DENNING, Ronald George Denning

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Ronald George Denning on Wednesday, August 5th, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Hospice, at the age of 85. A beloved husband, loving father, brother, and cherished grandfather, Ron is survived by Dilys, his devoted wife of 61 years, his children Keith (Denise) and Kathryn (Richard), his grandchildren Caitlin and Madeleine, and his brother Graham. Ron was the treasured uncle of Margaret, Christopher, Michael, Gillian, Paul, Mark, Susan, Michael, Helen, Gillian, Hanna and many great-nephews and nieces. Predeceased by his parents Thomas H. Denning and Lillian Maud (née Durham) and his brothers Roy (Sylvia), Leslie, Leonard, Peter (Patricia), and Graham’s wife Joan. Ron obtained his chemical engineering degree at the University of Wales (Swansea) and emigrated from Wales to Canada with Dilys in 1966, settling in Sarnia where he worked in industry for Polymer Corp and later for Monsanto Canada. Dedicated to environmental protection, Ron headed the Lambton Industrial Society in Sarnia for a decade, managing the monitoring and remediation of air and water quality in Sarnia and Lambton County. Ron was also a passionate educator who taught high school science for several years at SCITS, and ended his career at Lambton College where he taught environmental technology. Ron was a proud Welshman and Canadian, devoted both to the country of his birth and the country of his choosing, and resided in Sarnia for 60 years. An avid chess player who played with family and friends near and far, Ron was also known for his sense of humor as a ‘comical engineer’, his fine singing voice and love of music, and for his generosity in sharing flowers from his garden with many people in the community. The family wishes to thank the many medical care providers who ministered to Ron and his family during this time. A special thank you to Dr. Crombeen and the staff and volunteers at St. Joseph’s Hospice. Cremation has taken place. Family and friends will be received at Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia, on Thursday, August 27th, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. A celebration of Ron’s life will be held at 12:00 p.m. with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, sympathy may be expressed by donations to St. Joseph’s Hospice (Sarnia), donations to food banks in your community, or to Lambton Wildlife (cheques only at the funeral home.)

Funeral Details