A resident of the Dunbar area, Ranald Shaver passed away suddenly at home on Sunday, October 16, 2011, with his wife of 48 years by his side. He was 69.
Ranald was a cherished husband to Sharon (nee Montgomery). They had three wonderful daughters Debbie, Shelley and Valerie. He took great pride in their accomplishments especially with their choice in mates: John Durant of Winchester, Benny Melenhorst of Mountain and David Brown of Brockville.
Ranny was blessed with six special grandchildren: Jarrett, Randi and Mitchell Melenhorst, Mason and Evan Durant and Mackenzie Brown.
Ranny is also survived by his dear brother Rick (Joanne) of Dunbar, his two amazing nephews Danny (Monica) Shaver and Derek (Tracie) Shaver, his dear mother in law Doris Montgomery, brother-in-law Colonel (Sharon) Montgomery, and sisters-in-law Janie Connelly, Gloria (Ken) Summers, Carol (Rod) Lafleur.
Ranny is preceded by his parents, Reginald and Nellie (nee Presley) Shaver, grandparents Herbert and Buelah Shaver, Aunt Evelyn (Ebby) and niece Kemberley.
Ranald was born on the 2nd concession in Aultsville on June 7, 1942. With the coming of the St. Lawrence Seaway Project, the family was forced to relocate losing their farm land to the Goose Sanctuary, # 2 Highway, the railway and the 401.
In 1955, the family moved to a farm west of Dunbar. Before the move, Ranny rode around in the big hydro trucks which were stationed on their property. It was then that he began dreaming of driving a 18 wheeler.
At the age of 16, he started working at the Morrisburg Dairy, until he realized his dream by driving a dump truck for Manlo Construction filling the Cardinal canal.
From there, he went to work in Brockville for Cooney Haulage and Harold Smith and Sons as well as other local companies. His last 18 years driving were for A.L. Blair Construction where he took great pride in his job and had a great respect for Art and Terry Blair.
He loved joking with and listening to his truck driving buddies telling jokes and laughing on the C.B. and two ways. When not at work on the weekends, he would spend hours polishing his truck.
Ranny had a witty and quirky sense of humour and liked to tease and play practical jokes.
He had a passion for the great outdoors. Every season Ranny did something he loved: Construction work in the summer, moose hunting and deer hunting in the fall, fox and coyote hunting in the winter and fishing and planting his garden in the spring.
Gardening and lawn care were his way of unwinding and relaxing after long hours of work, but hunting was his real passion.
During his younger years, Ranny enjoyed playing Broomball. Over the last two years of his life, he had a new best buddy named Scooter. The two of them went for daily drives. Wherever Ran went you would find his dog.
His door was always open to friends and family. He had many close friends particularly Bob, Wayne and Sheila, Janet and the late Rae Loucks as well as brother Rick.
Ranny spent many hours socializing, playing games and listening to old time country music. His favourite hockey team was the Montreal Canadiens, and over the last few years he looked forward to watching Nascar. His favourite Nascar drivers drove Ford.
Ranald was known by many names: Ranny, Randy, Ran, Dad, Grandpa, Monday and then came Uncle Monday.
Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Chesterville, on Wednesday October 19th from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The funeral service was held at the funeral home on Thursday, October 20th at 11 a.m., with Rev. Ian MacLean officiating.
Interment was held at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery. Pallbearers were Danny Shaver, Derek Shaver, Aaron Wopat, Gordon McLaughlin, Jarrett Melenhorst and Wayne McHaffie. Honorary pallbearers were Sheila McHaffie and Janet McCol, and Bob Lacelle.
Donations to Winchester Hospital would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.
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