The death occurred peacefully at The Provincial Palliative Care Centre of Ronald Austin MacIntyre of Harrington on Monday, November 7, 2022. He was the son of the late Austin and Lorraine (nee Kilbride) MacIntyre of Summerside. Ron is survived by his wife, Evelyn Vloet-MacIntyre; his daughter, Conner Ivanko (Chris) and son, Lucas MacIntyre (Savannah Smith). He is also survived by his brothers, Jim (Donna), Joe (Susan), Don (Eunice), Ed and Doug as well as sisters, Cathy and Helena (Mark Hubley). He was predeceased by his Infant brother, James; brother, John Paul and by his father and mother-in-law, Peter and Dora Vloet and brother-in-law, Eugene Vloet. Ron grew up the oldest of ten children in Summerside and Bayside. In his youth Ron played a lot of sports, especially hockey and baseball. He made friends easily and was often called upon to join in various games and play. Always a Habs and UPEI fan in hockey he followed closely the Yankees, Expos and Blue Jays in baseball. At home as a teenager, he was heavily depended upon by his parents to look after his younger siblings while his father worked, and his mother was sometimes hospitalized. This requirement imbued in him a sense of responsibility towards others which he carried into his adult personal and professional life. He learned early how to make decisions and how to prepare nutritious food for meals and snacks. From an early age Ron loved to work having a large early morning paper route in Summerside. Later on, he was often called upon by local farmers to help with the planting, harvesting and general barn work. He also loved growing and tending to plants and flowers. His historic property in Harrington was always meticulously groomed and maintained winning a number of rural beautification awards. His ability to create and make decorations, pictures, build and refinish furniture for his home often drew praise from those fortunate enough to view it. Ron graduated from Miscouche Regional High School before receiving his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education Degrees from the University of PEI in 1976 and 1977. He then went on to complete a Bachelor of Social Work from Dalhousie University. Ron worked most of his adult life as a youth worker at the Provincial Adolescent Group Home. His commitment to and longevity in his social work career was not only admirable but also demonstrated his strong work ethic and his strength of character. With his calm, unruffled demeanor and efficient, organized nature he was an ideal group home worker. A great conversationalist with an appreciation for good humour and fun, he connected easily with the youth he cared for. Ron created a safe and nurturing environment for the youth entrusted to his care. Ron met his future wife Evelyn during their university years. They were married in Toronto in 1987. They bought a beautiful country home in Harrington, PE, and set about establishing a good life together. Ron and Evelyn became members of St. Pius X Parish and later Holy Redeemer. Eventually two wonderful children, Conner and Lucas, were added to the family. Ron was very involved in their lives through play, sports and of course encouraging them to do their best. When they were in their early years he would bake with Conner and Lucas and teach them how to help around the home both indoors and out. Ron and Evelyn ran a bed and breakfast from their home during the summer months. Ron was the behind-the-scenes baker and gardener. He created and tended to all the gardens. He had a vision for his home and surrounding land. He was always thinking of the next project he could and should do. If he had an idea, it would be accomplished. As well, Ron was often called upon by some of his siblings to lend his creative hand in completing some of their home projects. The holidays were Ron's favourite time of the year, especially Christmas. He spent a lot of his spare time decorating. He also had a passion for collecting sports memorabilia. He imparted his creativity and attention to detail, determination and his work ethic onto his children. Ron loved to tease in a positive way and pull the occasional prank, especially on Ev and the children. Ron was also fond of his animals, notably the family dog Tango and the two cats. About a decade ago Ron was diagnosed with colon cancer. He was determined to beat the challenge of his illness and for ten years he battled hard to regain his health and remain healthy. His continuous struggle to stay ahead of the disease was truly inspirational to those close to him and showed his strength of character. As difficult as this period was emotionally, filled with its ups and downs, it also brought the family closer together as they experienced the strains of dealing with what became inevitable. That inevitability came last November with all his family close by his side. There were many people involved with Ron's care throughout the years; his family doctor, the doctors and nurses at the PEI Cancer Treatment Centre, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, the Integrated Palliative Care Centre, and the QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia. A heartfelt thank you goes to all those involved in his care. You all helped make this painful period so much easier to bear. We are appreciative of the support of friends and neighbours (Harrington WI) and staff members of Stratford Elementary School. A special thank you to family who were an integral part of the support network. We leaned upon you heavily during the difficult times and throughout this past year. We will be eternally grateful. Ron’s funeral service was held at the Belvedere Funeral Home Chapel on November 11, 2022. Ron’s family would like to thank all those involved in the funeral preparations, especially Craig Bryenton. The cremation and reception were also held there. The beautiful service was performed by Father Raj from Holy Redeemer Parish while Tom Wilkinson delivered a poignant eulogy. On behalf of the family Ron's brother Jim spoke about Ron's life and just how much he meant to his family. A special thank you goes to Mike Pendergast for his touching music. The Liturgy was beautifully read by Madeline MacIntyre, Michele Vloet-Miller and Jamie MacIntyre. Ron's son Lucas was the urn bearer. The honorary pallbearers were brothers Jim, Joe, Ed, Don, Doug and brother-in-law Mark Hubley.
We love and miss you Ron everyday.