Ronald "Ron" James MacDonald, of Walkerton, tragically after an accident in Effingham, Illinois on his way to visit family for the holidays, passed away on Friday, December 23, 2022. He was 65.
Born on January 12, 1957 in Durham Ontario to the late Calvin and Kathleen (nee Kirkpatrick) MacDonald. Ron was a hard working, gentle man who thoroughly enjoyed working with Freiburger & Sons as a Parts Manager. He was very involved with Marvin Freiburger #37 Racing Team. He loved to interact with the clients and staff all the time, even taking up hobbies along side of them. He loved the Ham Radio as well as Geocashing on his spare time.
Survived by devoted wife Charlotte "Charlie" (nee Arterberry) MacDonald of Walkerton. Loved father of Valentina MacDonald (Micheal Helm) and Sheryl-Lynn MacDonald (Korey Orson) both of Owen Sound. Special stepfather of Joe Helton, Bobby Helton and Adam Helton. His favorite name to be called was Grandpa and he will be missed forever by Jazzmine, Jess, Joshua, Kyria-Lynn, Brooklynn, Jayden, Sydney and great grandpa Jayden and Emmaline. Fondly remembered by his sister Carolyn (Leslie) Abell of Dunkeld and niece Sara and nephew Adam Abell. Predeceased by his parents and first wife Marilyn.
A Memorial Visitation will be held at Mighton Funeral Home, Hanover, on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 from 5-8 pm with a Memorial Service taking place on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 11am. Cremation has taken place and inurnment of ashes will be interred in Durham Cemetery in the Spring.
Memorial donations to the Diabetes Association would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
VIDEO: Tribute Slideshow
VIDEO: Memorial Service & Celebration of Life - January 11, 2023
We are sorry to hear of Ron passing. Paul referred to him as Ronnie, and remembers snowmobiling with him when there were no trees on our hills! Ron also helped Paul build a shed when he was the new neighbour across from Calvin and Kathleen's farm.
Special hugs for Carolyn.
Sincerely Marion and Paul
Ron worked for us for three seasons and he was a good worker and an awesome person. He put a CB in his paint truck so he could keep in touch and I just called him "HAM". He then left us and went to his "forever" job at Freiburger's in Walkerton. Ron saw me online and touch base with me about 5 years ago on Facebook. He will be missed by many and I send my condolences and sympathy to his family.
- Barbara EatonBreaker Breaker this is one last call for Ronald MacDonald...Hey rubber Duckie we'll see you on the flip side....this is Sherbear over and out...
- Sherry LeonardTo Charlotte and Ron's family. I met Ron through Marvin and Angela Freiburger helping out with the race team at Flamboro Speedway 2 years ago. Ron was on his game with working on the car but was patient enough to show me what needed to be done. So great to have met Ron! Seen Ron at the shop once and would see him a couple times at races with Marvin when he was spotting for the race. Even though he was working he would always take a minute to say Hi to me talk about the race at hand. Sending condolences to all the family at this time. Bill Macdonald
- Bill MacdonaldVal and family, so I am sorry to hear of your loss. What a tragedy. May memories bring you comfort and strength as you grieve.
- Jennifer ChaseWe are deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Ron. We met "micd" at a large Geocaching event in September, and shared many Geocaching stories over potluck dinner. Such a nice person to chat with. Our condolences to his family for their loss.
- Annie & SteveDidn't seem real until I saw this picture. Charlie and Family my heart hurts so bad here in Illinois for all of you. Ron was one of a kind! The 1st time I met him I knew Him and my Sis would be together forever. You know him you Sure Love him. I know I did he was my (boyfried) from Canada. Love and Prayers to all of you know he will look down on all of us and smile. That sweet smile he had. Wish I could be there. Love you so much Charlie. ❤️
- Joyce DamronOur Sincere Condolences go out to Charlotte, Val & Sheryl and to all of his Family and huge network of friends including his work Family and Friends at Marvin Freiburger & Sons Inc. Marvin & Angela
- Marvin & Angela FreiburgerRon, aka Hamburger, to his longtime friends want to express our condolences. Ron was a willing volunteer helping with the Peter Pancreas diabetes snowmobile run and with the Durham Trailblazer snow drags among other activities. He will missed by many and we were sorry to hear of your loss.
