Surrounded by his loving family, Ronald Elgin Dunnill, aka “Boomer”, passed away at Chapman House in Owen Sound, on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at age 75. Cherished husband of 52 years to Brenda Dunnill (nee Greig). Loving father of Dwayne E. Dunnill (Stephanie) of Odessa and Tanya L. Coltman (Walter-”Wally”) of Port Elgin. Proud grandpa of Logan, Carter, and Alison. Dear brother of Brenda Lawrie of Owen Sound, Kenneth Dunnill of Delaware USA, Sharon Parkinson of Alberta, and Paul Dunnill (Wilma) of Fergus, and brother-in-law of Willard Greig, Blaine Greig (Susan), and James Parkinson. Ron was predeceased by his parents Hubert and Merle Dunnill (nee Rogers), sisters-in-law Marion and Linda Greig, and brothers-in-law Tom Lawrie and Harry Gilmour. Ron will be fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and friends in the community.

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Ronald Elgin Dunnill—better known to most as Boomer. A devoted husband, proud father, hardworking provider, storyteller, tinkerer, poet, Santa Claus, and friend. Above all else, Ron was a family man.

For fifty-two wonderful years, Brenda was the love of his life. Together they built a marriage filled with love, laughter, and unwavering commitment. Their greatest pride was raising two children, Dwayne and Tanya, teaching them not only by words but by example. Ron believed that hard work opened doors, but education created opportunities. It was a value he instilled in his children, encouraging them to pursue their dreams while never forgetting where they came from. Born in Guelph in 1951 and raised on a farm, Ron developed the work ethic that would define his life. For forty-three years he drove truck for Sprung, a career built on reliability, dedication, and countless miles on the road. Retirement didn't slow him down for long. He found another calling driving a school bus, and he genuinely loved the children who climbed aboard each day. Their smiles and conversations brought him great joy.

If Ron wasn't behind the wheel, there was a good chance you'd find him in his garage. He was happiest with tools in his hands, figuring out how to build something useful. Whether it was a potato and onion bin, a clever repair, or one of his many homemade inventions, he had an incredible knack for making things work. Long before "life hacks" became popular, Ron was mastering them. If there wasn't already a solution, he'd simply invent one—like the fishing alarm he "MacGyvered" together so it would wake him if he nodded off while waiting for a bite. It was practical, ingenious, and unmistakably Ron.

He loved the outdoors. He used to fish along the Owen Sound Harbour wall with his friend Paul, and one year Ron won Biggest Salmon of the day at one of the Salmon Spectaculars many years ago. He also hunted deer and moose, enjoyed scuba diving, and found peace sitting quietly on the deck, watching birds dart through the bushes. Though he hunted, he was also a genuine animal lover, especially when it came to dogs. Snoopy and Boots held a special place in his heart, as did his Grand dogs, Roxy and Dave.

Anyone who knew Ron also knew about his affection for Princess Auto. It was more than a favourite store—it was a place full of possibilities. Even during his time in palliative care, he talked excitedly about wanting to attend the grand opening of the new Owen Sound location. That simple wish said so much about him. His curiosity, enthusiasm, and love of tinkering never left him.

Ron also possessed gifts that couldn't be measured with tools or miles driven. He was a gifted storyteller, a natural orator, and a poet. He could capture the attention of a room with ease, making people laugh, think, and listen. He was comfortable with people because he genuinely enjoyed them. His words had a way of bringing others together.

Perhaps his finest words, however, were reserved for Brenda. For one anniversary, he wrote her a love poem titled Autumn Kiss—a beautiful expression of the love they shared over more than five decades. It reminds us that beneath the hardworking exterior was a deeply romantic man whose greatest treasure was his wife.

Then there was Santa Claus.

Each winter, Ron grew his beard, not for fashion, but to become Santa. He delighted in bringing joy to children, embracing the spirit of generosity and wonder. It suited him perfectly because he had a generous heart all year long.

When we think about Ron, we remember a man who could fix almost anything, tell an unforgettable story, write beautiful poetry, make people laugh, and always put his family first. We remember a man who lived with purpose, worked tirelessly, loved deeply, and appreciated life's simple pleasures.

His legacy isn't found only in the things he built, the trucks he drove, or the miles he travelled. It lives on in Brenda, in Dwayne and Tanya, in the values he passed down, in the stories that will continue to be told, and in every act of kindness inspired by his example. Ron was, quite simply, a lovely man.

May we remember his laughter, his ingenuity, his generous spirit, and his unwavering love for his family. And may we carry a little of "Boomer" with us each day—as we work hard, love well, solve problems creatively, tell a good story, and never overlook the simple beauty of watching the birds from the deck.

Rest peacefully, Ron. Your work here is done, but your love and your legacy will remain with us always.

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Cremation has taken place and arrangements have been entrusted to the Garafraxa Hill Funeral Home, Chatsworth, Ontario. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Friday, August 7, at 12noon, officiated by Crystal Greig, with a visitation 1 hour prior. Lunch to follow and inurnment at Greenwood Cemetery, Owen Sound. If desired, donations to Chapman House, or the Brightshores Owen Sound Foundation, would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.garafraxahillfuneral.com