Obituary of Ronald Lewis Gare

Ronald Lewis Gare
1947 - 2025

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Ronald Gare of Ridgeway at the Douglas Memorial Hospital in Fort Erie on December 1, 2025, in his 79th year. Born in 1947 in St. Catharines, Ron was predeceased by his parents, Leonard (1958) and Harriet (nee Shaw; 2002), and his wife Myrna (nee Evans; 2022). He is survived by his brother John, daughter and son-in-law, Kimberley and Matthew Fox, his grandchildren Kaitlyn and Benjamin, and his first wife Emily Gildner.

Endowed with an innate curiosity and a thirst for learning, Ron’s early years were highlighted by academic pursuits in biology; he obtained a BSc from McMaster University and an MSc from Carleton University. A doctorate was cut short by a schizophrenia diagnosis in an era when the disease was not well understood and was heavily stigmatized by society. In mid-life, with his condition well-managed, Ron was blessed to meet Myrna, the light of his life, through a singles club. The two embarked on a courtship that led to marriage in 2002 and they shared a life, a home, and their faith until Myrna’s passing. For a time, Ron rejoined academia as an instructor at Brock University, and throughout his adult years he eagerly followed his daughter Kim’s career progression and his grandchildren’s academic and sporting accomplishments.

Special thanks to Dr. Kim Scher and the palliative team at the Douglas for their compassionate care during Ron’s final days, as well as to the vibrant and inclusive community found at All Saints’ Anglican Church in Ridgeway.

Following cremation, a graveside service will be held at Ridgeway Memorial Cemetery on Thursday, December 11 at 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider honouring Ron’s memory by donating to the Niagara Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association, the Niagara Health Foundation, or the All Saints’ Anglican Church through the Anglican Diocese of Niagara