Ronald R. Jay

          Ron Jay, beloved husband, father, friend, and lifelong aviation enthusiast "slipped the surly bonds of earth" on October 16, 2025, at the age of 90, after a well-fought battle with cancer.  His wife of 66 years, Agnes, and his daughters Tracy and Kelly were with him when he made his peaceful departure.

          Ron embodied all the qualities of a truly good person: he treated all people with kindness and respect, had integrity, worked hard and responsibly, was honest and trustworthy, and was a dedicated friend and family man. He spent most of his life as part of the Delhi St. Alban's Anglican Church community where he flipped pancakes, barbequed chicken, fried fish, set up and dismantled rummage sale tables, and took up collection with the same friendly and enthusiastic spirit.

          Though steady and dependable, Ron was also full of delightful contradictions.  He was serious -- always signing his name with the full “Ronald R. Jay”, never wearing shoes with no socks, taking meticulous care to keep each owner's manual for every product he purchased.  However, he also had a deeply silly streak that revealed itself in unexpected ways. He was always on board with donning any sort of headgear, from reindeer antlers to Easter bunny ears, was very adept with deadpan humour, and took great pleasure to laugh uproariously over slapstick comedy, especially during our holiday viewings of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.

          He took a tremendous amount of pride in performing his work with diligence and excellence and having a positive impact on his coworkers.  He was employed for many years at Delhi Metal/General Instrument in Delhi, made a brief stop in the 80s at Cadman Power Equipment in Courtland, and retired from Vesuvius Canada in Tillsonburg, grateful for all the friendships and sense of purpose that his work life had provided.  Retirement allowed him the time he needed to return to his deep love of planes and flying by volunteering to help restore vintage Harvard aircraft.  Having had his pilot's license as a young man, he was always so happy when he was close to the world of flight, whether he was airborne in a private plane, working in restoration, attending an air show, absorbed by a story in Canadian Aviator magazine, or simply looking up at the clouds.

          On the ground, Ron embraced life with the same enthusiasm. He loved good food and the simple pleasure of sharing a meal with his family and his friends.  He had a fondness for a well-made cigar and the occasional glass of wine, and was a connoisseur of cinnamon buns, shrimp rings, and locally-grown corn on the cob.

          Above all, Ron was a devoted and kind husband and father.  He stuck by Agnes through all kinds of weather, and his joy and pride in his children was immeasurable.  In his quiet way, he encouraged them to be adventurous and supported their growth with his unconditional love.  He will be deeply missed by Agnes, Tracy, Kelly, his son-in-law Ken, his extended family, friends, and all who were lucky enough to know his warmth, humor, and generosity.

          The family will hold a private interment at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association or a charity of your choice. 

Wareing Cremation Services, 161 Broadway St., Tillsonburg, Ontario has been entrusted with Final Arrangements.  Your messages of remembrance and condolence may be shared here at www.wareingcremation.ca