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Passing of Ron Chong

October 28, 2018

Passing of Ron Chong

I'm sad to inform you that Ron Chong passed away on Sunday, October 28, 2018.

Prior to joining The Toronto Optimists Ron marched with the Golden Monarchs. Ron joined The Optimists at the end of the 1963 season playing lead Soprano. Ron 'aged-out' in 1969 but he continued working with the corps by helping instruct the horn line.

In later years Ron played with Toronto Signals. When the Optimists Alumni was formed Ron joined. Ron left the alumni at the end of the 2014 season to care for Josie, his wife; however, his heart was also with the corps and its members. When the Optimists Alumni went to Indianapolis this past summer, Ron came along for the ride.

Not long after we returned from Indianapolis Ron was diagnosed with cancer. He passed away, at 2:25 this morning (Sunday, October 28, 2018).

The Optimists Alumni extend our sincere condolences to Josie, Ron's wife, to Rawni, Ron's daughter, and to all of the other members of his family.

Obituary

CHONG, RONALD ARTHUR February 12, 1948 - October 28, 2018 Passed away early Sunday morning after a short battle with cancer. Predeceased by father Joseph, mother Margaret (nee Brown) and brother Gordon. Devoted husband to wife Josie, father to daughter Rawni (Matt Young), step-father to sons Paul, Chris and Wayne. Grandfather to Shawn, Ryan, Patrick, Eric, Kayla, Kate, Sam and Will. Great-grandfather to Emma, Keegan, Carter, Olivia, Madison and Max. The family extends its deepest gratitude to the staff at Lakeridge Health Oshawa for their attentiveness, compassion and care in Ron's final days. A deeply spiritual man, Ron's practice of religion was everyday, simple and direct kindness. An excellent musician, he began his drum corps career in 1962, marched with various corps over the years and continued to support the Optimists Alumni long after he stopped playing the horn. Ron loved to study the classical guitar and particularly enjoyed playing with family and friends and singing with his grandchildren. Ron's friends, including those from his years with the Toronto Transit Commission and the drum corps, will be received on Friday, November 2nd at The Simple Alternative Funeral Centre, 1057 Brock Rd., Pickering (south of Hwy. 401). Visitation at 10 a.m., Ceremony at 11 a.m., with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ron's memory to Lakeridge Health Oshawa or The Optimists Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps (4 Lillibet Rd., Toronto, ON M8Z 3S2) would be gratefully accepted.

Funeral and Visitation for Ron

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