Ron Wilson

When looking back on the overflowing life of Ronald Wilson, it is easy to see both his unwavering strength and his unconditional love for his family. He was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others, and he faced challenges head-on with stoicism and resilience. Nothing brought Ron greater joy than spending time with his loved ones, no matter how simple or brief the moment. His solid work ethic formed the foundation of his life. Deeply loved, Ron will be forever cherished in the hearts and minds of those who knew him best.

The 1930s are remembered as a time of great struggle for many in the United States, Canada, and around the world. The Great Depression was in full swing, and families everywhere had to pull together and work hard to make ends meet. It was during this tumultuous time that Robert and Hilda (Johnston) Wilson of Sutton Junction in Quebec, Canada, were eagerly awaiting the arrival of their eighth child. On January 14, 1935, they welcomed their son, who they named Ronald, into the world.

Growing up, Ron was a typical young man of his generation in many ways. He was raised alongside his four siblings in the picturesque mountain village of Sutton Junction in Quebec, Canada. Ron’s childhood home did not have electricity, indoor plumbing, or refrigeration. As a result from a young age, he learned the necessity and importance of hard work. Though he had to leave school in the seventh grade, Ron made up for his lack in education by working tirelessly towards success in everything he put his mind to.

Exciting changes were in store for Ron as he met the woman who would soon become the love of his life, Margaret. The two actually first met in elementary school, and both ended up leaving school early in order to help support their families. Ron and Margaret were truly soul mates and embarked on their bright future as a couple united in marriage in 1959. They would go on to spend over 65 years together, celebrating their most recent anniversary on August 1. They relied on each other throughout all the trials life threw their way.

In 1964, they left Canada behind and immigrated to the United States in Detroit, Michigan. Ron was not afraid to work hard when it came to providing for himself and those who depended on him. While living in Canada, he took a job in Montreal with a utility company and became a member of the IBEW Union. After moving to Michigan, he began working for Detroit Edison as an overhead lineman. Ron poured over 32 years of hard work into his career, working every shift and plenty of overtime, but his job never came before his family. For Ron, family was always first.

He and Margaret were overjoyed to welcome their son, Steve, into their hearts and home in 1970. Ron’s family was his first priority, and he thrived in his role as a father. He wasn’t known for his athletic ability, but he was always willing to play catch with Steve as long as that meant spending time with his son. Ron purposefully made an effort to attend Steve’s activities or baseball games, even if it meant driving the work truck to get there. He wanted his son to enjoy a happy, carefree childhood. Later in life, Ron was thrilled to become a grandfather and even a great-grandfather. He adored his grandchildren and doted on them whenever he could. Ron considered himself blessed to watch his family grow to include so many loved ones.

Never one to sit still for long, Ron pursued many hobbies to stay busy in his free time. He loved being outdoors and taking trips up North with his family. In 1979, Ron built a cottage on Big Bear Lake, in Lewiston, Michigan. This cottage became the backdrop of countless priceless memories. Ron enjoyed the quiet, rural surroundings and the huge amounts of snowfall blanketing the acres around the cottage. Ron liked spending time on the lake and taking long walks. He could often be found sitting on the front porch peeling an apple with his pocket knife as he watched life and nature unfold around him. Ron valued nothing more than surrounding himself or those he loved with peace. He and Margaret often said the cottage was as close as they could get to their Canadian home.

As family and friends can certainly agree, Ronald Wilson truly understood the secret to a life well lived. He was a constant source of strength and stability, even in the most difficult of times. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Ron was a friend to many and beloved by all. As he once quipped, “One less Wilson in the phonebook isn’t going to hurt anybody.” However, Ron leaves a noticeable absence in our lives. Each time now that we follow his mantra of “save a little, spend a little,” we remember the values he taught us. Work hard, provide for others, enjoy the special moments, and find your little slice of paradise to share with those you love.

Ronald Wilson, age 89, died on September 16, 2024 in Portage. Ron was born January 14, 1935 in Sutton Junction, Quebec, Canada to Robert and Hilda (Johnston) Wilson. He was preceded in death by his siblings: Ola Streeter, Muriel Whitehead, Arnold Wilson, Jack Thompson Glenna Golden, Doug Wilson, and Gladys WIlson. Surviving are his wife, Margaret; son, Steve (Tammara) Wilson; grandchildren: Mitchell (Danielle) Wilson and Karissa (Logan) Wilson Leafers; great-grandson, James Wilson; and his great-granddaughter, Palmer Wilson, on the way. Celebrate Ron’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.