April 30, 1959 – July 23, 2026
Some people dream. Dad lived.
Ronald John (Ron) Kerr, 67, of Killaloe, Ontario, died peacefully at The Ottawa Hospital on July 23, 2026.
By the time he was born on April 30, 1959, his first love was already in his life: Round Lake. It held him for 67 years and always pulled him back: the community, the sunsets promising a better horizon, a childhood spent in the forest and on the shorelines where his own three boys would later spend their summers and long weekends.
He was born in Smith Falls to Jack and Aline Kerr, who raised their four sons there before moving the family to Ottawa.
Ron followed in his father’s footsteps into the phone business, joining Bell as a young lineman and working his way up to management.
He met Annadeane in 1981, a young nurse from Nova Scotia with plans to return to Cape Breton, and proposed three months later before she could follow through. They married in 1982. They had three sons, each three years apart, who share Ron’s love of music and his good head of hair.
Music was the background of his life. Valley Heritage Radio was a constant in the house, and many an evening was spent tapping his fingers while one of his sons played acoustic guitar, or joining in, wailing on the harmonica. He called his harmonicas his chocolate bars. He deeply admired Annadeane’s skill on the bagpipes and always asked her to play, whether on many trips to Cape Breton or on the rocky point of their Round Lake shoreline with the sun setting at her back.
Working at Bell, Ron travelled the world; when he retired in 2015, the world he chose was Round Lake. Most people have a dream of where they want to land. Ron made his happen: a forever home where every window points to water. And it kept going: one house, then another, a garage, a boathouse, and a shed that looked like the house. Ron was a doer who loved having a project. His good friends helped build the two homes he lived in at the lake, and Ron was there every day of construction, helping with every job he could. There isn’t a door in his home he didn’t personally stain, or a corner without his handiwork.
He loved being part of the small community, in particular, the Killaloe Curling Club, where many warm friendships and memories were made. He also looked forward to joining his friends each fall for their annual deer hunting trip at Round Lake, followed by wild game night at the Mask hunt camp.
He loved books, the news, crime television shows, and a good visit. He was generous, a quality his grandsons learned quickly. For Rowan, he was an endless source of Cheerios, goldfish crackers, and “Octopus’s Garden” renditions. Jett brought him endless love and a dimpled, beautiful smile.
His humour was infectious and his jokes were endless; he knew how to have a good time and how to make everyone feel welcome. He had a hearty laugh and a devilish smile, and he delighted in stories, especially ones with a witty punchline. He was known to don a costume (Austin Powers once, an unconvincing priest another time), and his everyday uniform ran to John Prine and Guy Clark T-shirts. He could talk his way into most rooms, and did. He kept that sharp wit to the end, his eyes lighting up whenever his sons got a joke going at his hospital bedside.
Ron is survived by his wife of 44 years, Annadeane; his children Allan (Samantha), Andrew (Stacie), and John (Kate); his grandsons Rowan and Jett, who called him Grandpa; his siblings Dennis, Terry (Lorraine), and Jerry (Rhonda); his brothers-in-law Starr (Agnes) and Shawn (Brenda) MacMullin; his nieces and nephews Marc MacMullin (Dale), Jaye MacMullin, Matt MacMullin (Kerrianne), Ryan Kerr (Kelly), Mike Kerr, Shannon Kerr (Rob), Jillian Kerr (Devon), Holly Kerr (Ted); and Stella, the family cat. He was predeceased by his parents, Jack and Aline Kerr (née Godin), and his brother-in-law Cyril “C.J.” MacMullin (Arlene).
Condolences left at the funeral home’s obituary page.
Barry and Corinne Humby
I always heard such great stories about Ron, and heard his booming voice each Christmas Eve as he called Barry. I finally met him last summer and he was every bit the fun loving, gregarious guy that Barry described. I am so happy to have met him then and will remember him in good health and wonderful spirits. We are thinking of you all at this sad time and hope that the wonderful memories you all have will provide some much needed comfort. Corinne and Barry Humby
Dennis Peplinskie
My heart is out to all of the Kerr clan. This kind man, I called friend for many yeas will be missed . We had fun when we got together even if it involved work. Fishing trips were always interesting. Ron always brought things you wouldn't expect like shrimp and proper wine. You will be missed old friend .
Jerryand Rhonda Kerr
Our condolences to Annadeane and family, you were the best caregivers Ron ever could have asked for. As my older brother,Ron introduced me to many new things, some sooner than he should have.
Music- John Prine,Loudon Wainwright Murray McLauchlan, Gordon Lightfoot, to name a few. Pickup Trucks- How to drive a standard with shifter on the floor and the column. I found out later it was so I could drive him home. Fishing and hunting- Always joined by good friends and many laughs. Music festivals and guitar party's. These became a staple of our lives. I always remember Ron pulling up to the campfire with a cooler full of treats and his large harmonica case. Once he settled in he would look up at us and ask what key we were in, even though he knew the answer was always "G". I have a feeling when Ron gets to the gates of heaven, his first question to St.Peter, will be, Can we get Valley Heritage Radio up here?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyiammv26gQ Jerry and Rhonda
Pam Kline
I worked with Ron for several years and have only good thoughts of him. He certainly made me laugh in a high energy busy workplace. He always made time for my many questions and seemed to have endless patience. One of my fav persons I encountered in my career. I am very sad to hear he has passed and send condolences to his family and many friends. Pam kline
Allan Cameron
We initially met Ron and Annadeane through the Killaloe Curling Club. Ron always had a twinkle in his eye, a smile, and a song on his mind. He was quick with one liners and could sometimes tell a 5 minute joke in just less than 10 minutes. We loved our casual visits, lunches, dinners and music trips to the Wilno Tavern and other venues. Some people even say Ron could play euchere! Annadeane, Andrew, Allan and John, carry the wonderful memories of times spent, and hear the song he is no doubt singing. Allan and Joyce
Jayne Dennis
I was shocked to read of Ron’s passing. He was a wonderful guy - and always great to chat with. I worked with him at Bell. Godspeed to Ron. And condolences and hugs to his family Jayne
Louise Johnston
Reading Ron's obituary brought back so many wonderful memories of him and our childhood at Round Lake.
