Colonel Ronald Thacker OMM, CD, P.Eng Obituary (1929 - 2024)

Ron passed away peacefully on the morning of November 10th. He was born in Sheffield, Yorkshire, the youngest of 5 children to Henry and Louise Thacker. His life was one of adventure and achievement. As a young boy he lived through the war years in Britain. Money was tight but he attended Firth Park Grammar School on an academic scholarship. Upon graduation he served his mandatory RAF Military service and was stationed in Berlin during the Berlin Airlift. Upon returning to England he was articled to a Chartered Accountant but adventure called and he followed his brother Cyril to Canada. His first job was washing dishes at the TB sanatorium outside of Kamloops. The brothers went on to try their hands in the logging industry, until the accidental death of his brother. Ron then entered X-ray training at St. Joseph's Hospital in Victoria where he met fellow student and his future wife Ann Norman. After finishing his training he enlisted in the RCAF as a Sgt. X-Ray Technician and was posted to St. Jean, Quebec. He attended UBC under RCAF sponsorship, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Honours degree. During this time he married Ann and they started their family. The family's travels began with postings to Ottawa, where their family expanded. Overseas postings to Germany, France and England were focused on aircraft mechanics and safety. This experience led Ron to do research at the British Shell Oil Laboratory where he developed the S.O.A.P programme which was viewed as a major advancement in aviation safety. Ron then spent a year in the Canadian Defence Liaison Service in London. Postings followed to Comox, Edmonton (another daughter joined the family), Halifax, Shearwater, Winnipeg and finally Ottawa. He received many accolades, was presented the Officer of Military Merit Award by Governor General Leger and was acknowledged as a Professional Engineer. He completed his service career, and retired as a Colonel. Upon retirement Ron and Ann returned to Comox where they enjoyed family time, fishing, gardening and cruising. For 30 years, winter time was spent in Mazatlan, Mexico. Ron truly had a wonderful life and leaves behind his beloved family. He will be missed by his wife Ann; his children Cyril, Susan, Wendy (Joel), Stephen (Joanne), Jennifer; his grandchildren Samara (Dan), Brayden, Ella (Nathan), and Georgia and cousin Diane McLaren Ron spent his last months at Glacier View Lodge where he received exceptional and compassionate care by the amazing staff and by Drs. Kisman and Nel. In lieu of flowers, please make any donation to Glacier View Lodge in honour of Ron Thacker. Celebration of Life will be held at the 888 Wing on December 19th at 10:00