Ronald Gordon Workman
Ronald Gordon Workman, a man loved dearly by his family, friends and community, passed away on Jan. 25, 2004. He was 73.
He was a lifetime resident of Winchester and contributed much to the community over the years. Born June 29, 1930, he was the second son of Fern and Eva Workman, and younger brother of Reg. He attended Winchester Public School, Winchester High School, and at age 16, joined the family newspaper business, the Winchester Press.
Following his father's untimely death in April of 1957, he and his brother Reg owned and operated the newspaper until it was sold in 1981. He married Phyllis MacDonald on July 23, 1955.
He was proud to be a "Winchester boy" and gave much of himself and his time to the community. He touched many lives through his kindness and caring and his dedication to making Winchester a better place to live. He served as a member of the Winchester Volunteer Fire Department, as a member and as chairman of the Winchester Public School Board, as president of the Winchester 100 Club, as an active member of the Winchester Chamber of Commerce, as chairman of the Santa Claus Parade Committee, and he was involved in public relations with the Ottawa Winter Fair Board and the local unit of the Cancer Society.
He also led the community park board in 1972 during the building of the Winchester Community Centre, the swimming pool and the lighted baseball diamond facilities. He served as deputy reeve on the Winchester Village Council from 1977 to 1978. He continued throughout his lifetime to promote and support the Winchester District Memorial Hospital, an area project two of whose pioneers were his father Fern and father-in-law Walter MacDonald.
He served 12 years on the hospital board, taking roles in public relations, finance and management. As chairman of the fundraising committee in 1985, he was proud to officiate at the opening of the new laboratory. His efforts to support the hospital continued until last spring when he helped recruit canvassers for the most recent expansion at the hospital, the Renewing the Vision Campaign.
A man of great faith, he was a lifelong member of St. Paul's Presbyterian Church and served as a member of the board of managers and as chairman. He always supported the church and believed deeply in its role within the community. He was also a member of the Masonic Order.
He was an avid sportsman, playing softball for the Winchester senior softball team from age 13 to 27, and he enjoyed the many successes of the well known Winchester Royals Fastball Team, coached by the late Cy Helmer. He was passionate about hockey and played through the minor leagues to the Winchester Juniors, and even played two games with the famous Inkerman Rockets before an injury forced him to retire. He later went on to referee in the junior and intermediate leagues.
He was one of the first boys to join the First Winchester Scout troop in 1945, where he attained status as a first-class Scout and later served many years as Scout master. He was an active member of the Winchester Curling Club from the age of 16, until last winter. Golf, bridge, fishing, hunting and summer at the cottage on the St. Lawrence were other fond pastimes.
Throughout his life, he was well known for his singing talent, which he shared many times at weddings, church services, anniversaries and strawberry socials. Many remember his songs during war time promoting the sale of Victory Bonds.
A dedicated family man, loyal friend and a committed community member, he will be sadly missed by family and friends.
He is survived by his beloved wife Phyllis (MacDonald); son Bill (Ginette); daughter Kate Workman-Delage (Laurent); and adored grandchildren Michael and Andrew Workman, and Elliot and Victor Delage. He was brother of the late Reg Workman. He is survived by sister-in-law Moyra Workman; brothers in-law and sisters-in-law Lorna and Eileen Cunnigham (MacDonald), and Les and Glenyce MacDonald; mother-in-law Laura MacDonald; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
The funeral service was held at St. Paul's Presbyterian Church on Jan. 28, followed by interment at Maple Ridge Cemetery. Pallbearers were
Michael Workman, Stephen Workman, John Blaine, Matthew Workman, Jeff Cunningham and Water MacDonald.
Donations to the Winchester District Memorial Hospital for palliative care or to the Dundas County Hospice in memory of Ron would be appreciated by the family.