June 26, 1948 – October 8, 2023
It is with great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Ron Showan, at home, at the age of 75.
Ron was a loving and proud father to Chance “Chuck” and Christina and father-in-law to Michael McKerchie. His children meant the world to him, and he shared an extraordinary bond with Chuck who he spoke to every Sunday about the happenings of the week, life in general, and the old TV shows they both enjoyed.
He was the very best grampa to Myah, Ella and Lucas, he also spoke often of his fondness for their older sister, Kayla.
Ronnie will be missed by his brother Gerry and sister Terry. He will be reunited with his brothers Milton “Bum” and Ted, sisters in law Sallie and Brenda, parents Fred “Knobby” and Mary (nee Boyer) Showan along with many friends, cousins, aunts and uncles.
Cherished uncle and mentor to Todd (Cherie), Brooke (Norm), Marianne (Karl), Lisa (Matty), Pam and Mariah. Dearly loved great uncle to Summer (Scott), Kaleb (Taylor), Jada (Wes), Chase, Darby, Will, Ty and Alexis. Great, great uncle to Addi, Griffin and Renan.
Ronnie was strong willed and stubborn as hell, traits he passed onto his children and grandchildren. He was a great storyteller and his grandson Lucas learned this well from him. He was fiercely competitive, and he instilled that in his children, nieces, nephews and in every ball player he coached over the years.
He was the Showan deer camp hunt master for 35 years and was an accomplished fisherman. He had lots of hunting buddies, but he absolutely loved and cherished the time he spent hunting and fishing with his son Chuck.
In running the Thessalon Marina as the Harbour Master through most of two decades, he was loved by the boating community from across the Great Lakes who came to tie up in Thessalon because they knew he was there.
Ronnie was a strong supporter of all community sports and played crucial roles as a hockey player and referee, as the manager of the Thessalon Curling Club, setting up various softball leagues and salmon tournaments. He initiated the refurbishing of the main ball field at Lakeside Park in 1993 obtaining sponsors and financial support from many local businesses.
Ron’s true passion was coaching softball and this career spanned across an incredible 6 decades, from the mid 1970’s until his final championship in 2023. He worked closely with his nieces and had a big part in their development over the years taking great pride in the players they became. His record of wins over that time is a testament to his dedication and coaching skills.
Most meaningfully, he was the beloved and respected coach of the Showan Ladies’ Family ball team for over 30 years. Under his guidance, the Showan team won many A and B Division titles.
Ronnie loved to visit and chat at the Sinton Tavern and Sunset Beach Restaurant and on the streets of his much-loved hometown of Thessalon. He would share stories with anyone who came along for more than a minute.
Ron received the gift of sobriety over 43 years ago beginning his journey at the Ken Brown Recovery Home. He was grateful everyday for his recovery and remained willing to share his experience, strength and hope with those who asked. His family is extremely proud of his victory and this accomplishment.
Dad, grampa, uncle, brother and friend, Ron leaves an incredible hole in our family but as we all know “there’s no crying in baseball”, so we’ll pick up and honour him by playing our best game every day.
“I think I broke my toe”.
“Can you walk”?
“Yep”.
“Then get out there”!
Chance and Christina would like to thank their cousins and Dad’s friends for the love and care given to him over the years. Special appreciation to Pam, who he affectionately called “Pammie”, for always being there for him in the past few years. Knowing he had you made our distance easier, and we’ll always love you for it. We are also thankful for the kindness shown by the EMT First Responders, OPP Sgt. Richard Brisson and Constable Jeff Timmermans, and his niece Brooke Showan of Beggs Funeral Home, all of whom provided him with such professional care and showed the utmost dignity and respect in his passing. Chi Miigwetch.
Family and friends are invited to visit at Beggs Funeral Home, 175 Main Street, Thessalon on Thursday, October 12, 2023, from 6pm to 9pm and again on Friday, October 13, 2023, from 2pm to 3pm. Funeral service will be held at Beggs Funeral Home on Friday, October 13, 2023, beginning at 3pm with Father Clarence officiating. Burial at Pine Grove following services.
A light luncheon will be served at the funeral home after burial, and everyone is invited to join the family for a time of chatting and sharing of stories.
The family would appreciate donations to the Ken Brown Recovery Home Foundation www.kenbrownrecoveryhome.org or to the Sault Ste. Marie Special Olympics at www.ssm.specialolympicsontario.ca