June 25, 1938 – September 6, 2020
at the age of 82 years:
Ronald was the youngest grandson of Samuel Polson a prominent figure in the early 20th century days of the Okanagan. Sam donated land for Polson Park in Vernon and the Hospital there as well. Ron was born in Vancouver on 25 June 1938 to Kathleen Isabel Polson (Sam’s youngest daughter) and Edward William Harries. He graduated from Lord Byng High School in 1956 and worked for CBC in Vancouver in a variety of positions until his retirement in 1991. Ron and his wife Judy were married in 1977. The couple lived in Ladner for a number of years until moving to Lee Creek by Shuswap Lake following his retirement and eventually to Salmon Arm in 1998.
Ron was predeceased by his wife Judy in 2018. He is survived by his only sister Elizabeth Sibbald Harries Carter (Beth) and brother-in-law Gib of Sisters, Oregon, by two nieces and two nephews: Elizabeth Anne Burdette (Dub) of Lubbock, Texas, Sarah Kathleen Carter (Andrew) of Fort Collins, Colorado, Daniel Bruce Carter (Denise) of Forrest Grove, OR, Jeffery Gibson Carter (Layla) of Cornelius, OR and seven great nephews and nieces. Our grandfather Sam Polson and grandmother Sarah Elizabeth Sibbald had nine children and twenty-three grandchildren: of these only Keith Polson of Enderby, Jack Behrend of Lacey, WA and Ron’s sister Beth survive.
Ron was a traveler and enjoyed many good times fishing the waters near and far. He loved to be on the seas admiring whales and had many beautiful whale photographs in his collection. His hobbies focused on photography and later ranged into all manner of electronics from radios to computers, at last count he had nine. He was an avid student of politics both local and provincial. Ron was not always easy to understand – he was a challenge to many and had his own ideas of how life should be lived.
Ron passed away peacefully at the age of 82 at the Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops following a heart attack at Lakeside Manor while out walking his dog Blaina. No service. Cremation to follow. Ron’s and Judy’s ashes will be scattered in the Okanagan region in the mountains near Salmon Arm.
So sorry to know Ron is gone. Just found out today from a friend. We knew each other best in our 20’s. I remember bridge games at Ron’s house with two or three tables tolerated by Ron’s mom who was always very kind to all of us. I remember the ever present pipe and his insistence that the greatest movie to that point was Citizen Kane. Ron was never a great athlete and neither was I but there was North Shore mountain climbing (before North Shore Rescue) and American Ping Pong (poor man’s version of baseball). I sent Christmas cards until recently but only Judy participated. Condolences
Ron could definately be cantankerous on occasion. He lived across the street from me in the 1950’s. Judy, Ron and I all went to Lord Byng High School. One of his earliest hobbies was astronomy where he showed me the many planets through his home made telescope. Ron and Judy met in my basement, where my parents had a pool table. Ron once talked me into holding on to him while he took an 8mm movie of going on the PNE roller coaster with his new wide angle lens, the first and last time I was ever on it. The movie turned out great. My wife, Jean and I met up with Ron and Judy several times in later years.
Tom Clarke
Way too young!
Ron was at CBC when I first started in 1990.
I really liked him, thought he was one of the “good guys”.
I always wondered what became of him after he left.
I am glad to read this obit and learn more about his life.
Peggy Oldfield kindly shared it with the CBC 20 year association.
My condolences.
Paisley Woodward
Vancouver
Our deepest condolences to all of Ron’s family. We will always treasure the friendship we shared with Ron and with Judy in the years of their marriage. We both worked at CBC in Vancouver and that’s where we met Ron. He was Toast Master for our wedding in 1972. We like to think he and Judy are now reunited and will be together always.
Ron was a founding member of the Southern Interior Chapter of the BC and Yukon Regional CBC National Pensioners Association. I met him in 2007 when we moved to Kelowna and I joined the executive. He was on the Board for many years working to improve the Southern Interior Chapter. He finally resigned after many years to get more involved with politics. He was a man of strong opinions and worked tirelessly and passionately for his various interests. I am very sorry to hear of his passing. I remember how close he and Judy were. Hopefully they are together again. My deepest condolences to his family.
Our sincerest condolences. We loved Ron and Judy Our hearts are with you during this difficult time. We had lots of laughs and joy in their company. Ron will be missed but always in our hearts.
Gina, Daniel & Lorena Hayden