After fulfilling his final wishes of attending his own celebration of life (just 9 days earlier), being able to say goodbye to loved ones and crossing off the last items on his bucket list, Ron died peacefully, with dignity, at home on Monday August 1, 2022 at the age of 67. He was surrounded by the ones who loved him the most, his family. Heaven is in for a real treat as he is sure to shake things up there.
Honoured with the task of keeping his memory and spirit alive are his wife of 44 years, Shirley (DeVries), son Ben (Mikaela) Rader, daughter Jenna (Jason) McBride and his four beautiful grandchildren who lit up his world – Mya, Conor, Riley and Ella.
Brother of Carol (Tom) Arthur, Jerry Rader (Joanne Boyes) and Marlene Rader. “Favourite” son-in-law of Margaret DeVries. Brother-in-law of Bart (Ann) DeVries, Jeannette (Scott) Berman and Pauline (Rick) VanderLey. Fun-loving uncle to his many nieces and nephews. There to greet him with open arms on the other side are his mom Leona (Clarence Reichert), father Lorne Rader and father-in-law Harry DeVries. Ron will be missed by his many co-workers and customers at Exeter Toyota as well as the many friends he’s made over the years.
He loved people and he loved life. Remember to live life like Ronnie Rader did – with patience, kindness, hard work, lots of fun and finding good in every situation. And don’t forget to whistle along the way.
In true Ron Rader fashion, he continues to give even after he is gone. His body has been donated for medical research at the University of Western Ontario. A memorial bench will be placed along the South Huron Trail by his family, honouring a much-loved husband and dad. Additional donations to the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation (South Huron Trail on the memo line) would be appreciated by the family.
Carol-Anne Stoneman
To the Family of Ron: My deepest condolences to Mrs. Rader and family. The late Gordon and I bought all our cars from Ron, great gentleman and a awesome salesman. I will miss seeing him when taking my car in for service. Rest In Peace dear friend. Sincerely: Mrs. Carol Stoneman
Debbie & Doug Fairbairn
Dear Shirley, Ben, Jenna & Family:
So sorry for your loss. Ron was a terrific man and will be missed by all who knew him. May your many years of wonderful memories help get you through this most difficult time.
We’d like to thank you for putting on his celebration of life and allowing us one last opportunity to say goodbye to Ron and to see all of you as well. It was a day we will never forget.
Phil and Laurie Erb
Dear Shirley, Ben, Jenna and Family,
We were so sorry to hear of Ron’s diagnosis and recent passing. We were unable to attend his Great Life Celebration but understand it was a wonderful day. We never saw Ron without a smile on his face. He was a real gentleman and truly a trailblazer!
Sending our love and hugs to you all,
Phil and Laurie
Robert Williams
May he rest in peace. My condolences to all his family and friends.
Barb Conlon/Mufge
From Benjamin’s nurse
I will always remember Ron’ marvelous smile !
Dianne Waun
Dear Shirley, Ben, Jenna and families,
Ron has been my go-to trusted car salesman and friend for many years.
He was very proud of all of you and his bravery has been inspiring.
Thinking of all of you and hoping you see signs that his powerful spirit is all around you.
Dianne Waun
Brian & Nancy Campbell
Our sincere condolences to Jerry and all the Rader family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Janie Martini-Bowers
After meeting Ron Rader of Exeter Toyota…we bought our first Toyota which lasted 13 years; thereafter, we only bought Toyota’s and only from Ron. He was a knowledgeable no BS salesman, who spoke honestly and directly. He instilled confidence in us and our decision to go Toyota forevermore.
Sorry about his passing, but am delighted with his way of going the last mile with Style. Wishing his family the comfort and consolation of many wonderful memories of time spent with him during his life.
Janie & Michael (deceased) Bowers & family
Claudia and Cal Thar
As customers of Ron’s for over 30 years, we are deeply saddened by his passing. Two years ago, Ron was also a great assist to our son from BC in purchasing our trade in. He was a great gentleman who was truly appreciated and who will be deeply missed.
Danielle Garon
I looked at all the photos of Ron, with his big hugs, big hands, big smile, big heart…… He was a character. A character everyone could love. I don’t have the right words to help with the hurt. I feel for you all! My deepest sympathies!
Nancy Gifford
My deepest condolences to the Rader family. Ron was one of a kind and will be missed by all.
Thank you for the opportunity to celebrate his life and say goodbye.
Bill & Joanne Hodge
Our deepest sympathies to the entire family. Our thoughts are with you at this very sad time. Cherish the fun memories.
Bart and Sippie
Shirley, Ben, Jenna & families, Rader & Devries families.
