Obituary of Ronald Gordon Paisley

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Ronald Gordon Paisley announce his passing on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at home with his family by his side. Born in Saint John, N.B. on January 7, 1947, Ron was the son of the late Ronald William Paisley and Evelyn Jean ( Findel) Paisley, and beloved husband of Margaret RaeMarie ( Lane ) Paisley.

Ronald is survived by his wife and best friend of 54 years, Margaret RaeMarie, three sons; Michael , Colin ( Evelynne ), of Brown’s Flat, N.B. and Adam ( Samantha) , of Calgary, Alberta; six cherished grandchildren; Olivia, Amelia, Sophie , Jasmin, Harrison, and Elliot; one brother, William ( Barb) of Telkwa, B.C.; one sister, Christine Paisley, of Victoria, B.C. ; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ron was a quiet, gentle man whose greatest joy was being with family and friends. He loved to tinker and work around his yard in peace. Thinking outside of the box was definitely one of his strengths. If something didn’t work in the traditional way, he could always find another way. Being a fighter, he fought a long and difficult battle to stay with us as long as he could. But God had different plans for Ron and took him home in his 77th year.

In 1963, he joined the military at the age of 16 as an Soldier Apprentice in the Artillery. He completed his education this way in Shiloh, Manitoba. In 1966, as a 19 year old soldier, Ron was exposed to Agent Orange which ultimately contributed to his demise. So, it can be said that Ron gave his life for his country. At this time, the family would like to thank Dr. G. Thornhill, Dr. S. Dolan and Dr. T.Reiman for their help in giving Ron the quality of life that he experienced in his final years. 

After leaving the army, Ron went on to become an electrician and an instrumentation technician. He was a proud 50+ year member of the IBEW Local 502 . Ron worked in construction for many years and ended his career working at Labatt Brewery and finally retiring from Praxair Canada. Much like the army, the 502 boys were another brotherhood. Ron and RaeMarie became members of the Local 502 Retirees Club resulting in many trips and much laughter as the boys shared their “war stories”. 

Ron and RaeMarie were charter members of the Chapter S Goldwing Road Riders Association. Many hours of pure joy were enjoyed on road trips with the silver Goldwing motorcycles. When health became an issue, the silver Goldwings were traded in to become a silver Miata convertible. The road trips continued, only warmer and drier. The heated seats were a definite upgrade from the motorcycle days. His Tacoma and Camry were also silver. Perhaps this wasn’t a coincidence. 

Music was part of who Ron was. He loved his mandolins and played whenever he found a group of folks who felt the same. Bluegrass was his favorite but he loved it all. Folks loved to hear him play “ Fiddlefingers” and his own little tune- the “ Brown’s Flat Ditty”.  A jam session was definitely Ron’s happy place.  In the last few years, he was able to play with folks that belong to the Fundy Coast Camper group that we joined when Ron decided we needed a Motorhome. More travelling was enjoyed with another group of new friends. The music was the added perk for him. 

Along with raising our wonderful sons, Ron was a foster father to many others for 42 years. Nothing gave him more joy than feeding an infant that needed his love and attention. He received many toothy little grins when he played little games with them. 

During his lengthy hospital stay, his sons were at his side offering their love and support the whole way. They fought the battles he wasn’t able to anymore. They are a tribute to their father. He was so proud of them. Then when he became a grandfather, he was in love again. In his words, “ The grandchildren made his circle complete.” Whether it was at pageants or school functions or competitions, his voice could be heard cheering them on. He tried to never miss one. It was easy for them to see how much he loved them and how proud he was of them.

Ron was also a caring community member. He lived most of his life as a child and later as an adult in Brown’s Flat. A safe, caring community full of family and friends that was where he chose to raise his family. On January 7, 2024, Ron was able to come home from hospital for the day to celebrate his 77th birthday. We had to limit the number of people in our home to a few friends and family due to his illness. The community chose to express their best wishes by organizing a drive by parade which he was able to watch from his front window. Words can’t express how much the outpouring of love and respect shown to Ron meant to him and his family at this emotional time. Ron will be remembered by many. 

In a recent Facebook tribute to Ron, one of his oldest and dearest military friends described Ron this way— “There was only one Ron, soldier, tradesman, mentor, musician, foster parent extraordinaire and a true friend to so many, he will for sure be missed. A true fighter, he battled cancer and fought the good fight for years! Stand Down Soldier, End of Mission, Stand Easy….Ubique! May You Rest In Peace! Prayers, God Bless, until we meet again.” What more can be said!

The arrangements are under the care and direction of Castle Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Ave. Saint John, N.B. (506-634-1701). Visitation will be held on Saturday January 20, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 27 at 11:00 AM at Wesley United Church in Brown's Flat, 7538 NB-102, Browns Flat. A Reception will follow at the River Road Hub, 32 Wallace Rd, Browns Flat. Donations can be made in Ron’s memory to the Wesley United Church Brown’s  Flat unitedbf7538@gmail.com or the Canadian Cancer Society.