Joe and Tom Kennedy and families
Very sad to hear of Ron's passing. He was a very kind friend to my father, Peter Pletsch, with whom he shared many hobbies and interests. I visited with him many times at the family farm and always enjoyed hearing their stories. Sincere condolences to your family. Ron will be missed my many.
- Rebecca PletschOld neighbor from Bentick RIP
- Dennis boyceDear Carolyn, my deepest sympathy in the sudden passing of your brother. Thinking of you..
- Donna(Hastie) WatkeRon was a long time neighbour to Kevin & I.
He was a very good neighbour whom we could count on to keep an eye out and was always ready for a chat. He offered advice when requested, but tended to do his own thing. He was an avid gardener and shared.his rhubarb and Gypsie onions with us.
Kevin & I enjoyed a weekend in which we went ice fishing with Mutual friends, Ron & our son.
Ron was right there when I pulled a large walleye up through the fishing hole. Life was always an adventure when Ron was around.
Rest in Peace Ron, you have left your mark on Earth, that is for sure.
Joan & Kevin Lair
Wow, We (Lynda and I) were shocked when we heard of Ron's passing, he was always the most friendly and nice person.
We met Ron through Geocaching, and always enjoyed talking to him at events and various caches etc. I do Car Rallying, and Ron was involved in stock cars so we had a mutual interest there as well. A group of us geocachers even went to Sauble Speedway to watch one night, and Ron showed us around the Frieburger pits. Ron had an old friend who was into Ham (Amateur) Radio and always wanted to get his certificate. When he found out i was teaching a course online for the KW Amateur Radio Club he joined right away and passed with flying colours. He got right into the hobby, buying radios and antennas and taking to other Hams around the world. He made lots of friends on the air and at his local club as well as the KWARC Zoom sessions.
Ron will be missed by many people. Condolences to the family from Roger VE3RKS (rogking) and Lynda (alli-oop) . Take comfort he is up there talking on the radio and finding all the caches, and helping with all the heavenly race cars.
On behalf on the members of Saugeen RC Flyers. Are deepest condolences for the family and friends of Ron. RIP my friend.
- Keith AndersonMy deepest condolences to Ron's family. I dealt with Ron for many years. He was a really good guy and very knowledgeable. He will be dearly missed.
- Kevin AdamsWe are very sorry to hear of your loss. Ron as we all new him A.K.A. THE HAMBURG KING most of you know why.After knowing Ron for over half a century a good freind and so much more.He made freinds with anyone and everyone .Allways willing to help.We will all miss the laughter and pulling fun at each other
- Steve Kerr/ Snowmobiles Unlimited and familyRIP RON
- JIM COXSending our deepest condolences to Charlie and his family and friends....Jan & Andy Schmidt
- Jan SchmidtMy sincerest condolences to Ron's family and friends. I met "Big Ron" many years ago when "Big Murr" brought him up to fish walleye in Kapuskasing. To say he was Mr. Fix-It doesn`t do him justice. He will be sorrily missed by all Remember Ron, "twice as many, half as far". R.I.P. Ronald MacDonald.
- sean ReidWe are so sorry to hear of Ronnie's passing. Peter often mentioned Ronnie and considered a very special friend and was very thankful for him being there especially near the end when he was sick. He will be missed by the many that knew him. Heather and Rebecca Pletsch
- Heather PletschI'm sorry to about Ron I just met through ham radio and I enjoyed his chats and again sorry for your loss I will miss our chats I know he had big plans for ham radio plans if there any thing you to about his radio's just let me know sorry if it's too soon um just here to help
- Jim ClaytonLois asked me to extend her condolences on her behalf and mine also . Sorry for your loss. John Dow and Lois Dow.
- John Dowthe most injoyable time at the flying field was when ron showed up
my thoughts are with you ..calharle
I have known Ron and dealt with him on a regular basis since he joined Freiburgers many years ago. He was always very helpful and good at finding parts. We will all miss him.
