Obituary of Henry Ronald North Eydt

Eydt, Henry Ronald North.

Passed away on July 23, 2018 at Grand River Hospital K-W Health Centre at the age of 86. Ron was born May 24, 1932 in Hamilton, ON. He is survived by his beloved wife Betsy (M. Elizabeth), a sister Penny Wray (Blair) of Hamilton and three sisters in law, Claire Machan (Glen) of Waterloo, Mary Campbell (Ron) of Victoria B.C.  and Carol Eydt ( Bob) of Burlington, ON He is also survived by several nieces and nephews and their families, as well as about 2000 Dons.

Ron grew up in Hamilton, ON and attended McMaster University where he obtained his B Sc, M.Sc. as well as his PhD.  He spent a year in the Botany Dept at the University of Glasgow.  Upon his return to Canada he obtained a job at the University of Waterloo as its first botanist.  President Hagey in 1964 offered him a job of as Warden of  Residences, which he held for the next 30 years.  In his early years at Waterloo, Ron was involved in the founding of the Canadian Botanical Association, which he served as its Secretary for several years, before becoming President. He also represented the University of Waterloo on the Ontario Committee of Student Affairs for 25 years. 

Within the Biology Dept., he served as Undergraduate Officer for many years, he also served as Associate Chair for several terms, and one term as Associate Dean of Science.  After retirement, he had time to serve his community.  He served as chair of Waterloo’s Town/Gown Committee, as a member and later as Chair of Waterloo’s Library Board. He also served on Waterloo’s Committee of Adjustment.  He served the maximum three terms on the Board of Catholic Family Counselling, and while as acting Chair the Board decided to sell its existing property and rebuild.  At retirement he joined the Kitchener-Conestoga Probus Club, serving as President in 2004-2005.  He was also a member of the order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem, serving as its Commander.

Friends are invited to share their memories of Ron with his family during memorial visitation at All Saints Anglican Church, 685 Highpoint Ave, Waterloo, on Saturday July 28, 2018 from 10 – 11 a.m. A Memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. with Rev. Marty Levesque officiating.  Reception to follow in the church hall.  Cremation has taken place and a private family internment will be held.

Condolences for the family and donations to the Ron Eydt Travel Bursary at the University of Waterloo, All Saints Anglican Church or the Renal Clinic at Grand River hospital, may be arranged through the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.

Thank you for all the care and compassion that was received by Ron from Dr. Linda Lee and Dr. McLeod at the Centre of Family Medicine over many years. A special thank you to Dr. Rosenstein and the dialysis team at Grand River Hospital and the nursing staff at K-W Health Centre. We would also like to thank the nurses who took such good care of Ron in the convalescent ward at Sunnyside Home.