Obituary of George Ronald Billings
Billings, George Ronald (May 20, 1936 - March 8, 2024)
Our family is saddened to announce Ron's death at age 87 in the early morning of Friday, March 8, at University Hospital, London, ON following a long and valiant battle with Parkinson disease. He leaves behind his loving wife of 61 years, Alice Elaine (Barrett), his devoted children, Ralph (Shelly Polishuk), Johanna and Brian (Annie Cateysson) and cherished grandchildren, Liam, Scott, Sarah, Gordon and Laura.
Ron was born in Toronto, the only child of Marble and Violet (Somers) Billings. They lived in Timmins and Galt before settling in Ingersoll. Ron attended public school and Ingersol DCI where he began to develop his academic, musical and athletic interests. Graduating from Western in 1959 in Honours Chemistry he also swam for the university swim team, setting a record in breaststroke.
Following a year at the Ontario College of Education in Toronto, Ron began his teaching career in London, ON at Oakridge S.S., spending 16 years as head of the Science Department. After spending one year at Banting S.S., Ron finished his working years teaching at Montcalm S.S. In the midst of all those busy years Ron managed to co-author a chemistry text, play the piano for Oakridge and Montcalm musical productions, tour the cathedrals of England and Scotland with the St. Paul's Anglican Cathedral choir as a tenor and in his spare time play as much tennis as possible!
From 1963 to 1965. Ron was given the opportunity to teach for DND in Metz, France. This gave Ron and Elaine the rare chance to travel extensively throughout Europe whenever there were school holidays. With their VW and a large French tent, they drove and camped from southern Italy to the Arctic Circle and every country in between. In 1973, this time with three young children in tow, Ron took a year's sabbatical in England, earning his Master of Science degree at the University of East Anglia.
Ron enjoyed his retirement exploring Canada by boat, plane car and bicycle, and passing happy summers with friends and family on Manitoulin Island.
The Billings family extends its thanks to the many caregivers who have helped Ron over the past four years, especially Rodrigo, Erica, Amy and Henry and we are grateful for the support of Jessica and Dr Hamilton's palliative team.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Condolences and shared recollections may be forwarded to Logan Funeral Home, (519-433-6181), www.loganfh.ca.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario would be appreciated.
A tree will be planted, by the Logan Funeral Home,
as a living memorial to Ron Billings.
