It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ronald Wallace McLaughlin on May 25, 2014 at the age of 75 years. Ron was born on August 24, 1938 in the village of Knob Hill, AB.
Ron worked in the Propane Gas Industry throughout Alberta and British Columbia for the greater part of his life. He moved through various positions of increasing responsibility within the industry and in 1987, Ron and a group of colleagues organized the buy-out of Mohawk Propane to form Premier Propane. As President and CEO, Ron led Premier Propane to great success throughout Western Canada. Ron was a member of the Propane Gas Association for 16 years and served as President of the PGA for 1 year in 1994. That same year he received the Lamplighter Award for his many years of service at a Provincial and National Level of the PGA. In 1995, after retirement at age 55, Ron and wife Diane moved to their lake front property on the Shuswap near Sorrento, BC. In 2001, Ron and Diane relocated to the Villas at Shuswap Lake Estates overlooking Blind Bay, BC, where Ron continued to play golf, cards, and curl with his buddies up until the last few years.
Ron had an incredible memory, was hard working, tenacious and always fair. He had a great sense of humor and the uncanny ability to sell himself to anyone with a great story or personal anecdote. Ron will be greatly missed by family and friends, notably his surviving family: wife Diane of 54 years; children- Denise (Dave) Edmonton, AB, Charlene-Calgary, AB, Shawn (Tami) Vancouver, BC; 4 grandchildren-Zachary, Christopher, Riley, and Trent; 1 great grandson- baby Jaxson, brother Bob McLaughlin (Martha) Edmonton, AB.
The family extends their thanks and gratitude to Dr. Jennifer Takahashi, the nurses and staff of Shuswap Lake Hospital, and Dr. Guy deWit for their care, patience and compassion.
Donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Society (www.parkinsons.bc.ca). The date of a Celebration of Life for Ron will be announced in the near future.
Online condolences may be sent through Ron’s obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com