HYSON, Ronald Edward

Ronald “Ronnie” Edward Hyson, the oldest living original resident of Indian Point, Lunenburg County, NS, was one of five children born to his late parents Morris and Violet Hyson.

He was predeceased by his wife of 70 years, Myrna (Russell) and his siblings Margaret, Lorraine and Keith.

He is survived by one brother, Lindberg Hyson, better known as Bobby.

Ronnie was born March 3, 1927, and departed November 10, 2023.

He leaves behind his nine children: Darryl, Lindy, Patsy, Roxanne, Ian, Arne, Daphne, Nadine and Craig, in addition to 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

At the age of 17, Dad joined the Merchant Marines in Halifax, NS. He served on the SS Oakmount Park as a galley assistant and deck mate until December 1945. Though he would tell you he enjoyed life on the water, there were times the rough seas had him feel otherwise. Among other places, his ship visits to the West Indie Islands spun the most stories with particular emphasis on his Jamaican adventures.

On the ship he acquired a ‘taste’ for cooking which included appropriate attention to cookware. Right up to present time he took pride in his personal frying pans having them always appear in new condition.

His stories included a strict galley routine of detailed dishwashing and hand drying. This left an indelible impression as he maintained these habits throughout his life. Surely the discipline of meticulous habit influenced his carpentry skills in the years to follow, for he was known to be a perfectionist.

Upon return to land, he joined his father and older brother Lorraine, building summer cottages for a Lunenburg County holiday resort. This saw the beginning of his trade as a skilled carpenter’s foreman, earning his way to reputable wood working shops until retirement. A favourite childhood memory was the smell of wood chips that collected in the cuff of his pant legs.

In his youth, dad was known to masterfully handle a puck on the ice with hockey being a favourite pass time. As a means of mentally living the sport, he made every effort to attend Bridgewater hockey games with his son Lindy up to the age of 96.

Another joy in his life was regular attendance with Mom at local jam sessions and variety shows. This offered him an outlet to participate in singing where his vocal abilities could have been acknowledged on stage had he not been lacking in the confidence to do so.

In his past he was involved with volunteer fire departments having co-founded the fire department in Black Point, NS in 1951. It was not long after this he found himself back to his roots where he became active in the Indian Point fire department. It was in Indian Point that all nine children were subsequently raised.

Part of the reward for child raising was to visit his adult children in different locales. This took mom and dad across Canada from east to west, as well as to California.

As best we could, the family accommodated dad’s wishes to remain at home up to the five-week stay at Fisherman’s Memorial Hospital, including the Veterans Unit, where he passed away at the age of 96. The family is very grateful for the staff’s kind attention during this period of time.

You lived a full life, Papa. Now with the love of your nine children, we carry on varied aspects of your character: singing, travelling, hobby woodworking, professional carpentry, hockey fans, cooking, boating, fishing, sense of quick wit and yes, lots of meticulous habits.

“It is hard to turn the page when someone you know won’t be in the next chapter, but the story must go on”

- Author unknown.

We give a final salute to our perceived Mayor of Indian Point.

In keeping with Dad’s request to be cremated with no formal remembrance service, family will gather at a later date for cemetery internment. It is at this time that the wish of both parents to have their ashes jointly put to rest, will be honoured.

Online condolences can be left at www.sweenyfuneralhome.ca. Donations in Ronald’s name can be made to Indian Point Park Cemetery, Indian Point, through Sweeny's Funeral Home.