Ronald Nathaniel Joseph Wolfe – Truro, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 16, 2024, surrounded by his loving family, at Shannex Debert Court. Born in 1937 to the late Clifford and Viola (MacDonald) Wolfe, he was raised at the MacDonald homestead on Salmon River Road by his uncle, Ronald "Brud"; aunt, Floss MacDonald; aunt, Gertie MacDonald; his sister, Mary; cousins, Joe and Cam.
"Ron", "Ronnie", or as he coined himself, "Ronald P. Strathmorton (Royal Reserve)" – he answered to them all. Forever a lover of music and dancing, he and mom were known to tear up the dance floor with their polka and jive. A consummate jokester, he lived to have a good time. Whether at a Saturday night dance at the fire hall or a good ole kitchen party, he could be found playing the juice harp and he played a mean set of spoons!
Dad was a proud active and honorary member of Salmon River Fire Brigade where he served for almost 55 years. He took great pride in serving his community. He cherished the many life-long friendships and connections he made through his association with the Brigade. Whether golfing, fishing, bowling, curling, playing pool, darts or cards at the fire hall, he garnered a wide circle of friends wherever he went.
He was a long-time member of East Mountain Golf Course, where he achieved two holes-in-one! Woodworking, jigsaw puzzles, riding his bicycle, skating on the gully, taking photos, and going to Bearcat games were but a few of his other favorite pastimes. He was a lifelong Toronto Maple Leafs and Blue Jays fan.
Dad was a trained plumber, with one of his most proudest accomplishments being his contribution to the plumbing installation at Onslow School. In 1955 he left Nova Scotia for Peace River, Alberta with his good friend, Buddy Lane to enhance his plumbing skills. Upon returning to Nova Scotia however, he took a position with Goodspeed’s in their Parts Department, before moving on to Nova Enterprises in 1973, where he worked at Nova Truck Center in Brookside until his retirement in 2002. He then became the neighborhood plumber, as helping others was a big part of his nature.
Dad met his future wife, Marlyn (Doyle) not long after his return, and they married in September of 1960. Together they raised three children, Michael, Patty (Scott Annand), and Todd (Margaret MacKenzie). He was a loving Grampie to Megan and Emily Annand (Corey Fields); Aaron and Matthew Wolfe (Jess Smith); step grandson, Jeremy Blair. He is survived by his only sister, Mary Carroll (Gerry), Moncton, New Brunswick, and their daughter, Jody, Krestova, British Columbia; sisters-in-law, Norma Frizzell (Marshall), Pam Doyle (Sonny), Rosemarie Doyle (Bill), Shelley Archibald (Kent); several nieces, nephews and cousins near and far.
Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Marlyn in 2020; Brud, Floss and Gertie MacDonald; brothers-in-law, Ducky, Bill, Sonny, Butch, and Phillip Doyle; sisters-in-law, Nancy Doyle, Corenne Doyle and Diana Pender.
Dad was known to indulge his sweet tooth daily, with a cup of tea and at least one cookie, and then maybe several more! He loved his ice cream and he especially loved his trips to Tim Hortons with his close friend, Ed Totten. He was even known to share his treats with the birds, the deer, and all of his grand dogs (and there were several).
Dad’s final two years definitely presented challenges as his dementia progressed. Throughout it all he managed to keep his sense of humor, for which we are incredibly grateful. The family would like to thank Debert Court for their extraordinary care and compassion. Dad was treated like family and we are so appreciative of the staff always going above and beyond for him. During the seven weeks preceding his admittance to long term care, he was treated royally by the staff of 2nd Floor E Wing at Colchester East Hants Health Centre. Special thanks as well to the residents of Bayview Homestead (Anita Crescent). Although his stay there was short, it was certainly memorable. Last, but not least, we would like to thank members of Salmon River Fire Department for their unwavering support to Dad throughout. His friends whom he played cards with, who became his drivers, ensured he didn’t miss a round of cards. The TV entertainment that was provided to Dad’s room while he was hospitalized was also very much appreciated. Thank you to Tim Johnson, Ed Totten, Larry Weatherby and Kenny Campbell, just to name a few.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where Ron’s family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m., Thursday, August 22, 2024 from where the Funeral and Firefighter’s Tribute Service will be held 1 p.m., Friday, August 23, 2024, Reverend Larry Harrison officiating. Interment in Bible Hill Cemetery, 41 Warren Drive, Bible Hill. Reception will follow at Salmon River Fire Hall, 1102 Salmon River Road. If so desired, donations in Ron’s memory to Salmon River Fire Brigade are welcomed. Tributes, words of comfort and memories may be shared at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com