My sympathy to his family and the Freiburgers
Richard and Paula
To Ron's Family and His Work Family, I'm So Sorry For Your Loss. I Always Enjoyed Our Talks When I Was Delivering Parts To Marvin's Such An All Around Great Guy !! You Are All In my Thoughts and Prayers . Rest In Peace Ron .
- Murray HunkingBig Ron was a part of our fishing & hunting group from northern ont he was always ready to help out or start his own project he will be greatly missed RIP big guy💕 until we meet again❌⭕️
- Monique & Bill SimpsonMy deepest sympathies for Ron
I got to know him at the welding shop he knew his stuff. If no buddy could find what u needed he could
I am the incoming President of the Georgian Bay Amateur Radio club. I've only met Ron a few times in person and so we have no connection to him aside from being members of the same club. Other club members knew Ron well. Their personal remembrances which offer a tribute that memorialize Ron as a person whom I'm sorry not to have the chance to know more personally. The accidental loss of anyone always comes as a shock which reinforces the tragic nature of such an unfortunate event. This is even more true when someone is beloved. My condolences to Ron's family and friends. I'm certain he will be missed but well remembered
- MarvinMy sincere condolences to you Charlie and your family. I only knew Ron for short period of time and shared many of the same interests. I will miss Ron at our Breakfast and events. 73 my friend. Bernie and Anne
- Bernie MonderieVal , Sheryl and family
Sorry to hear of Ron's passing. Our deepest condolences.
My sincere condolences to Ron's family. I only knew Ron through amateur radio, but he was obviously one of the good guys. Our amateur radio community will miss him.
- David NewcombeOn behalf of the Georgian Bay Amateur Radio Club, of which Ron was a valued member, I would like to extend my condolences to Ron's family and friends. Ron was a great guy and full of enthusiasm. We will all miss him.
John Corby
2021/22 President, Georgian Bay Amateur Radio Club
Ron, my friend, mentor and go to guy for help. My caching buddy for over 10 years of adventures and some phenomenal places we went together. I will, as the whole family will, sorely miss him. Condolences and hugs to Charlie and the whole family. If there is caching in Heaven bud, save some for us to get.
- DaveI was very sad to learn of Ron's passing. I met him through Amateur Radio and was very happy to talk with him about life, hobbies and Amateur Radio. He was a great man, he enjoyed life and will be missed. My very sincere condolences to his family.
- Richard OsborneMy sincere condolences Charlie and family. RIP Ron
- Marlene WitzkeCharlie, Val, Sheryl and Caroline, so sorry for the loss of Ron,he was a great guy our prayers are thoughts are with you
- Ivan and Jamice HamelI'm sorry to hear of Ron's passing. My condolences to the family. He will be missed greatly.
- Kathy CotterCharlie & family. We are very sorry to hear of the tragic sudden death of your loved one. Hope cherishing your memories brings comfort at this time. Such a terrible loss.
- Dennis & Janet YaeckPlease accept our sincere condolences on the loss of Ron. I always appreciated his eagerness to help, his immense knowledge and patience to solve a problem, and easy going nature. No matter how busy he might be, we always found time to talk about many moose hunting trips. I always joked with Ron that someday I would be able to stump him; unfortunately I never got the chance. We hope that all the fond memories of Ron will live on with the family and friends, as they will with us. He will be sorely missed.
- Steve LippertDear MacDonald Family,
We were so sorry to hear of your loss this Christmas Season. Blessings to all your family at this difficult time. May you find warmth in cherished memories of Ron.
Most sincere condolences,
Ed & Wendy Santos
Wow! So sorry to hear about Ron! What a great guy! Always appreciated talking with him. So knowledgeable and helpful! He will certainly be missed by many.
- Paul and Susan MesserschmidtCarolyn, Les and family. So sorry for your loss. My heart aches for you all. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
- Cathy OlsonDear Carolyn and all the family: our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time. May the Lord give you all strength and comfort.
Cyndy and Richard Abell
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Ron. We always had the greatest respect for Ron as he was the book of knowledge. He will be a great loss to all who knew him.
Mary Beth and Don Fischer
Caroline and family so sorry to hear of Ron's passing our thoughts are with you at this sad time. Sharon & Lynn McCallum
- Sharon McCallum