Obituary of The Honourable Ronald Sills

Passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 7, 2015 at the age of 82 years. Survived by beloved wife of 24 years, Donna Sills, his loving children Catherine Sills of Yellowknife, Stephen Sills (Sandra Carson) of Denver, Jennifer Ellis (Jim Hauptman) of Falmouth Maine, Victoria Ellis of Toronto, Timothy Ellis (Judith Thompson) of Whistler, Michael Klopp (Kym) of Toronto, Kristyn Clairmont (Greg) of Waterloo and his 11 cherished grandchildren Charlie Sills, Alexandra and Claire Sills, Natalie and Graham Hauptman, Trinity and Sam Ellis, Chloe and Adam Klopp, Taytum and Jack Clairmont. Ron is also survived by his sisters Mary Lou Rourke and Ruth Kennedy, sisters and brothers-in-law Pat Sills, Marilyn Harder, John (Liz) Harder, Mary Joan (Clive) Rigby and Beth (Mike) Voll as well as several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Charles and Lucy Sills, brother George Sills, his first wife Pat Reynolds, second wife Gail Shoemaker, brothers-in-law Charles Rourke and Joe Kennedy, and his daughter Allison Ellis. Ron was born in Seaforth on April 27, 1932. Following his education he was called to the Bar June 27, 1957. He was a partner in the Law Firm Sills, Madorin, Snyder, Carere, Lackenbauer and Hertzberger and was appointed to Queen's Counsel in 1972. He accepted his Judicial Appointment in 1992 until his retirement in 2003. A notable point of his career was presiding as Commissioner for the judicial inquiry regarding RIM Park Financing, City of Waterloo. Along with several professional associations, Ron was an active volunteer in a number of community organizations including, K-W Branch, Canadian Red Cross Society, Social Planning Council of K-W, Big Brothers Association of K-W, Canadian Junior Chamber of Commerce, United Way, K-W Community Foundation, St. Mary's Hospital and most recently a trustee with the Hallman Foundation. Ron was a member of Westmount Golf and Country Club, the Probus Club and Senior Gyro. The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Dr. Brian Huth and the many other physicians who cared for Ron. Friends are invited to share their memories of Ron with his family during visitation at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, on Friday, March 13, 2014 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Parish Prayers will be held at 8:45 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Louis RC Church, 53 Allen Street E., Waterloo on Saturday, March 14 at 11:00 am. A Reception will follow. Cremation and interment to be held at a later date. In Lieu of flowers, condolences for the family and donations to KidsAbility or St. Mary's Hospital Foundation directed to Respirology may be arranged through the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519.745.8445.