I first met Ronnie 10 years ago at the City Hospital when Sister Jaqui Gamble asked a group of regular patients suffering from COPD & Lung disorders to form the Chest Help Group.

Through the years Ronnie, MaryLee and I were actively involved in the group and became known as the “3 musketeers”.  In was often said that Ronnie brought the stability to the group as MaryLee and I were better known for our talking.

Ronnie was our functions and fundraising co-ordinator, later taking on the role of Treasurer. He was a constant source of ideas as well as the funds that he obtained through generous donations, especially from his own Family circle.  He also maintained a tight grip on spending, repeatedly refusing to let MaryLee & I go on a world cruise that we felt would have been good for our health.

Despite the restrictions of his health, on behalf of the Group and Chest Heart & Stroke, Ronnie also contributed to events such as conferences and talks at meetings round the country, and also on radio and TV. This was making people aware of the seriousness of our illness’s and now the Health Service is finally funding a positive action plan , province wide, to achieve better care for people with Lung disability.

One such event was the announcement of the Smoking ban by the Minister Shaun Woodward, who personally insisted that Ronnie & I accompany him to lunch and the Press Announcement. The Minister & his retinue strode on ahead of us leaving Ronnie & I panting to catch up, I can still remember the rapid click, click click of Ronnie’s walking stick that day. When we came out we didn’t know whether to order a taxi for home or an ambulance to take us to the City Hospital

Ronnie was frequently temporary resident in ward 8 of the City Hospital and it was noticed at our fundraising stalls, the high regard the Nurses and staff had for him. . They often said he was the perfect gentleman and a special friend. He rarely complained and was a joy to look after.

In the past weeks Ronnie completed a 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle which has been framed and is now proudly hanging in ward 8 south patients day room, which Ronnie & the group previously arranged for furnishings to make the room less clinical and more homely.

To His wife Agnes and Family Lynn, Trevor and grandchildren Caprice, Lor’ell and Zayne and his Family circle , on behalf of the group, many of whom have joined us today, we extend our sincere sympathy. We will all miss him, but wish to thank you for helping Ronnie so much to share his time with us.

We all have many moments & memories we will always treasure.

He was our dear, dear friend.

Kathleen Aylward