Obituary of Ron Kanary, Glace Bay

With heavy hearts the family of Ron Kanary, 69, announce his peaceful passing at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital with his wife and daughter by his side on Tuesday June, 15th 2021. Ron fought the hard fight and tried as hard as he could but unfortunately he was too tired. The last eight months of his life were very challenging for him, but he was able to handle his illness with a smile and calmness that only he could manage. He was an incredible man who faced challenges head on supported by his loving family. Born in Glace Bay, Ron was the son of the late Joe and Mary (Rafferty) Kanary. Anyone that knew Ron, knew the physical challenges he faced daily. Not one to complain, Ron took his challenges as an opportunity to work to help people of various disabilities, fighting for them to have the same rights as abled body people. Ron worked very hard in the eighties-advocating for those rights on Parliament Hill during a Joint Committee on the Constitution November 25,1980 working with the Coalition of Provincial Organizations for the Handicapped testifying before the committee. Testimony focused on the need for the inclusion in the proposed Charter of Rights and Freedoms of protections against discrimination on the basis of disability. Ron also worked with CID (Community Involvement for the Disabled) for several years helping to open doors for many people. He was also one of the successful advocates in bringing Handi-Trans to our area. He had a great passion for helping others in many aspects of his life. Ron worked with the Department of Community Services for many years assisting people with re-entering the workforce. He loved every minute of his career with this department, retiring in 2016. Left to miss and always love him, Ron is survived by his wife of 44 years Cheryl, the light of his life, daughter, Kristyn (Holloway), son in law and friend, Lloyd and his pride and joy Lexi, Papa’s pumpkin. He is also survived by his biological son Mark MacDougall and his two grandsons Michael and Charlie, they were all introduced later in life but he loved them very much. He will also be dearly missed by his brother Joe, sisters Patricia (Rideout), Sharon (Moore) and Brenda (MacDougall) and their spouses Carol, Merle, Bryan and Dan. Ron is also survived by sister-in-law Joan (Doug MacDougall) as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Robert, Eddie and his younger brother and best friend Michael. Ron will also be missed by his faithful companion Patches. Ron was incredibly patient, kind, strong and intelligent and had a great sense of humor which made him a wonderful storyteller. Ron will miss his time sitting around the pool with beer in hand this summer, his favourite thing to do, other than watching a Jays game. He was lucky enough to see them live on a few family trips, though the Jays were only a close second to his first and really his most loved team, the Montreal Expos who he also got to go see several times. Ron left a mark on many people and his loss will be felt deeply by all who knew him. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the 4D staff for their kindness and compassion in caring for Ron. Cremation has taken place under the care of VJ McGillivray Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Glace Bay. Due to Covid-19 regulations there will be a private mass held to celebrate Ron’s life. In remembrance of Ron’s life, please just love one another. When tomorrow starts without me, And I’m not here to see, if the sun should rise and find your eyes, filled with tears for me. I wish so much you wouldn’t cry, the way you cried today, while thinking of the many things we didn’t get to say. I know how much you love me, as much as I love you, and each time you think of me, I know you’ll miss me too. When tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we are far apart, for every time you think of me, I’m right there in your heart. Author Unknown On line condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca