From the Taylor Family

When Ron was awarded the title of "Cavaliere" I searched for a definition in english. A Cavaliere is a man of honour and loyalty, a gallant and chivalrous man, a gentleman in every way. We knew and admired him for all that he was but we loved him for being our dear friend with whom we shared the joy of travel, fine food, wine and lots of laughter for many years. Ronnie, we miss you very much.

Koladich Family Thoughts

Our first thought about Ronnie is BIG EYES and BIG LAUGH
Our next thought is----whatever he was doing, be it skiing, hiking, kayaking or working, he did it FULL THROTTLE!!
Except, at the table, after a great dinner with family and friends,---there is a large collection of photos of Ron snoozing.
It wasn't rude, it was just what happened after a day at full throttle.
One full throttle experience was a kayaking adventure down the Credit River, complete with bird song, budding leaves and white water. It ended in disaster when the inflatable Koladich kayak hit a giant tree branch, deflated, and sank.
We all ended up soaked and happy.
We remember his love of music,---every time we visited the Faranos, we listened for the records, tapes or CDs he would play---they were always moving, and suited the moment, and we wanted to rush out and buy them.
Most of all, we remember him as our beloved friend and Godfather to the three Koladich boys, Steve, Mike, and Pete.

We love you, Ron, you Wonderful Wop!
Carol, Steve, Mike, And Pete.

From the Nixon Clan

As I read the other comments on Ron, I marvel (given his rather full life) at how he always had the time and inclination to attend so many of our family functions with Joan: birthdays, weddings, Christmases, anniversaries, special events. He attended; and if it was grudging, it sure didn’t show. He added his smile, humour, stories and joie de vivre. He helped cement the bonds between our clan and the Engholmes and the Faranos.

He and Joan recently hosted a Nixon/Farano Christmas celebration at their home, where new acquaintances were made and many renewed.

We had the pleasure of Ron and Joan’s visits (all too infrequent) in Muskoka. Wine was consumed, world problems solved. Politics? That too. (Tax and Fiscal Commentary also informed our political views.)

Professionally, Ron was our corporate lawyer and tax maven (corporate and personal). He restructured our company, provided legal and tax counsel throughout the piece; and facilitated the ultimate sale of the company.

Clearly, Ron led a multi-faceted life. A ‘good man’, indeed; and a pro.

We’ll miss him.

From John Herndon

As previous Delegato of the Accademia Italiana Della Cucina, I remember Ron's enthusiastic support of our events and his participation in the Board of Directors. We and the Italian/Canadian community will certainly miss Cavaliere Ron Farano.

From Arlene O'Neill

Dear Farano family, I am so very sorry by the loss of Ron. I have so many fond memories of him that I cannot list. I think every conversation I ever had with Ron was entertaining and I learned from him every day. I was lucky enough to have worked closely with Ron for about 7 years and I doubt I would have worked in tax for so long had it not been for him. He made it exciting and his personality was bigger than any tax file or appeal. So many people entrusted their tax disputes and sometimes their whole financial future with him. He had the respect of Department of Justice lawyers and judges alike. But mostly, Ron had fun with tax and he was at his best planning or scratching away on a piece of paper the resolution to a tax problem. His door was always truly open to all who cared to stop by and his boisterous laugh echoed through the halls. I am thankful to Ron for being such an excellent role model. He leaves a big hole in the Gardiner Roberts firm and he will forever be missed by all of us. No one has the pizzazz, style, colour and stature of Ron.

Lisa's words spoken at Ron's committal ceremony

Pop - this is the part of this whole transition that I would like to say a few words and pay my respects to your body – it really served you well. From way back in the day when you and Warren had fun introducing all kinds of exotic foreign and unusual substances to it, to more recently when you developed a kinder, gentler approach, this body was perfect. I am grateful for every moment we spent together exercising it – either on foot or on bikes – your body really kicked asteroids. Right up until the end when it continued to do what you asked of it while you battled your cancer, until finally you agreed ok – we’ve done enough together, this was an extraordinary body. So for me, today, this ceremony is for your body. I will cherish the part that I get to keep in the urn that I picked up in Hong Kong right next to that shop that I bought for you that very colourful tie that you wore day in and day out for years. I will keep that small part close to my heart, as I carry your spirit with me, wherever I go.

From Audrey Rose

Papa,

Throughout the years you have been such a gift to me. You have a laugh, and a smile that used to light up a room. Your generosity flooded this entire family; with you bringing us closer than ever.

I remember when I used to sit upon your lap, and you’d tell me to read a book out loud to you. And I would do that; almost every weekend. By the time I was age 10, I could read aloud like I’d been taught perfectly. And I was.

You transformed my life environment into a loving and open-hearted experience. In the past couple of years you have struggled through tough times. Your attitude was phenomenal towards it and that; and you, was what put smiles on our faces every time we saw you.

‘Ciao Papa’ are few words that will not be shared between you and I. You will always be within my heart and surely everyone else’s who had the blessing of knowing you within their lifetime.

You used to simply hate my brothers’ and my table manners. Nothing seemed to keep us in place at the dining room table. It used to make me laugh the way you used to imitate us.

You may have not changed the world; but you changed mine.

I’ll keep my elbows off the table for you Papa. There will always be a place in my heart for you.