Ronald Smart Keir

“In a cowslip’s bell I lie. There I couch when owls do cry. On the bat’s back I do fly. After summer merrily. Merrily, merrily shall I live now, Under the blossom that hangs on the bough.”

Ronald Smart Keir Oct 9, 1928April 28, 2018.

He leaves to cherish his memory, Alex and Donna, Jennifer and Doug, and Catherine. Grandchildren: Michael, Darcy, Joey, Avril, Jasmine, Courtney, Brett, Alistair, Megan and Lesley; great-grandchildren: Avery, Pascale, Theodore, Jasper, Joven, Johanna, Soleil and Simone.

Ron was an introvert who loved to learn. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1928 to David Smart and Geogina Fyfe (Dorward), Ron took Biology and studied Northern Cod at University of Glasgow. He left Scotland for work in Newfoundland where he met Deane Fitz-Gerald (Doreen Letitia Penruddock) on a double date.

They were married in St John’s in 1955 and moved to Oakfield, NS. His work in fisheries and oceans included International Commission for the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries, the Defence Review Board, and in 1971 FAO/UN in Mexico City returning to Canada to retire early.

A life-long learner Ron took other degrees in Math, Public Admin, Computer Science and after retirement Fine Art where he pursued his interest in painting and photography. He was a dedicated student of Tai Chi and Qigong.

After Deane’s death Ron returned to Nova Scotia in 2014. The family thanks everyone who has helped along the way. It takes a village and we had a village! Chris Dakins who always went above and beyond, Carla, Teresa, Rose and Ian in spirit and in deed. No one could ask for better and truer friends than these. Also the VON Day program.

A celebration tea is planned for Sunday afternoon at the house.

Let the sound of his voice carry you through your day and let Dance, Dance where ever you may be...ring on in your memory. How are you Ron? “All the better for seeing you.”