Ronald Smith Dow

Ronald Smith Dow, born July 27, 1937, died October 19, 2021.  He is survived by the love of his life, Caroline, two proud sons, Paul (wife Kelly, children Taylor and Denver)) and Blaine (wife Emma, children Melissa (married to Dennis, with children Naphtali, Elijah, Andre), Jack and Kincaid), and brothers Leonard (wife Sally) and David (wife Diane).  He will be met on the other side by his eldest son, Craig, and brothers Herbert, Peter and Gene, and his parents Burpee and Jennie.

Ron was born into the professional hands of Dr.Chestnut, Hartland’s doctor for the ages.  He lived his early years of mischief in this lovely town, graduating from HHS in class of 1955.  He completed teachers college 2 years later, and after applying his trade for a few semesters, realized the kids would be better served by others.  Rather than being complicit in the creation of delinquents, he felt his calling was catching them, so he joined the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.  After RCMP academy in Saskatchewan, his first posting took him to Grand Falls, Newfoundland.  His first delinquents, it turns out, had a lovely sister, and that is where he met Caroline!  It was love at first sight, and they married 6 months later.  They moved to St.John’s shortly after, where Craig and Paul were born.

In 1969, the family moved to Ottawa, where Ron took a posting at RCMP headquarters.  They brought along Caroline’s nephew, Brent, 12 years old at the time, and raised him as one of their own. The next year, Blaine was born.

In 1978, Ronald took early retirement from RCMP so the family could move to Hartland where the kids could conclude high school and have a home for life.  Caroline opened a hair salon, and roots were set for the generation. They built their dream home in Rockland in 1981, which remains home.

Ronald worked for Day & Ross until 1983, and then Page Farms until 1990, applying his policing and administrative skills. Beyond professional work, however, he was an avid supporter of his family.  He was involved in organized hockey for Craig and Blaine, and enjoyed the outdoors with Paul, making sure he helped him "catch" his first moose.  He was Caroline’s professional supporter too, always backing her business growth plans.  He enjoyed gardening in his idle time, ensuring the cold room was full each winter.

Ron and Caroline’s house was always open to those who needed or just wanted to be there. Caroline’s mother Rowene lived her last dozen years with them.  Niece Lorna was resident for more than 2 years. Exchange student Mohammed, from Egypt, came to Canada for high school and stayed remained for a decade. And the house was always open to friends of the family, unconditionally.  Only later did it become apparent what an impact this had on many, yet he never knew.

Should you wish to attend, the family will be having a public grasveside service on Friday, October 29th at 1:00 p.m. at the Hillside Cemetery in Rockland. Arrangements are under the care of the Britton Funeral Home, 2 HIgh Street, Hartland, NB. www.brittonfh.ca. 506-375-4343