Obituary of Ronald Ira COLES

Ronald Ira Coles

July 25, 1931 – September 26, 2024

Passed away peacefully in his 94^th year with his family by his side on September 26, 2024.  Beloved husband of Olive Coles nee Williams for 72 years.  Loving father of Dale Coles (Bonnie), Jane Macivor (Greg), Stephen Coles and Gregory Coles (Stephanie).  Cherished Poppa of Michelle Cowell (Derek), Caitlin Beecroft (Sean), Amanda Coles (Laura), Ryan Coles, Jeremy Martin (Sara) and Anthony Martin (Alyssa).  Very Proud Great Poppa to Willow Cowell.  Predeceased by his parents Angus and May Coles and brother Lavern.  Will be missed by his sisters Grace and Betty and brother Murray.    

Ron was a well-respected businessman who loved his family. In his early career at Orenda Engines as a draftsman Ron worked on the engine design of the Avro Arrow Aircraft.  Following the death of his father he purchased 3 buses from the estate and began Coles Coach Lines Ltd.  Ron was a hands-on Manager and was rarely at his desk.  He could be found in the garage under a bus, training a new driver, driving a school run or conducting a tour to Ottawa or Quebec City.

Ron was a faithful member of the Parish of Mono.  He served in his church as a warden and lay minister for many years and was a member of the Order of the Diocese of Toronto. 

Ron was a Rotarian and served as President for 2 terms from 1980-1981 and 1993-1994 and was awarded the Paul Harris Award for his work and contributions to his community.  Ron served 2 terms as a councilor for Township of Mono in the 1990’s.   Following retirement in 1989 Ron and Olive had time to travel and one of the most memorable trips was taking the Queen Elizabeth II from New York to England and flying home on the Concord.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at the Shelburne Residence Home for their care of Ron especially over the past two weeks.  

The family will receive friends at the St. John’s Anglican Church East Orangeville (3907 Highway 9 Caledon, ON L7K 0G7) on Friday October 4, 2024, from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

Funeral Service will take place at St. John’s Anglican Church East Orangeville (3907 Highway 9 Caledon, ON L7K 0G7) on Saturday October 5, 2024, at 12:00 PM.

The family will receive friends one hour prior.

Reception to follow the service.

Interment will take place at St. John’s Anglican Cemetery Mono. (953334 7^th Line, Mono, L9W 6E8) on Saturday October 5, 2024, at 3:30 PM.

If you are unable to attend the service in person, there will be a live stream available at https://www.youtube.com/@stjohnsorangeville/streams.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation or St. John’s Anglican Church East Orangeville.

Online condolences may be made at www.imfunerals.com

In Memoriam Funeral Services Inc. has been given the honour to serve the Coles Family