Ronald Arthur Shanks, of Halifax and for the last 25 years Stillwater Lake Halifax County, passed away in the Halifax Infirmary on the morning of May 31st at the age of 93. Known as Ron or Ronnie to many; Father or Dad to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; and Chief or Commissioner to his many friends, Ron lit up rooms the moment he crossed the threshold and often through laugher or bantering, long before entering the doorway. He was exceptional in many ways. A respected leader during his 33 year career at Canada Post; for decades within the Spryfield Lions Club where outcomes surpassed expectations; and for 80 years as a hockey player and coach, retiring at age 86. There were too many excellent road trips, hockey tournaments, Thirsty Thursday's luncheons with the boys, and pop-up fun moments to count. Being the center of attention and holding court came natural to him.

Ron loved life and was often heard saying “I’ve never had a bad day in my life.” He was highly intelligent with a keen memory, an avid reader and crossword puzzler, self-professed tree hugger and nature nut, recreational boating captain, devoted Montreal Habs fan, and consumer of fine whiskey. Ron loved animals especially his dog Wotan and our four cats over the last 44 years: Pele, Simon, Willow and Nate.

In later years he loved sitting on one of the decks surrounding our home, listening to nature or bobbing around in our pontoon boat on Stillwater Lake. He was to the surprise of many a deeply religious man, who was also honest and loyal to a fault, wise and fair. Once while dining out a gentleman kept looking over at our table and when we were leaving he came over, introduced himself and said that when he was small Ron was his hockey coach, the only person who believed in him and thanked him for helping him “turn out okay.” It was Ron’s 69th birthday and that interaction was the best gift of all.

Ron was the last surviving member of his immediate family, outliving his mother Frances Oressa Brewer, father James Arthur Shanks, step-father Harry John Brewer, sister Ruby and brother-in-law Phil Legge, daughter-in-law Janet Shanks, and his children’s mother Ruth Muriel Shanks. He is survived by his partner of 44 years, Judy Beaton; daughters, Gail Gallagher, Kelly Tingley (John Zinck); son, Terry (Tammy Benoit); grandchildren, Amanda, Katelyn (Liam), Trent, Richard (Amanda), Troy (Tasha); and great-grandchildren, Hunter, Benny, Sully, Ashlynn and Addison.

The Family would like to acknowledge the amazing level of care Ron received from QEII and Halifax Infirmary Unit 8.1 staff during the last week of his life. It was deeply moving, professional, compassionate and beyond reproach. No stones left unturned, no theories unexplored, frank and open discussion, round the clock care with a single goal, to identify why he was so ill so quickly. They were our momentary family and we felt their love.

At his request there will be no service or celebration of life. Instead Ron asks that you to pay it forward, with words of support and encouragement, care and kindness, actions that builds community and shapes you into a better person. Life is too short for anything less.