Drury, Ronald William
June 19, 1919 – June 23, 2017

On Friday, June 23, 2017, Ronald William Drury (that short Englishman with a twinkle in his eye and always a good yarn to tell) passed away at the grand age of 98 years and 4 days. He was predeceased by 1 year and 11 months by his partner in life, Louise Drury, and his dog of 14 years, Kit. He is survived by his daughter Sue, son Doug, their spouses Brian and Jean, grandchildren Eric, Robert and his wife, Justine, and all will miss him very much.

Ron was born in Folkestone, Kent, England on June 19, 1919. He enjoyed his childhood in England helping out with the family business of breeding and raising Alsatians and never lost his love of dogs. During the Second World War, he was of course drafted, and was shipped to Canada as a supply corporal for the RAF. He was stationed in Penhold, and being a supply corporal for the base became acquainted with many of the local businessmen in the Red Deer area. At the end of the war, he was shipped back to England, and ended up before his discharge in the Orkney Islands north of Scotland. Upon his arrival at the base in the Orkney Islands, the commanding officer promptly said, “What are you doing here?” and sent him packing back to the south of England. “What am I doing here indeed?” thought Ron, having already received a job offer as store manager of FM Hayhoe Plumbing and Heating back in Red Deer. He accepted the offer and got back to Canada as quickly as possible. He became a Canadian citizen and used to brag that he was more Canadian that the rest of us because he had the papers to prove it! After working as an employee for a few years, with two minority partners, Ron bought the company from the owner and built it into the largest mechanical subcontracting company in central Alberta, with not only plumbing and heating departments, but also welding, metal fabrication, and roofing.

Ron met his wife, Louise, while she was in Calgary training to be an RN. She was staying with her aunt and uncle in Calgary, and Ron came to Calgary to visit his former Padre from the days he was stationed in Penhold, who happened to be visiting Louise’s aunt and uncle. After dinner was over and the table was being cleared, there was a crash in the kitchen, and Ron promptly jumped up and rushed into the kitchen to see what had happened. He was promptly told by Louise to “mind his own business!” “There’s a girl with some fire in her!” Ron thought, and spent the next few years wooing her and eventually marrying her May 23, 1952.

In 1955, Susan came along, and in 1957, along came Doug. Ron and Louise raised their family in Red Deer, and were wonderful parents taking their children on summer and Easter vacations to Cannon Beach in Oregon (one of Ron’s favourite places to visit), Hawaii, England, a six week drive across Canada, as well as many closer trips to Vancouver Island, Kelowna, and of course, Sylvan Lake where they built a cabin on Half Moon Bay and spent many happy summers.

Upon Susan and Doug leaving home, Ron and Louise continued travelling and visited the continents of Europe, Asia, Africa, and all of North America from Alaska to the Florida Keys. During their travels, they made many friends with whom they continued to keep in contact. Ron always wanted to be a writer or journalist, and those who received letters from Ron will remember his 12 page, double sided, typed, single spaced letters/novelettes telling of his travels and adventures. Even though he only used two fingers and a thumb on the space bar of his blue Smith and Corona manual typewriter, he was still able to type at around 30 words a minute, and spent many happy hours writing to his many friends around the world. He was often told that it was always a high point in a recipient’s week when one of his novelette letters would arrive.

There will be a celebration of Ron’s life at his daughter Sue Drury’s home in Beiseker on July 9 from 11:00 to 3:00(ish). A lunch will be served and all who wish to share or hear stories of Ron are welcome to attend. Please respond your intention of attending to either Sue Drury at suedrury@telus.net or Doug Drury at druryd@telus.net so we can be sure to have enough food on hand for all who attend. All who remember Ron and Louise and their children will already know that everyone is always welcome, and food is never an issue. Those who wish to make a monetary contribution are urged to donate in Ron Drury’s name to their local Humane Society. To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Ron, please visit www.choicememorial.com.