Condolences on the great loss of Ron our thoughts are with you.
We will always keep Ron in our thoughts and the memories will remain.
Susan & Ben Hoogenboom
Dear Shirley, Ben, Jenna and families,
We are so very glad we were able to spend time with Ron and his family at his celebration of life. His beautiful spirit will be missed. He has left a wonderful legacy in his children!
Ben, Sue, Ben and Jenna Hoogenboom
Clare & Brenda (Parsons) Martene & Family
Dear: Shirley, Ben, Jenna & Families, Rader & Devries Families . . .
We are sending our heartfelt sympathies in the loss of Ron. Our thoughts are with all of you at this very difficult time as you say good-bye & mourn the loss of an especially important man in your lives . . . treasure the wonderful memories & happy moments, Ron has blessed each of you with, as these moments will bring a warm smile to your heart. Words are never enough to ease the heartbreak you are feeling right now . . . but the genuine outpouring from family, friends, neighbours, & community demonstrates the profound impact Ron had on everyone he met. Remember his devoted love of all those he held dear . . . his memory will forever live on in your hearts & his legacy will live on in each of you. We were so blessed & honoured to be able to attend Ron’s wonderful “Celebration of Life” party. It was so great to hear all the stories & memories shared of him & his precious family . . . Ron’s face was constantly smiling or laughing. It sure gave us a sense of peace, so meaningful to everyone present that day, knowing he was facing the end of his life with such a positive outlook. We are truly blessed to have said our goodbyes & hug one another for the last time. Ron, you will definitely be the “talk of the town” for some time. When we hear Ron’s favourite hymn “House of the Rising Sun” playing again, we will think of him, smile & sing along.
Ron, you were a very inspirational man & definitely deserved an inspirational tribute. You will be missed but not forgotten. We are truly blessed to have known you & your wonderful family. May God keep you in His care & give you everlasting peace. 💞
“The Wind of Heaven is that which Blows between a Horse’s Ears. ~ Author by Rick Schmidt ~
Grief is the last act of Love we must give to those we Loved. Where there is deep Grief, there was great Love!
In this sorrowful time, we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts & prayers remain with you all – sending lots of Love & Hugs! 💞🙏💞
Clare & Brenda (Parsons) Martene & Family
Mark Heimrich
Shirley, Ben, Jenna & families, Rader & Devries families;
Our sincere condolences in the loss of Ron. It was my privilege to know him for many years. It was a brief but special time at Ron’s “Celebration of a Great Life” to be able to thank him for his positive influence in my life and to say goodbye. That afternoon was so meaningful to everyone of the large group attending. Ron had a constant smile on the entire time which gave us all a sense of peace for him.
Our thoughts and prayers remain with you all.
Mark & Julie Heimrich, Sarah, Scott & Spencer.
(My Mom, Marilyn Heimrich, expresses her sympathy to you all as well)
Cheryl Sanders
Sending our condolences, Love and big Hugs to Shirley and family ❤️
Love Jerry and Cheryl Sanders
Kate Ryan
Dear Shirley and Family.
My deep sympathy and love at Ron’s passing.
Love and prayers.
Kate
Kate Ryan
Dear Shirley and Family.
My deep sympathy and love at Ron’s passing.
Thinking of all of you.
Love and prayers.
Kate
Wil Telford
Sincere condolences to Shirley and family, Carol, Jerry and Marlene
Treasure all the wonderful memories of Ron and your family, those special moments, and hold close the inspirational Celebration of Life he shared with family and friends, such an amazing legacy to leave to his family to cherish forever.
I remember Ron reaching out to remind me a few times over the past year that it was soon time to replace my old Corolla, and we joked about it. His great sense of humor and positive outlook was inspiring to say the least.
Ron will be missed by all those who knew him so well, he will always be remembered. RIP Ron ! ♥
Thoughts and prayers to you all, take care!
Joe and Marilyn Kenda
Shirley and Family,
We are so saddened by the death of your dear Ron. It was such a privilege to have known him and to have had him as a friend. We are so glad that we were able to attend his celebration. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you always. RIP Ronnie.💕🙏🏻
Lois and Doug Thiel
Sincere sympathy to you Shirley,Jenna,Ben and families. Doug and I always enjoyed visits with you and Ron when we were neighbours in Zurich. Condolences to all the family. Glad to have a short visit with you at Ron’s celebration of life. We were truly blessed to know such a wonderful family. May God keep you in His care and give you peace . Lots of wonderful memories have been made over the years and this will always keep him by your side as you face this loss together.
