The Passing of a Friend

It was with sadness that I heard about the passing of my friend and industry colleague Ron Chappelle in November after a long illness. Ron was a good guy who always had a smile on his face and a good word for everyone. I spent many an industry trade show with Ron - he at the Blueline booth and me at the Ko-Rec-Type booth. I always enjoyed passing the time with him. He took an interest in you and always had an encouraging word - that is what I will remember about Ron.

Ron was a fun guy who enjoyed people and spent many years in our industry. Ron was born in Scarborough and attended Ryerson for business administration. Upon graduation, Ron began his office product career in 1983 at "Willson Stationers" and stayed with them for six years. He then moved on to "Thomas Nelson Gifts" in 1990 where he sold giftware, journals, daytimers, etc., before moving on to "Dominion Blueline" where he spent the final 12 years of his career as their Ontario representative.

Ron loved to spend time with his two kids, managing their teams and taking care of their needs. He enjoyed Coaching their local Hockey and Baseball teams - doing everything he could to never miss any of his kids games. Ron was devoted to his family, putting everything aside - projects, things for himself, - for their sake.

Ron was a community man - very much involved in various fundraising activities through his "Kinsman" membership.

He also enjoyed jogging, landscaping around his Walkerton home, playing the stock market and trying to figure out the riddle of the "JFK" mystery.

I never heard anyone say a negative thing about Ron, both his industry colleagues and his customers liked him very much. He was respected by all and will be missed.

Ronald Farrell Chappelle, of Walkerton, passed away at Brucelea Haven, Walkerton on Thursday, November 06, 2014. He was 63. Survived by his children Rory of Walkerton and Lauren (Ben Christmann) of Walkerton. Loving companion of Joanne McKee of Walkerton. Remembered by his sister Robin (Michael) Sheppard of Scarborough, his nephew Michael and niece Ashley. Pre-deceased by his parents Aubrey and Eileen (nee Farrell) Chappelle.