Ron Lessard of Sudbury, Ontario, passed away joyfully on November 26 at the age of 77. A beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Ron will always be remembered for his boundless energy, eternal optimism, larger than life personality, and defacing household items by writing “LESSARD” on them in Sharpie. He touched the heart of everyone he met.
Ron was born on November 4, 1947 to Alfred and Kathleen (Steele) in Ottawa. As Ron would say, “family is everything, everything else is everything else.” He is survived by his best friend, travel partner, and loving wife of 37 years, Sheila (Knoll). Ron proudly leaves behind his 5 beloved children: Dawn (Doug), Sherry (Denis), Tanya (Billy), Andrew (Miranda), and Adam (Chloe). He was blessed with 5 treasured grandchildren, Kenzie, Katie, Lyla, Harper and Luke. Ron is survived by his baby brother Tom (Liisa) and predeceased by sisters Kathleen and Joyce. Ron always expressed his gratitude for his extended Knoll family whom he laughed with, loved and made many fond memories.
Ron had a passion for the outdoors which led him to a lengthy career with the Ministry of Natural Resources. Upon moving to Sudbury in 1997, Ron became a strong advocate for accessibility, pioneering the Learning Disabilities Association of Sudbury. More recently, Ron was an active member of the 76 Hilltop Seniors woodshop and his passion for woodworking culminated in his recent completion of a baby box for his sixth grandchild arriving next April.
A man of deep faith, Ron lived, loved, and laughed for 77 years and brought great joy to others. He believed that the most important things in life aren’t things and has passed on these values to loved ones.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday December 4 from 2:00-6:00 at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 76 (Minnow Lake).
Donations in his memory can be made to the Blue Door Soup Kitchen or the Samaritan Centre as Ron felt great compassion for the homeless and those in need. Arrangements entrusted to Ranger’s Cremation and Burial Services.
Sheila and family my condolences on the loss of Ron. I am so very sorry to hear of his passing.
November 28, 2024
Deepest condolences to the Lessard clan. I had the pleasure of meeting Ron and the family when Chloe became a member of the clan. Always friendly and funny, Ron made me feel right at home. I feel your loss deeply, and hope you always find the light in your wonderful memories of him.
November 28, 2024
Sheila and family;
Condolences on Ron’s passing. He was truly larger than life, with a presence that filled every room he entered. His positivity and outlook on life was contagious.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
November 28, 2024
Sheila… I’m so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. He was a wonderful man. You and the family will be in my prayers. Take care of yourself. Sending love and hugs.
November 28, 2024
Sheila and family: we are so saddened to hear the news of Ron’s passing. We remember Ron fondly as he was a key supporter of me early in my career with MNR. He was always so friendly and welcoming in our workplace. Remember all the good times and cherish them as we will.
November 28, 2024
Sheila and Family,
Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss. Ron truly was larger than life and lived life joyfully and passed on that joy abundantly to all he came in contact with. We will be praying for you and your family through this difficult time.
Your friends,
November 28, 2024
Dear Sheila & Family,
My thoughts & prayers are with you, my deepest condolences. Ron was always a happy go lucky guy, it was always a pleasure seeing him at your baseball games. He will be missed.
Thinking of you & family during these difficult times.
Jeannine Lebeau
November 28, 2024
Sheila and gang: great memories of Ron at deer camp, hockey games and MNR fire camps. His humour and common sense were admired. As fitting, our last conversation a few weeks ago was frank and uplifting.
Ken
November 27, 2024
Ed and I send condolences to your whole family.
We knew the Lessards well when they lived in North Augusta.
May he rest in peace 🙏
November 27, 2024
Sheila & Family:
My condolence on your loss of Ron. He was a gentleman and work associate during my later years with the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Tom Rudolph
Truro, NS
November 27, 2024
Sheila, I was sorry to learn of Ron’s passing. He was always fun to work with during our time at MNR. His smile and ready laugh will be missed by all who interacted with Ron either through work of leisure. He was a champion.
November 27, 2024
Sheila and family, we are so saddened to hear about the loss of Ron. He was such a lovely person and always greeted everyone with a smile! Please know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time.
November 27, 2024
Sheila and Family…..my deepest condolences for your loss.
November 27, 2024
Sheila and family, my condolences on the loss of your husband Ron.
November 27, 2024