Lois and Doug
Mark&Judy Cronyn
Dear Shirley, Jenna, Ben and family.
Our deepest sympathies to all of you at this very sad time.
Cherish all of your wonderful memories.
Sincerely Mark and Judy
Roger and Carol Mullins
We are saddened to hear about Rons passing. We always enjoyed our visit with him at Toyota for many years coming from Point Edward for our new cars.. We loved his friendliness and his sense of humour. We will miss him ——–Gone too soon——-Our thoughts are with all the family today .
Kim & Judy McKinnon
Shirley & Families,
Please accept our sincere condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with
all of you at this sad time.
Ron Corriveau
Shirley and family: A good man has left this world on his own terms. He will be forever missed by everyone who had the good fortune to have known him. Our sincere condolences are with you.
Chris & Peter Moore
Shirley & Family
A beautiful soul has found his way home.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today.
Chris & Peter Moore
Keith and Susan Semple
Shirley, Jenna, Ben and families
We are sending our sincere condolences to you all at this sad and difficult time.
Cherish all the wonderful memories. Ron was one of a kind and will be truly missed by all who knew him.❤️
Debbie &Brian Hodgins
To Shirley & Family,
Our sincere condolences to all the family. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Denise Dunsmore
Heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Ron’s family. He was an incredible man with a presence second to none. He will never be forgotten. Trips to Exeter Toyota will never be the same.
Jim Chapman
Shirley and family;
My deepest sympathy !!
I feel fortunate that I was able to be present at ” Ron’s Day ” and share the memories
that he left for you. He will not be forgotten !!
Debbie Glavin
Jason, Jenna and the whole family
Our hearts are just aching what you all must be going through. We did not know your father but sounds like just an incredible person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Debbie Glavin, & Rod Morrison
Andrea and Rick Santos
Dear Shirley, Ben, Jenna and Family,
Sincerest of condolences to you all. Ron has made a lasting impact and touched all of our lives with his genuine and unwavering positive and joyous outlook. May your memories of him bring you all a bit of warmth during this difficult time.
With Love,
Andrea and Rick
Bruce and Pat Crookes
Dear Shirley, Ben, Jenna and family
Our sincere sympathy to you. May many memories give you comfort.
We will remember Ron’s beautiful smile and always pleasant personality.
Love
Pat and Bruce
Wendy
Dear, Shirley:
Our most sincere sympathy to you, Ben, Jenna and your family. May happy memories bring you peace at this sad time.
Pete and Wendy
Andrew Hern
Shirley, Ben, Jenna and family, so saddened to hear of Ron’s passing. He was always a pleasure to speak with and so patient. Take care of each other during these times.
Andrew Hern and Julie Weber
John and Dianne Moses
Ron, will be missed by all. He was the most genuine and honest person , we ever dealt with.
Condolences to his family and close friends.
God rest his sole.
RON AND GLENDA LINDENFIELD
Shirley and Family
Our Sincere Condolences, Exeter and Zurich definitely lost some wonderful amazing history today
Ron and Glenda Lindenfield
Michelle Pfile
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss Shirley! You and your whole family are in my thoughts.
Dilki & Lalith de Silva
To Shirley
Ben & Mikaela, Riley and Ella
Jenna & Jason, Mya & Conor
Our kind thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Ron was an amazing person with so much positive energy. We are lucky to have wonderful memories to cherish for ever.
Love to all
Dilki & Lalith
Elaine Corbett & family
Our deepest sympathies to you Shirley and your family, along with the Rader and DeVries families. He truly was a great man and friend. Always teasing. Cherish your memories to help you through this difficult time and the days ahead.
Mildred Northcott
Deepest sympathy Shirley and family, Carol, Jerry and Marlene.
Cherish and hold close all the precious memories of Ron and your family, especially the celebration of life. What a special and courageous way to say goodbye in person.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Rick & Patti Bedard
Our deepest sympathies to Shirley and family. Ron will certainly be missed as he made such a positive impression on everyone he knew.
Mary Ann Bender
Our sincere condolences to you Shirley and your family. Don and Mary Ann Bender
Al & Sharon Brokenshire
Shirley, Ben & Jenna and your families.
Ron was a very courages, funny and loving guy was a pleasure to know him.
You will all miss him dearly, cherish your wonderful memories, he will always be with you all.
We send you our sincerest sympathy, we were glad to have been able to be at his get together a little over a week ago. His memories live on.
