Ron passed away peacefully with family at his side, in Ottawa following a stroke. He was born in Isabella Manitoba to Janet Ruth Iverach and Ernest Hamilton Bedford. He is survived by his sister Muriel Bedford, of Orillia ON, and pre-deceased by his brother Gerald (Jean Douglas) of Winnipeg MB.
Ron will be forever missed by the love of his life, his wife of 65 years, Trudy (Gertrude Cole); his children Michael (Barbara Hodgson), Dianne (Mike Traub) and Susan (Richard Yearwood); his grandchildren Chris (Linda), Jeff (Amanda), Adam and Alison; and his great grandchildren Kassie, Nathan and Logan.
Ron graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1952 with B.Sc. (Hons.) and from the University of British Columbia in 1955 with a Ph.D. in Physics. He and Trudy married that year in Vancouver, and moved to Ottawa where Ron began a distinguished, and highly rewarding, career, with the National Research Council of Canada. Ron’s 40-year career with NRC involved international collaborative research, and resulted in many lasting friendships. After retiring in 1995, with upwards of 100 published papers and book chapters, Ron retained his association with NRC as a ‘guest worker’ until 2003.
Ron had many interests outside of his work. He was an original member of the City View curling club and curled there for more than 50 years. He was an active member of the Ottawa Field Naturalists’ Club, serving on their Publications Committee for over 30 years. He was a respected birder, active in Ottawa’s birding community, and proud to have contributed to over 50 Christmas bird counts. He enjoyed nature, bridge, summer days at the lake in the Gatineau hills, old movies, poetry and classical music. Most of all he loved his family, and enjoyed any family gathering.
A private family remembrance will be held at Beechwood Cemetery on Monday November 16, 2020.
The family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who cared for Ron at the Ottawa Civic Hospital, particularly the staff of F7 whose care and compassion for Dad in is last days helped us all. We also thank everyone at Maplewood Retirement Community for their invaluable support of Ron and Trudy through what has been a challenging 2020.
In lieu of flowers, donations are welcomed to The Ottawa Hospital Foundation (in honour of F7) or The Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Digital Guestbook
Jean Cole
Pat Javor
Trudy, I was so sorry to read about Ron's passing just today. Please accept my belated condolences to you and your family. May your cherished memories of Ron help heal your hearts.
Dear Aunt Trudy and all the Family; First of all my sincere condolences to all of you. We never travelled down your way but were very happy when you folks came back to Gainsborough area and made time to come and include us in your visit. I recall the Bird watching down Lyleton area. I enjoyed visiting with you and holds a special place in my heart. Things are very different with alot of our elderly family not here with us. I wish you much health and send my love to you all! Ron will be truly missed! Take care!