Ronald Moss was born in the seaside resort of Blackpool, England in 1917 to Richard and Mae Moss.
He had a sister, Nora, and a half brother, Bert, both now deceased.
Ron's hobbies in those early days were photo-enlarging and seeking autographs of famous people who visited the resort town. One of the autographs he got was from the real Lawrence of Arabia on whose life the film by the same name was based.
After completing high school Ron apprenticed as a printer for a local newspaper. As he completed his apprenticeship the Second World War was eminent so he enlisted in the Royal Air Force.
Soon Ron was sent to Penhold, Alberta in Canada where his group helped to train Canada's airmen.
Here he also met the love of his life and future wife, Emma Godeau.
They were married March 16, 1943. Eventually Ron was transferred back to England. Emma followed shortly afterward. Their first son, Raymond, was born in 1945. As food and housing was in short supply they decided to immigrate to Canada.
Arriving in Montreal with just a few dollars they travelled to Vancouver where Ron had the opportunity of two jobs; one in Vancouver, the other in Victoria. They chose Victoria, and soon after the move daughter, Andrea, was born, then son, Norman.
Ron worked for Victoria press for about 25 years. During this time the family moved twice and remodelled two homes.
Ron retired early and the family moved to Skulow Lake near Big Lake where they ran a cafe. During this period Ron worked as a fire watchman at Lignum and West Fraser mills.
After a few years they moved to Summerland where Ron worked in a cannery. Two years later they moved back to Williams Lake where Ron got a job as a janitor with School District 27.
Over the years Ron and Emma were parents to many foster children, two of whom were raised as their own children.
Ron liked to play crib, and enjoyed floor curling, carpet bowling, bingo and a little gambling. He also enjoyed the B.C. Winter Games and travelled to play in floor curling tournaments at the Senior's Games.
When Ron came to Canada with his young family, little did he know that besides being a printer at Victoria Press, he was to become a digger of basements by hand, a herder and milker of goats, a tree topper of oak trees, and basically a "jack of all trades."
Because of his great attributes he taught his children much.
He taught them respect, perseverance, humour and gentleness.
They remember him as a strong, vibrant and kind man who had patience. Ron liked to whistle, sing, rhyme and play with words.
In their later years Ron and Emma lived at Cariboo Lodge and at the new Williams Lake Seniors' Village where they took part in most activities.
Ron was a Royal Canadian Legion member for many years and his service Saturday May 7 was conducted by the Legion with a memorial tea following the service in the Legion's basement hall. He passed away May 2, 2005.
There will also be a remembrance gathering held for Ron at the Seniors' Village on May 26 at 2:30 p.m. in the dining room on the second floor for residents, family and friends.
Ron has not died. His spirit lives on through his children and grandchildren. He was the best of dads.
Ron is survived by his wife loving family: wife Emma; children Raymond (Rita) Moss; Andrea (Ken) Phillips; Norman (Glyenys) Moss; Andrew Moss; and Jenny (Kirk) Fisher.
He is also sadly missed by his grandchildren: Raif, Trisha, Lyda, and Michelle Moss; Mike and Warren Phillips; Rhiannon and Bryn Moss; Kyle Moss; and Riley and Ricky Fisher.
He is also lovingly remembered by his great-grandchildren Grant Verkamp-Phillips; Joshua, Brady, and Ethan Phillips; and Jayden and Olivia Moss, and Waylon Moss.