Allen Rollings
Shirley, Ben,Jenna and family Ron was such an awesome guy I was so glad to have the been a co worker with Ron he always made things so enjoyable it was always nice to see his smiling face and he was always good for a laugh I am going to miss him so much my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Allen and Julie Rollings
George and Sue Wilson
Shirley, Ben, Jenna and families, Rader family, DeVries family, heartfelt condolences on your loss of a “true gentleman” husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. Ron was a salesman from a young age. He had a smile on his face and a mischievous grin. He was an honest man in everything he did. Ron was very kind and considerate. He will be missed by his family and all of us. Cherish your precious memories. Talk about him often. Hugs and prayers, George and Sue Wilson and family
Helen Miller
My sincere condolences to all of you, Ron was one of a kind.
Susan Oke
So sorry to hear about Ron. May all of the happy memories you have with him help you through this difficult time.
Jenny Cates
Mya and Conor,
We are all sending you love from camp! We are giving you both BIG virtual hugs, and we were sad to hear about your grandpa!
Lots of love from,
Jenny and your camp family💕
Karen and Gerald Zavitz
Shirley and family, We are so sorry for your loss. What a great guy! So friendly and kind. A true family man. Cherish your memories. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Janice and Ron Krauter
Our condolences go out to Shirley, Ben and Jenna and their families.
Ron was an extremely funny guy. We shared many laughs with him over the years. He will be missed by many. Simply put, Ron was a class act!
Margaret Prout
Shirley and all the Rader family…
My sincere condolences to each and everyone of your family members.
Ron’s memory is a treasure .
Shannon Dougherty
I’m so very sorry for your loss.
Aunt Winnie
Shirley, Ben and Jenna and families
My sincere condolences to you. He will be missed.
Love Aunt Winnie
Chuck & Pam Ross
Shirley, Jenna, Ben and Family,
We are thinking of you at this very sad time. Ron was truly one of the best.
Hugs to you all.
Debi Bryans
Shirley and family, our sincerist condolences. Know that you our in our thoughts and prayers. Cherish the memories. Hugs
Diane Darling
Shirley and family – our sincere condolences on the loss of Ron. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time
Diane and Joe Darling
Dan and Donna Overholt
Dear Shirley, Jenna, Ben and families,
We give you our most sincere sympathies on the passing of Ron. He was truly the kindest man – so well loved by all who knew him. The wonderful memories you have of his beautiful time here as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, relative and friend will keep him close to your hearts forever. Thinking of you all and sending love.
Donna, Dan and family
Judy Mason
We are sending our sincerest condolences…so very happy to celebrate his life and see him smile just a short time ago.He truly was a special person. Thinking of you all.Larry and Judy
Carolyn Dalgity
Shirley, Ben , Jenna and families. My heart goes out to you for your loss of such a wonderful husband , father , grandfather , friend. May time and memories comfort you and remembering the love he had for you help you through this sad time. My condolences to all Ron’s family and friends .
June E Morenz
Jerry and the Rader Family: So sorry to read of Ron’s passing. He sounds like a wonderful person. My sympathy to everyone.
Jackie Hart
Shirley and family thinking of you at this sad time !
Jackie Hart
Barb Barty
So sorry for your loss, our sincere condolences to Shirley, Jenna and Ben at this sad time.
Sincerely Dave and Barb
Jeff and Sid Reaburn
Shirley and family,
Please accept our sincere condolences on Ron’s passing. While we did not know him well, he had a great reputation as a kind and caring person. We know he will be greatly missed but his memory will be with you always.
Take care.
Jeff and Sid
Beth Lovell
I am truly sorry for your loss Shirley and family. Ron was a good man, kind natured, fun loving man. He will be missed by all who loved and knew him. The memories you made will be remembered and talked about for many years. ❤
Doug and Betty Lynn
Shirley, Ben, Jenna and families – Ron truly was a real gem of a human being who will be missed by so many. Sending you all our deepest sympathy. ♥️
Jim Dietrich
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family, so sorry for your loss.
Jim & Linda Dietrich
Joe and Joanne Bengough
Thinking of you Shirley and your family.
Our deepest condolences to you all.
Mike and JoAnne Pickering
What a wonderful way to say goodbyes and include so many memories. Sending our deepest condolences to Shirley and family. Long live on the memories of a great guy with a smile when ever you saw him! Mike and JoAnne Pickering
Dave Frayne and Cathy Cade
To Ron’s family and friends:
So sorry to learn of Ron’s passing, glad I was able to attend his celebration of life.
We will miss his smile and humour.
Hugs to all
Jim and Elaine Tomlinson
This world has lost one of the good ones. Our condolences to Shirley and family and all the Rader family. RIP Ron.
