RANTA, Rod Ranta

passed peacefully in hospital on June 10, 2026. Known as Rod, his name was butchered so often by well-meaning acquaintances that his family affectionately nick-named him ‘Roy.’ He was 87 years old.

Rod Ranta was born on June 15, 1938 in Toronto and grew up in a house on Sheppard Avenue West, just steps from Yonge Street. As a child he enjoyed carefree summers on Allenwood Beach in Wasaga at the cottage his grandfather built. At 6’5” it was not surprising that he excelled in playing football and basketball for Earl Haig Collegiate, serving as captain for both teams in his final year. When he was 17 he began a seven year love affair with Taylor Statten Camps in Algonquin Park, serving as a CIT and Counsellor at the boys camp (Ahmek), and finally a Canoe Guide at the girls camp (Wapomeo). He returned to camp in 1993 for the Centennial Canoe Trip, and continued attending the alumni’s September Camp for the next 22 years, where he forged cherished friendships.

His greatest love affair began in June of 1959 when, as a newly-hired teacher, he was introduced to a beautiful second-year teacher named Mary Williams on the steps of Orde Street Public School. They married in Huntsville on May 9, 1964, and eventually settled in Mississauga. His teaching career within the Toronto District School Board lasted 35 years, with his best 19 years spent at Parkdale Public School. All 62 years of marriage with Mary were the best.

Rod was a busy man, raising two daughters, teaching and coaching basketball and volleyball by day, and working on a BA in Psychology and an MA in Education on nights and weekends. Diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis at age 26, none of this was easy, but Rod was never one to complain. He enjoyed his summers with the family at a cabin on Eagle Lake, north of Huntsville, and then in the Allenwood Beach cottage his grandfather built which he purchased in 1983. He later retired there with Mary where he enjoyed hosting friends and family, and spent many memorable summers with his four beloved grandchildren.

‘Roy’ was much loved by his wife Mary, daughters Karen and Sue (Jeff), grandchildren Sophie, Jack, Leah and Paige (who adored their Papa/Grampy/Grandpa), his wonderful caregiver Liliana, and his treasured family members and friends. He will be remembered for many things – his playful and silly nature, his sensitivity and patience, his amazing memory and interest in everyone and everything, the passions he pursued including owning racehorses, playing pool, poker and backgammon, his loyalty to the Raptors and Jays, his love of Algonquin and Allenwood – but most of all for the steady, supportive love he demonstrated every day to his family. He was a real treasure and an inspiration to us all. He will be missed.