Ronald Alexander McClintock

Ron was predeceased by his father William in 2004 and his mother Irma (Galenzoski) in 2013.  

Ron is survived by his wife, ‘Dear’ Dira, his brother Bill (Rita) McClintock, nephews Kyle and Berke, niece Rae; brother-in-law Jason (Rose) Trehas and nieces Tessa (Scott), Quinn (Bryce) and Teal (Jason) all of Regina, Saskatchewan; and, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Ron grew up in Regina and obtained his Bachelor of Admin in 1986 from the University of Regina. He had met Dira the year before, through Dira’s best friend Rita,  now her sister-in - law.   After a box full  of rejected job applications, unable to find work in his chosen Human Resources-Labour Relations field, they moved to Victoria, B.C. August 1990.  This fulfilled  Ron’s childhood dream to live on the west coast and both of their wishes to pursue adventures outside of Saskatchewan.  Dira’s nursing credentials enabled her to secure employment quickly and by February 1991, Ron was working at CFB Esquimalt as a clerk on the civilian side.  His work ethic and need for a challenge helped him rise  up the ladder to the level of Manager Human Resourses for the Civilian HR Service Centre (Pacific) over his 26 years on the base. They bought their acreage near Duncan in the  summer of 1991.  During those early years he learned to white water kayak, eventually becoming the chief instructor at the base kayak club for many years, teaching 100’s of people how to kayak.   He participated in the base intramural hockey league, continuing with the game he had played every year of his life from 8 years old until 2016.   He competed in triathlons, adventure races, downhill skiing, running races, scuba diving, ocean kayaking & mountain biking. Ron enjoyed motorcycles,  both on and off road.  A passion from a young age until recently.  HIs greatest love were his cars.  Namely his 1970 and ½ Camaro - classic cars were always a part of his life. In more recent times he also discovered a love for Mazda Miatas and was lucky enough to buy another dream car, the 25th Anniversary Special Edition after many years driving the original 1990 version.

In his spare time, Ron, with Dira, built their acreage up from a tiny cabin, shallow well and outhouse to what affectionately became known as Red Roof Ranch. They married on the property in August 1994 only a few short days after completion of their dream home.   After  a few years of a tight finances and hard work they started to take the time to travel.   They both loved taking off in their kayaks for week long summer camping trips, or in their “camper” Astro van with their one , then two Malamutes for land locked camping trips throughout western Canada,  often to kayak festivals with friends.  Eventually they worked their way up to a full size motorhome for a little more creature comfort. They also enjoyed annual winter holidays, most often Hawaii but interspersed trips to Cuba, Costa Rica, Mexico, Florida, Cruises, Arizona and Palm Springs.  They also enjoyed a  6 week long bucket list trip to Europe in 2012, celebrating Dira’s retirement. 

In July 2017, Ron was diagnosed with ALS after months of worrying symptoms.  His calm bravery and resilience throughout the last 15 months has been remarkable.  His primary emotions were sadness and disappointment  at not quite making it to retirement to have more time to finish his vision for his yard, to pursue all the dreams he had for further travel and to pay back all the help he had received out here from the many friends  they made in their chosen home.   He passed while still collecting his nearly 18 months of accrued sick leave as he rarely missed work, despite dislocated shoulders, knee surgery and the increasing fatigue of the early stages of ALS

His final wish was to have his Celebration of Life held at his home, Red Roof Ranch.

Those wishing to do so may donate to the ALS Society of BC at www.alsbc.ca  who have been instrumental in supporting Ron and Dira while navigating this dreadful disease, though he was touched that so many of you have already done so.

Both Ron and I were flabbergasted and humbled by the amount of support we have received from friends and family far and wide. Every email, text and virtual hug boosted us. Sincerest thanks to so many.

Firstly to Bill and Rita, Kyle, Berke and Rae who changed their vacation plans over the last couple years to be with us, and help us on the RRR. And especially for this week, for being here with me. I couldn’t have done it without you.

To my gal pals of the Cowichan Valley, for the hugs, walks and sympathetic ear. You kept me sane.

To Ron’s co-workers, especially Jennette and Lori, who kept in touch, visited, supported us in the ALS walk, had tea parties and let him know how much he was valued and missed at work.

To Ron’s hockey buddies who got together with him for lunch, visited and retired his sweater #37.

To Dr Lorna Cutt, who walked this journey with us with empathy and kindness.

To our chiropractor, Dr Vanessa White, who kept Ron’s central nervous system optimized.

To Dr Konia Trouton who went out of her way to support Ron’s final wishes.

To Dr Gisela Wenzel-Smith who had the hardest job of all and was so gracious, quietly strong and kind.

To the staff at HealthLinc Medical Equipment (HME) Victoria who were always quick to respond to our needs, and drove out here to the boonies on numerous occasions to deliver all our equipment.

To the professionals at the ALS Clinic in Vancouver who gave us so much helpful advice and support.

To the ALS Society of BC who lent us 1000’s of dollars worth of equipment always in a timely manner.

To the multitude of respiratory, speech, dietary, occupational therapists we met along the way..

Every one of you was gracious and knowledgable and made us feel you had our backs.

To our friends who came out and helped at the “Ranch” with the hard jobs that Ron could no longer do…. tree cutting, wood stacking, yard cleaning, ceiling building, week whacking and brake changing. it was hard for him to accept but a lesson learned that allowing people to help is also a gift to them.

Thank you All.