Mike Hardy
My family was fortunate to have meet Ron in 2004 when he answered an email inquiring about a Toyota Sienna. Over the next 18 years this connection lead to a friendship, a business connection with one of the most genuine person’s I have ever met. Shortly after my wife Laura passed 24 months ago Ron and Margie reached out to me to see how I was doing. This gesture was Ron as his true self. I will miss his friendship and his ever present smile. Mike Hardy , Sarnia
Jim Oesch
Ron’s family
It’s always tough to say goodbye to a loved one, Ron you will be missed by many , but you will remain in our hearts ❤️
Ray & Judy Mills
Shirley, Ben, Jenna and families:
Thinking of you at this time and praying for peace in your hearts as you face your grief. This is a terrible time I know. I hope you can feel the love, empathy, concern and care that your friends and family have for each of you. Ron has left a wonderful legacy, one each of us should try to achieve. God Bless.
Waynne and Willi Charlton
Shirley, Ben, Jenna and the Rader family
Our sincere condolences to all. Ron was such a kind and gentle man, always with a friendly word and a mischievous smile.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Laura Wilder
Sending love and hugs to the entire Rader family. My you find comfort in your memories and know in your heart that his spirit is always with you.
MARG BEAVER
Shirley,
Ben & Mikaela, Riley and Ella
Jenna & Jason, Mya and Conor
Wishing you strength to face the days ahead and
wonderful memories to cherish forever!
Ron was such a great guy and an awesome neighbor
whom we will truly miss. Please accept our deepest
condolences.
Ross & Marg Beaver
and family
Glenn and Missy Pfaff
As it was so beautifully written and witnessed, Ron moved through this earthy world in his hard-working yet fun loving way, leaving an impression on all those who crossed his path. This is and will continue to be hard. Losing someone who you have loved so deeply, could be no other way, but was so worth it. Love and light to all of you.
Kit Hartleib
Shirley and family,
Condolences to all.
I only met Ron a few times but through Shirley was able to get a glimpse of the man that meant so much to his family and friends.
You all will miss him dearly and he will live on through your memory and the indelible mark he has left behind.
Look and listen….you will find he has not gone far.
Kit Hartleib
Jim&Lori Dietrich and family
Our sincere condolences
Mary Ellen Edwards
Ron you are the youngest in the family, but you were an inspiration to us all!
We miss you! ❤️
Paul & Mary Ellen
Ralph & Denise Batten
Shirley, Ben, Jenna, and family: Our sincere sympathy on the passing of Ron. We have so many great memories with him. His sense of humor was one of a kind. He was always positive and had a great outlook on life. His love of family was like no other. He will be missed by so many. Hoping we hear from Ronnie the spirit once he has finished all his training 💗💗
Ralph & Denise
Larry & Sharon Gibson
To all the Rader family our sincere condolences to everyone. He truly will be missed by all that knew him
George and Elaine Keller
Sincere condolences to Shirley and family.
Donna & Jody Mosurinjohn
Shirley, Ben, Jenna and families..I am so very sorry for your loss..Ron was certainly one of the very best..keep him close in your hearts with all of your wonderful memories..
Jody & Donna Mosurinjohn
Mary & John Elder
Shirley & family; So very sorry for your loss. Hoping years of great memories help you through the difficult days. Hugs all the way from Iron Bridge. John & Mary
Kevin & Shelley Geoffrey
Deepest sympathies to Ron’s family and friends who where many . We will miss you Ron but never forget you. One good guys.
Margie Austin
Shirley, Ben , Jenna and families
Ron was one of the best co-workers I ever had. He was a true friend to me for over 40 years. He will never be forgotten by me and many others lives he had a huge impact on.
Treasure all the memories as I will , till we meet him again
Love you all
Margie
Jeff and Martha
Shirley, Ben and Jenna and family,
Ron truly was a treasure and my sympathies go out to all of you. I am honored to have called him a friend. Last weekend at your home was a great experience; however, it is still difficult to say good bye. Just remember, that “Ronnie Rader from Zurich” has demonstrated what courage, friendship and dedication are essentially about.
Martin and Cheryl Gelinas
Dear Shirley and family,
Our deepest condolences to you and all the Rader families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Martin and Cheryl Gelinas
Marjorie Graff
We send deep condolences to Ron’s family. For many years we knew Ron through the business, but he became a friend. We were very fond of him. He was cheerful and kind, and always upbeat. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Loving thoughts,
Marj and Rick Graff
Kathy
To the Family of Ron :
My sincere condolences to all .
People may not remember exactly what you did
or what you said –
But- they always will remember how you made them feel .
Rest In Peace Ron .
Sincerely ,
Kathy Desjardine – Thompson