big White. Ron is survived by his wife, Joyce; his children Debi, Jim (Julie), Ed (Tracey), John and Cameron (Detti); his grandchildren Jesse (Amie), Jordan (Hayley), Stasia (Allen), Samara (Jason), Asha (Aaron), Alex, Mike, Kassy (Zach), Mike and Marshall; and eleven great-grandchildren Nova, Faeryn, Indigo, Penny, Madeline, James, Grace, Roman, Juliette, Hudson and Hazel. Ron is predeceased by their daughter Stacey (December 4, 1960) and by their son, Russ (January 3, 2016). Although a man of few words, Ron loved his family very much. In lieu of flower, please donate to your favourite charity. A gathering will be held at the home of Ron and Joyce on Friday, January 15th, 2016 from 4:00 PM till 6:00 PM. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com. Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna. 250-762-2299