Obituary of Ronald Eugene Gimbel

Gimbel, Ronald Eugene 1933-2017 Ronald Eugene Gimbel, of Kitchener, passed away peacefully with his daughters at his side on Saturday, April 1, 2017 after a family-filled day at his bedside. Born in Breslau on September 2, 1933, son of Roy and Bertha Gimbel; husband of nearly 62 years of Jean Snyder. Survived by his children Joyce and Paul Bechtel, Lois Gimbel, Sandy and Kevin Stanford and Susan and Dan Lockett, and grandchildren Jennifer Bechtel, Kimberley (Steve) Wilhelm, Melanie Stanford, Christopher (Janine) Stanford, Jonathan Stanford, and Lahara Lockett, and great-grandsons Bradley and Brandon Wilhelm and Joseph Stanford. Also survived by brothers David (Pam) Gimbel and Jim (Marg) Gimbel and several brothers and sisters-in-law. Ron’s unique technical talents served him well during his more than 45 years with IBM Canada. His time there included trips to England and Grand Cayman to share his knowledge. Those he worked with remember him as a patient teacher. Ron built a cottage at Chesley Lake more than 50 years ago which all the family have enjoyed and will for many years to come. He made a valuable contribution to both the Chesley Lake Camp board and the Silver Lake Mennonite Camp board, where his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren attended. He was an active member of Stirling Avenue Mennonite Church in Kitchener, serving on many ministries and was always a willing helper. A licensed amateur (ham) radio operator for more than 60 years, he contacted hams in more than 100 countries and was involved in the local club. Ron and Jean enjoyed travelling both with their children in earlier years and then later together. Friends are invited to share their memories of Ron with his family during memorial visitation at Stirling Avenue Mennonite Church, 57 Stirling Ave. N., Kitchener, on Thursday, April 6, 2017 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and Friday, April 7 from 1-3 p.m. A Memorial Service will follow in the sanctuary at 3 p.m. with Renee Sauder officiating. Reception to follow in the church hall. Interment of cremated remains will take place privately as a family at a later date. The family wishes to express appreciation and thanks for the wonderful care provided by the staff of Walnut Grove at Trinity Village Care Centre where Ron resided for the last 6 months. Their care and compassion to Ron and his family will always be remembered. Thanks also to the staff at St. Mary’s General Hospital on Cardiology, Heart Function Clinic, and Specialized Geriatric Services, including Dr. Rinne and Dr. Didyk. Condolences for the family and donations to Stirling Avenue Mennonite Church, Hallman Chapel at Chesley Lake Camp or St. Mary’s General Hospital may be arranged through the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.