Ronald John Kitchen 88 yrs old of Orillia, Ontario passed away peacefully at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto on Thursday September 23, 2021 with his daughter, Gail Crawford and his grandson, Stephen Ball by his side as he took his last breath.
Everyone called him Ron and he grew up in Matchedash Township and was the son of Arthur and Violet Kitchen. Brother of Albert Kitchen, Bill Kitchen, Agnes Church, Lorna Cartmill and Norah Coombs (predeceased). He attended the Little Red Public School House in Matchedash.
Ron met his lovely wife, Norma and was married in 1954. He is survived by his wife; children Keith Kitchen, Gail Crawford (David), Wayne Kitchen (Coleen) and Kenneth Kitchen (Rhonda); grandchildren Luke, Tyler, Justin, Josh, Stephen,Rob, Jamie, Dylan, Cole and Noah; great grandchildren; Keyra, Carter, Olivia, Addison, Kashton and Letty
Ron started in the tire business working at Bradd Tire & Automotive in Orillia in 1958. Ron and Norma started Kitchen Tire Service in Orillia July 1970 and it was a family run business for 35 years. Ron believed in providing excellent tire service to his customers and had an honest, strong work ethic. He was very well known and liked in the community. His personality was easy going and treated everyone with respect and was always friendly. He took pride in having amazing looking service trucks. He helped anyone that needed it. His smile brightened your day and he had a kind heart. His name represented his reputation and quality of his business.
He will be sadly missed and has touched many lives throughout his lifetime. He was a positive role model for his children and he loved life.
He enjoyed berry picking, taking long drives, walking and spending time with family. His handshake was as good as his word of honour.
At request of the family cremation has taken place and there will be a private family burial at the cemetery. A celebration of life will be planned in the near future.
Special thanks to the staff at Muskoka Shores Care Community, Sunnybrook Hospital Trauma Ward and palliative care unit. They all were so kind and provided Ron with the best personal care at his time of need.
Donations can be made in Ron’s name to Saint John’s Matchedash Anglican Church Cemetery. Messages of condolence are welcomed at www.mundellfuneralhome.com