It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ronald Walter Wieleba, who left us peacefully on September 13, 2025, in Ottawa, Ontario, at the age of 81.

Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Ron was the son of Helene and Peter Wieleba, both immigrants who built a life in Canada. He grew up in Hamilton before building a home in Ottawa, where he raised his family with his beloved wife, Dawn. Together they shared decades of love, laughter, travel, and traditions.

Ron was a devoted father to Paul, Tom, and Mary Ellen, and the proud grandfather of Vegas, Pheonyx, Lucy, Abbey, Emma, Toomasie, William, and Shailene. Family was his pride, his anchor, and his joy. He cheered from the sidelines of Soccer pitches, basketball courts, hockey rinks, football fields, and baseball diamonds. He beamed at milestones, big and small, and instilled in his children and grandchildren values of hard work, resilience, and kindness.

Ron’s professional life was remarkable. After earning his law degree from Western University, he became a corporate lawyer whose career spanned continents. His work with Telesat Canada helped put satellites into orbit, while his time with HP saw him navigating complex mergers and acquisitions. Fluent in English, French, Polish, and Russian, and blessed with a photographic memory, Ron never stopped learning. His dedication to his craft earned him respect as a lawyer in good standing with the Law Society of Canada for half a century, a testament to his commitment and integrity. To some, he seemed a workaholic, but in truth he simply poured his whole self into everything he did.

Outside of the boardroom, Ron’s true passions came alive. He was a lifelong car enthusiast and Formula 1 devotee, particularly loyal to Ferrari. He rarely missed a Montreal Grand Prix, often attending with his family, and his encyclopedic knowledge of drivers, teams, and racing history was unmatched.

His curiosity stretched far beyond automobiles. He devoured books on European and Egyptian history, admired architecture in cities across the globe, and delighted in the small rituals of daily life. He gleefully fed his backyard chipmunk (“chippy”), a simple pleasure that brought him joy. He enjoyed long walks with his Walkman, listening to music that spanned centuries. He never passed up an ice cream or milkshake — a small indulgence that tied back to childhood memories of “Little Ronnie’s,” the Barton Street diner his father named after him. Pepsi for breakfast, lunch and dinner, his muffin and coffee runs with Dawn and a spoonful of peanut butter before bed were daily habits he lived for.

Ron was a man of detail and tradition. His briefcase was always prepared with maps and notes, ensuring every journey was planned to the last turn. No race weekend was complete without dinner at Gibby’s. Visits to Michigan Stadium meant marching with the band and drum corps. Traveling with Dawn and spoiling her with thoughtful gifts was a fountain of joy and an expression of his love for her. He showed love through gestures, not words: he wouldn’t let your car leave the driveway until he had cleaned your windshield, nor would he walk through a doorway until everyone else had first. A quiet writer at heart, Ron also contributed articles and anecdotes to a variety of literary outlets, a passion he kept mostly to himself.

Ron will be remembered as eccentric yet endearing, meticulous yet generous, introverted yet deeply supportive of those he loved. He carried high standards for himself and others.

Above all, Ron leaves behind a legacy of family, values, and love. He taught his children and grandchildren the importance of hard work, the value of a dollar, and kindness toward others. His presence will be deeply missed, but his traditions, stories, and lessons will live on.

Ron is survived by his wife, Dawn; his children, Paul, Tom, and Mary Ellen; and his grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Helene and Peter.

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