Ronald Arthur Rhodes

March 8,1936 - October 19, 2023 On October 19, 2023, Ronald Arthur Rhodes, 87, of Etobicoke, Ontario, passed away peacefully at The Dorothy Ley Hospice with his beloved wife Chepa (Wang) at his side. The eldest child of the late Arthur and Reta Rhodes (nee Gregg), Ron was an older brother to his late sister, Elaine Rhodes and brother, Gregg Rhodes. Born in Hamilton, Ontario on March 8, 1936, Ron and his family moved to Burlington where he graduated from Burlington District High School in 1955. After achieving a degree in Business Administration from the University of Western Ontario in 1959, Ron continued his studies, earning a CA degree in 1964. While at Western, Ron considered it a great privilege to study under Dean Jack Wettlaugher and Professor Don Thain. After marrying his first wife, Robin Barrett, Ron became the proud dad of three children, Benjamin Barrett, Emma Kate and Borden Cory. Ron was also a proud grandfather of three grandchildren, Aedan, Ava and Kate. Ron’s professional career began at the Ford Motor Company before accepting a position at The University Of Toronto’s Hart House, student activities. As Administrator of Finance at the Hospital for Sick Children, Ron had the privilege of working with its CEO, John Law, for seven years. After serving as Executive Vice President of the Newfoundland Liquor Board, Ron joined Selkirk Communications as Vice President and Treasurer. Ron developed a keen interest in subscription television and was hired to launch ‘The Family Channel’. Upon completion of this project, Ron and his business partner, Michael Ihnat, were successful in creating the Womans’ Television Network (W) after which Ron started his own investment company. During his retirement years, Ron became interested in Aboriginal affairs. In honour of journalist and friend, June Callwood, Ron established a fully funded scholarship in the Faculty of Law at the University of Toronto. Further to this, Ron also created a scholarship fund for aboriginal scholars at the University of Saskatchewan”s Faculty of Law which was replaced with two fully endowed award programs: The Arthur Rhodes Scholarship for Outstanding Graduates of the Program for Legal Studies for Native Peoples and The Roger Carter Leadership Award for Native People. As a child during the war, Ron adopted Flying Officer George (Buss) Buerling, the most accomplished Canadian fighter pilot of WWII, as his hero. Ron commissioned two life-sized bronze sculptures of his respected and lifelong hero: one mounted at The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum and the other in The Aviation and Space Museum in Quebec. Ron became a passionate and committed patron of the Heritage Museum where he funded the restoration of several automotive vehicles. Ron considered the Heritage Museum amongst his favorite destinations - and the best kept secret in Ontario! As an avid reader of Canadian writer and environmentalist, Farley Mowat, Ron also commissioned a life-sized bronze statue of Farley and his beloved dog, Chester. Both are mounted on the campus of the University of Saskatchewan, Farley’s home province. Ron further commissioned two life-sized bronze sculptures: ‘Standing Man’ mounted in the Sculpture Park of the Art Gallery of Guelph and ‘Child' which is mounted in the University of Guelph Arboretum. Ron and Chepa, his loving wife of twenty three years, enjoyed many happy summers at their Muskoka cottage, traveling the world, while sharing their enthusiasm for antiques and deep affection for their dogs Kelly, Sally,Tessy and Madeleine. Daily pictures and weekly FaceTime with Chepa’s daughter, Raina, her husband, Jay Dunkelberger and their children, Roderick and Rosalie, brought a special joy to Ron’s life. When Chepa wasn’t working hard in options trading, she eagerly joined Ron in his study - and love - of tango which took them to Argentina, Mexico, Paris and London. Those who knew and loved Ron will miss his kindness, generosity, brilliance, sense of humour and predictions of the impending global financial collapse. Never a dull moment with Ronald Arthur Rhodes! Post cremation, a private gathering of remembrance of Ron’s life will take place at a future date.