The family of Ron MacLean announce his death with deep sadness but gratitude for the love we shared. Ron died peacefully on Sunday, October 22, 2023, at home with his wife Gail by his side. Ron, also known by his nickname Bunnie, was born in Charlottetown on May 8, 1944, to his parents Ronald Sr. and Muriel (Ross) MacLean. Ron was devoted to the love of his life, Gail (Stewart) whom he met in 1969 while recovering from surgery in the Prince Edward Island Hospital. Gail was his student nurse. They married in 1971 and shared a beautiful fifty-two years together. He is also survived by his much-loved children, Steven, Karen (Matthew Roode) and Jillian (Jonathan MacDonald). Ron and Gail became grandparents to Seth, Mila, Josie, and Tyler. They cherished their new role and in true Ron fashion, he called them “My Grampies”, as he was the giver of nicknames. Ron was a beloved big brother to Judy, Dolly, Debbie (Wayne Muttart), John, and the late Garry. He is survived by his sister-in-law Debbie MacLean. He is remembered with love by his mother-in-law, Isabelle Stewart and Gail’s sisters and their husbands, Karen (Grant MacLeod), Brenda (Colin MacDonald), Sandra (Bruce Morrison) and Cheryl (Graham Courtney). He was predeceased by his father-in-law, Lea Stewart. When Ron and Gail married, Ron became very much like a son and brother to the Stewart family. He will be deeply missed by his many nieces and nephews who have many fond memories of their Uncle Ron/Uncle Bunnie.Ron was an exceptional husband, father and grandfather who loved and was loved beyond measure!Ron and Gail were fortunate to enjoy traveling, with trips across Canada, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Europe, and South Korea. His children have fond memories of camping at Marco Polo, trips to Disney, the Dominican Republic, and the Mediterranean.Ron had a passion for music and at the age of 19 became the band leader and drummer of “The Blue Crystals”. The band played rock and roll music across the Island from 1964-1989 and would get together to play for special occasions for many more years. He also played drums from 1997-2018 for “Step by Step”, a Christian band from Park Royal United Church. Ron made lifelong friends through his love of music and often, with other band members, donated his time to fundraisers for individuals and charitable organizations. He also volunteered as a board member of the Schizophrenia Society of Prince Edward Island for 20 years. His community volunteerism extended to the Sherwood minor hockey program, as well as Park Royal Church. The PEI Real Estate Association presented him with the “Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Coady Memorial Award” in 2003 in recognition of his exemplary community service. Ron’s career path took him to Custom Interiors after high school, where he met Bernie Gillbank in the upholstery department. They opened G & M Upholstery in 1970 and became business partners and lifelong friends. In 1998, Ron changed careers and operated the Bright Spot Convenience Store and then in 2000, began his career in Real Estate until his retirement. Ron had major health issues over the years but took each one in stride and carried on. Unfortunately, following back surgery in October 2020, Ron developed an incurable back infection which led to a long admission at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.We are forever grateful for the care and kindness shown to Ron and his family during this time, especially the nurses and staff on Unit 3. We also wish to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. J. Hennessey, Dr. D. Neilly, Dr. A. MacKenzie and Dr. K. Ellis for their excellent medical care while in hospital and to his family physicians Dr. B. Lantz, and Dr. P. Corney. After discharge from the hospital in May 2021, Ron received help at home from the COACH program and Queens County Home Care. Ron and Gail met many staff and thank them all for their care. A special thank you to Amanda, Wendy, Carolyn, Megan, and Amy. Ron will be remembered for his incredible sense of humour, his big smile, and his ability to make all those he met feel at home and welcome. He was a good man. Ron loved trees and nature so think of him as you enjoy this beautiful fall season. Resting at MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday at 11: a.m. from Park Royal United Church (reception to follow). For those wishing to attend virtually, the service will be live streamed on Park Royal United Church’s YouTube channel. Interment in Peoples Cemetery, Malpeque. Visiting hours Thursday from 4–7 p.m. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation (Unit 3) or Queens County Home Care, in recognition of the care he received. Online condolences may be made at: www.macleanfh.com
Ronald Bernard Jr. MacLEAN — Stratford
