Ronald Rupert

RUPERT, Ronald Everett……

Ronald Everett Rupert died peacefully on May 30, 2021 after a brief illness. Ron was born in Niagara Falls on February 2, 1929 to parents Everett and Elsie Rupert, and big sister Verna (1927 – 2020). Younger brother Gary (Judi) joined the family several years later. Elsie told of how “little Ronnie” was an active child who could be found up in trees, on roofs or climbing what could be climbed. The family moved to Fort Erie when Ron was a teen. He worked at a local grocery store, and while there, was invited to join the Ontario Provincial Police. He worked as a police officer from the early 1950’s until his retirement in the mid-1980’s. He enjoyed his work as a police officer in the Forensic Identification Unit and went to work for Woodstock City Police for ten years following his retirement from the OPP. He continued to work after he left the Woodstock Police doing local courier deliveries until he was into his 80’s.

Ron met his wife Nadine (1932-1998) while recovering from a broken ankle, an injury he received in a motorcycle crash. Ron and Nadine are survived by Kathryn Baverstock (Stephen), Melanie Fugard (Ross) and Craig Rupert (Tina) and two grandsons Jeff Rupert and Patrick Rupert. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Ron was an active man who enjoyed being involved in his community over the years in Scouts, Ham Radio, Masonic Lodge, Shriners to name a few. He had a sometimes twisted sense of humour and enjoyed shocking people with his stories. He was shot shortly after Kathryn was born so had a scar from that. He enjoyed showing his long scar that “started” on his shin and “ended” on his belly. Of course it wasn’t one long scar. He spent every summer weekend in his RV at a campground in Bayfield and then Port Huron Michigan for many years. These weekends were spent with old friends and fellow “cop buddies”, relationships he valued and enjoyed.

Ron gained a new freedom when he moved from his house to an apartment in December 2018. He travelled to BC on his own that Christmas to visit Kathryn, Melanie and his brother Gary. Shortly after that, he travelled to Nova Scotia to visit Craig. He published a book, True Crime Cases, at the age of 90. He finished writing a second book this year (to be published) and had started on a third. That was pretty impressive for a guy who wasn’t the best student in his younger years.

Ron was active until the last few days of his life. A broken hip only slowed him briefly and he grudgingly learned to use his walker. Being the stubborn independent man he was,  this was a challenge, as was using other supports he needed.  The pandemic meant he couldn’t be as active socially as he’d have liked. He did enjoy the support and companionship of Millie McLaughlin. The family is thankful to Millie for being a good friend to Ron. No service is planned for Ron at this time. Friends are encouraged to remember him by raising a mug of beer or a glass of red wine. As an expression of sympathy donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 110-1525 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1Z 8R9 or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London and Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com