MADILL, Ronald C. –
After a life filled with gentleness, integrity, joy, quiet determination – and unwavering commitment to family and community – Ron Madill of Mt. Brydges passed away peacefully at Strathroy-Middlesex General Hospital on December 24, in his 92nd year.
Mourning him deeply are his wife Margaret, with whom he shared 65 years of married life; children Brian, Maureen and Terry (Tracie); and grandchildren Liam and Connor. He will be dearly remembered by sisters Doris, Diane, Mary Lynn (Dunbar), Carolyn and Gail (Peter); and numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of cousins distant by blood but always close to his heart.
Born in Orangeville, Ron’s early guideposts were hard work, integrity, responsibility and The Golden Rule – leavened with a touch of whimsy and adventure. As an adult, he could not have been a more devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend.
He will be missed by an enormous community he cultivated during many decades of service as a barbershop and choir singer, Lions Club member, volunteer firefighter, cancer campaigner, leader at Mt. Brydges United Church, cemetery manager, sports supporter, and enthusiastic mobilizer in countless organizations. Many services, public facilities and green spaces in Mt. Brydges bear tribute to his example of leading-by-doing.
A funeral director for over 50 years, he considered it an honour to serve thousands of families during their times of grieving. He did so with genuine compassion and kindness. He had particular respect and affection for his many friends at Oneida, Chippewa and Munsee-Delaware First Nations, who publicly honoured him for his faithful and caring service.
Ron rarely made acquaintances – instead, he made lifelong friends, here and around the world. He was an avid horseman, standardbred trainer, self-taught stonemason, farmer, and enthusiast of cars and John Deere tractors.
He lived and led with humility, love and deep Christian faith. We may never know fully his influence and impact.
The family is grateful for hundreds of expressions of love they and Ron received during these past six weeks and, in particular, would like to thank staff at Strathroy-Middlesex General Hospital who Ron never failed to acknowledge with appreciation.
The memorial service will be conducted at Hope Community Christian Reformed Church, 22638 Adelaide Road, Mount Brydges, on Saturday, January 3 at 2 pm, with visitation in the church preceding from 12 noon until service time. The service will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/@hopecommunitycrc3298 for people unable to attend in person.
Private interment Madill Cemetery. Memorial contributions to Strathroy General Hospital Foundation or the charity of your choice would be appreciated. In his memory, we would ask you to consider taking on an act of service, however small, in your community.