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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
PERKS, Ronald Charles Frederick - Passed away peacefully, with his loving family at his side on Friday, May 1, 2026.
Devoted husband and best friend to Gail for 65 years. Beloved father to Wendy (Glenn) and Patrick (Jemima). Proud and loving grandfather to Geoffrey (Lisa), Timothy (Emily), Jamie (Sam), Remy, and Amélie. Dear brother to Doreen Augustine (d. Harold) and Barbara Lane (Ron), and predeceased by his brother Bill Perks. Ron will be deeply missed by his extended family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Ron lived a life defined by service, adventure, and deep commitment to family and community. Born and raised in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, it seems unlikely that a young man from the prairies would go on to spend much of his life travelling the world by sea – and even more unlikely that much of that time would be spent underwater. After reading a Navy recruitment brochure in his Bedford Road Collegiate High School’s library that promised he would “see the world”, he joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1957 as an Officer Cadet through the Venture Program. He served Canada with distinction for the next 30 years, retiring at the rank of Commander in 1987. Among the most defining chapters of his naval career were his appointments as Captain of the submarine HMCS Ojibwa from 1972 to 1974, and then as Captain of HMCS Onondaga from 1974 to 1975. He later served as Commander of the First Canadian Submarine Squadron from 1981 to 1983. He embraced the challenges these positions brought, and he cherished the bonds formed and the lifelong friendships built with his fellow submariners.
Following his military service, Ron continued to contribute his expertise in Canada’s defence industry. He joined Paramax Electronics, where he served as Marketing Manager for Canada’s submarine program, and later as Director of Naval Programs, supporting major national and international naval initiatives. He subsequently joined MIL Systems Engineering, where he led an international industry delegation in support of the deployment of HMCS Halifax to Asia and later assumed marketing responsibilities for the company. Through this work, he continued to represent Canadian naval capability internationally and to share his deep professional knowledge long after leaving uniformed service.
In retirement, Ron embraced life fully. He continued to travel the world, only this time with Gail – from Asia to Africa to Europe to Australia and everywhere in between – together, he and Gail saw it all and then some.
Those of us fortunate enough to have crossed paths with Ron will remember his tremendous sense of humour. In keeping with proper Naval tradition, he never let the truth get in the way of a good story – his quick wit and well told stories brought endless laughter and joy to family and friends - and Gail was always close-by to provide correction and accuracy when required.
Ron also had a lifelong love of cars and car shopping. He took great pleasure in researching, comparing, and debating his next potential purchase with anyone who cared to listen.
Ron enjoyed golf and curling, and remained actively involved in his community. He was a long time member of the Oshawa Golf Club, the Annandale Curling Club, and the Ajax and Pickering Probus Clubs. Ron served on the Board of Directors for Durham Regional Crime Stoppers and for his condominium corporation, always motivated by a desire to give back and serve others. In later years, he was an enthusiastic pioneer of pickleball and helped support the growth of the Pickering Pickleball Club.
Above all, Ron valued loyalty, friendship, and family. He cherished his wife, Gail, and the life they built together, and took immense pride and joy in his children, grandchildren, and the friendships nurtured over a lifetime.
Ron’s family wishes to thank the many health care professionals and caregivers who supported him with kindness and compassion.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Sunnybrook Veteran Centre or the Canadian Cancer Society in memory of Ron would be appreciated by the family.
A Celebration of Life will be held on May 22nd, 2026 at 11am at the McEachnie Funeral Home (28 Old Kingston Rd, Ajax, ON). (McEachnie Funeral Home)
Ships served in: HMS/m OPOSSUM - 1965 - 1967 HMCS OJIBWA - 6th Commanding Officer HMCS ONONDAGA - 11th Commanding Officer 02 Jul 1974 - 14 Jul 1945 HMCS ONONDAGA - 22nd Commanding Officer 01 Jul 1982 - 06 Jun 1983 1st Canadian Submarine Squadron - 7th Commanding Officer Aug 1981 - Jul 1983
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