Obituary of Ronald Bears

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Ronald Leonard Bears (Yogi), 69, of Halifax N.S. Jan.3 2024 at his home with his wife at his side after a short devastating battle with cancer. If you had run into Ron in early July he would have told you he was living his dream. Ron was born in Exeter ON, July 7, 1954 to a military family. Ron had his first big adventure at 14 months as he and his mom sailed across the Atlantic and soon many of his first words were German. Through his childhood they made a few moves across the Atlantic, and my glass half full guy remembered that there was always kids his age and lots of great sports equipment wherever they were stationed. Upon graduating from Dartmouth High at 17, his parents were posted to Ottawa, and much to his mothers dismay Ron decided N.S. was his forever home. After various jobs and even sketchier addresses Ron decided he had to go back to school. On a chilly ferry ride to visit his grandmother in PEI one Christmas, he met someone who steered him in the direction of x-ray, his chosen career. Ron credited the IWK laundry dept. for accommodating his full time job with his full time education as he pursued his career as a radiation technologist. Ron was very proud of his work in interventional x-ray, spending time in neuro and then cardiac in his later years, making so many wonderful friends and memories along the way. As I was nearing 40 and Ron just beyond, with my family and friends convinced spinsterhood was my destiny, we met on a “semi blind date”. We both knew then, this is what we had been waiting for. From that day forward not a thought or a deed didn’t include the other. When I brought my first “boy friend” home to meet my family and friends they immediately saw his worth and he quickly became a son, brother, and an uncle to another large clan. We had some wonderful trips, Rons favourites being our tour through the Rockies with Jean and Dale, our spiritual journey around the Grand Canyon and seeing his idols at the Phoenix Open. Ron would never tire of showing you his many, many photos of his travels. We had numerous great adventures, exploring back road fishing holes, building furniture, checking out live theatre, or just quietly reading or watching TV. I will have to learn to use the remotes. Rons honesty, interest and critical eye was stitched into every quilt I made. Rons love of sport followed him into adulthood where he enjoyed playing baseball and curling and the camaraderie that came with it. Rons retirement allowed him more time for his favourite sport, golf, both in and outdoor, weather never an issue. And for as much as he loved the game he valued the relationships he made on the links. Rons other happy place was his home and neighbourhood. Content in his surroundings, Ron was proud of all our reno attempts where perfection was always the enemy of good enough. He loved his chats with his neighbours, especially the wee ones, watching them play and grow. Ron maintained his sense of humour throughout, even when facing a poor prognosis, getting marked for radiation, he joked ,will this make us cool now that we have matching tattoos? Rons last words to me were a joke to try to get me to smile. Ron was the most grateful person I have ever known. If you had ever shown him a kindness you can be sure he never forgot it. Despite his failing health, in his last weeks everything was “perfect”, ”wonderful“, “the best”, and he couldn’t say thank you enough. Ron wanted me to take this opportunity to thank all the people over the years who have made his life richer. “I have had a great life “. Ron is survived by his wife Karen, mother Freda White (Norman) Cornwall PEI, sister Jean (Dale) Cole Richmond ON, sisters-in-law, Shannon Sturges Cornwall ON, Linda Crosby, Mary Wadden, Cathy (Gordie) MacIntosh, brother-in-law Joe Wadden, all of Westville, and chosen brother Richard Butler Halifax. Ron is also survived by several aunts, an uncle and many nieces and nephews that he dearly loved. Ron was predeceased by his father Wendall and brother Robert Bears. Rons remains were entrusted to T.J.Tracey Cremation & Burial Specialists. There will be no service as Ron wished to leave this world the same way he lived it...quietly. Down the road some of his buds will see him through his final round. Rest easy, you were loved .