Ronald Philip Dotten passed away peacefully at his home on May 19, 2012 with his family at his side after having fought a courageous and determined battle against cancer; he was 71.
Memories of Ron as a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend will always keep him alive in our hearts.
Ron devoted much of his life to teaching and coaching after graduating from the University of Toronto in 1962. A math teacher and Department head who made algebra, trigonometry and calculus interesting for several generations, teaching for 35 years at Banting Memorial High School in Alliston, Ontario. Ron’s talent for woodworking, fixing and building was put to the test when he and Rose built the family home where they raised Rob and Judy. No problem was too big or too difficult for Ron to solve, always willing to help students and friends. As an accomplished athlete and a true sports enthusiast himself he had a gift for motivating and coaching others. His retirement freed him up for his many hobbies - golf, photography, computers, cooking, travel and spending time with his family. Ron’s humor and comic relief will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him and it will be his grandchildren who will miss his creative ability to engage and entertain them.
He leaves behind a well lived life, his loving wife of 42 years, Rose, his children Rob (Ann) and Judy (Peter), his brother Dr. Dale Dotten and the joys of his later life, his grandchildren, Jack and Mitchell. He was pre-deceased by his mother, Burnneice (Andrews) and his father Russell Dotten who brought Ron and Dale to Toronto in 1944 from their birthplace in Saskatchewan. Ron will be fondly remembered by father-in-law Willi Henkenhaf, his sister-in-laws Barbara, Susan, Sigrid and their families, and the many cousins on the Dotten, Andrews and Bear side of the family.
On the family’s behalf, we would like to thank those who made a difference during the final stages of a very difficult journey. Dr. Rashida Haq, St. Michael’s Hospital and the wonderful nurses on the second floor Oncology wing and the Medical Day care staff. The nurses of Bayshore Home Health - Liz, Wendy and Stephanie for their compassion, support and care in making it possible for Ron and his family to be at their family home for his final days and Trudy, CCAC who with great care and compassion facilitated all the arrangements.
A memorial service to celebrate Ron’s life will be held on Saturday, July 7, 2012 at the Globe Restaurant in Rosemont, ON. Visitation with the family will take place at 1:00pm with special remembrances starting at 2:00pm.
Please let the family know if you would like to contribute a story or a special memory (519-925-3632) leave a message or memorial@dotten.ca)
In lieu of flowers to remember Ron please make a donation to support Bladder Cancer research or to the charity of your choice.