Forever in Our Hearts William David Ronald

Died suddenly at home on Wednesday August 20, 2025, at the age of 79.
Ron, of Wasaga Beach, predeceased by his parents Norman and Dorothy (Duff) McLeod and the love of his life Janet (Grisack) McLeod. Loving father of Jo-Anne McLeod (Blain Neufeld), Laura McLeod (Mark Schatzker) and Gavin McLeod (Jill Barbour). Cherished Papa of Greta, Violet, and Henry Schatzker and Grandpa Ron of Amy, Bruce, and Cameron McLeod. Dear brother of Marilyn Hartley (the late Doug) and Diane Burwell (Don). Brother-in-law to Tom Grisack and Tim Grisack. Ron will also be missed by his cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and his canine companion Mitzie.

Ron grew up in the Dufferin and Eglinton neighbourhood of Toronto, with fond memories of playing shinny and tobogganing in Fairbank Park. One highlight of his time in the city was watching his beloved Maple Leafs win the Stanley Cup in ’67 from a standing-room-only spot at the Gardens.

In the summer of 1965, while at the family cottage in Wasaga Beach, Ron spotted Janet walking by the water. Fighting his shy nature, he struck up a conversation. Married in 1969, they relocated from the GTA to Wasaga, living in the same house for fifty-four years.

A graduate of the University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry, he practiced in Barrie for over forty years. The patients he saw as he neared retirement were often the children and grandchildren of those he treated in the early years of his career.

Ron was passionate about sports. He grew up playing minor hockey and later for the U of T Dentistry team. In the “Beach Years” Ron enjoyed playing tennis, golf, and old-timers hockey with his friends. He loved skiing at Blue Mountain with the family and spending summer days boating on the Nottawasaga River.

In 2006, Ron became a grandfather, a role he seemed tailor-made for. The family home in Wasaga Beach became the scene of holiday meals, hide and seek, horseshoes, snowball fights, and lively poker tournaments.

Throughout his life Ron instilled the importance of family and the values of loyalty and respect for others. He advised his kids and grandkids to always try their best, be informed about the world, and, even if the Leafs are losing, never give up hope.

Friends are invited to join Ron’s family on Saturday September 27, 2025 at the Carruthers & Davidson Funeral Home, 509 River Road West, Wasaga Beach from 1 pm for the Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 2 o’clock. Light reception to follow.