Many Sundays, my dad would bring me to Uncle Jack and Aunt Aline's cottage on Round Lake. It was always the best part of my summer, and sometimes we'd pick up our cousin Mike Scharff along the way. We'd spend the day together while Uncle Jack and my dad sat on the beach telling stories, usually hilarious ones, we'd always eavesdrop on. Aunt Aline made sure we were well fed, and we'd stay in the water from morning until it was too dark to see...or until my lips turned blue. Even back then, Ron had a great smile that could light up a room, and his sense of humour was contagious. His jokes were pretty corny, but they always made us laugh. He had a way of making every day a little more fun, and it's easy to see that the same warmth, wit, and smile stayed with him throughout his life. Although I hadn't seen much of Ron over the years, his obituary reminded me that the qualities I remembered from our childhood never changed. He built an incredible life with Annadeane, sharing 44 years of marriage, raising three wonderful sons, and later becoming a proud grandfather. The love he had for his family shines through every word, and I know they will carry his humour, kindness, and love of Round Lake with them always. That's exactly how I'll always remember Ron, with that great smile, surrounded by family, laughter, stories, and the lake that meant so much to him. Time may have passed, and we may not have seen each other often, but those childhood summers never faded. I only wish I had a few photos from those days. It's so fitting that the song "I Remember Everything" by John Prine is mentioned on his page, www.ronkerr.com, definitely listen to it. It reminds us that the moments we treasure most are often the simplest ones, family, laughter, Round Lake, and time spent with the people we love. Rest easy, Cuz. Thank you for the laughs, the smiles, and the memories. My heartfelt condolences to Annadeane, Allan, Andrew, John, and the entire Kerr family
Sandra Knott
I worked with Ron when he was the technician at the Carlingwood Phone Centre. He always had a ready smile and a joke to pass along. I knew his some of his family through my sister-in-law, Geri Godin, and visited the original Round Lake cottage many years ago. I last saw Ron at the funeral mass for his cousin, Geri, and am so saddened to hear of his passing. My husband and I send our sincere condolences to the whole family. David and Sandra Knott
Sue Cooper
Sincere condolences to Ron’s adored Family. Great memories of Bell days long ago of a fine gentleman, may he rest in peace, Brian & Sue Cooper (Baker)
Shirley Grosse
Ron was a great friend and colleague. Always ready to jump in and help on the projects we worked on. His smile always made me smile. Loved his sense of humour and jokes. RIP my friend My sincere condolences to his entire family. ❤️❤️
Joanne Olsen
Sincerest sympathy to Annadeane and family. There are very few people who carve out great memories in our practice. Ron was a gentleman who left us with great stories and one of the best attitudes. Rest in Peace Ron. Joanne and OVP staff
Darlene Visneskie
Q: What will you never forget about Ronald? A: Ron always welcomed everyone into his home and his life. His home in Ottawa served up some chef meals when my granddaughter was welcomed into their home. She was to them their daughter while she pursued her education .
Nicole Choquette
I am so very sad to hear of Ron's passing. I had the privilege to work with Ron for many years at Bell Canada in the Sales Team. Ron was a key figure and asset within the Sales Operations team and was always at the ready for all the team members. So many fond and funny moments and memories at the many Bell events and Sales Rallies. I want to offer my deepest sympathies to his wife and children and grand-children and all his family and friends. To know him was to appreciate his fun loving nature, wit and humour and ho the stories and jokes he would tell!!
My heart is filled with prayers for all during this time of sorrow and grief.
Derek William John Gariepy
When I think of my friend, I don't think first of sadness. I think of the incredible meals Ron created in the kitchen. He was a truly gifted chef, and every meal he prepared was made with passion, creativity, and love. Sharing those meals was about much more than the food—it was about bringing people together, telling stories, laughing around the table, and making everyone feel at home. Those dinners, they are memories I will treasure forever.
I also think about the many miles we traveled together. Whether we were heading off to a golf tournament, a trade show, or cheering on our favorite hockey team, the destination was never the best part—it was the journey. We spent hours talking, laughing, solving the world's problems, and creating memories that only true friends can understand. Those road trips were filled with excitement, great conversations, and moments that I will carry with me for the rest of my life Ron's life reminds us that it is not measured by the number of years we live, but by the lives we touch, the friendships we build, and the love we leave behind. My friend accomplished all of that and so much more. Though you are no longer with us in person, your spirit will always be with us—every time we gather around a table, hear a favorite song, or sit together cheering at a hockey game. You will forever be remembered, forever missed, and forever loved. Rest in peace, my friend.
John Cameron
To Annadeane, Allan, Andrew, John and the rest of the Kerr family, our hearts go out to you during this time of profound loss.
I first met the Kerr family at Round Lake in 1963. I was staying at another neighbouring cottage with family who had just bought the property next door to the Kerr's. I didn't know any other kids in the area so I was taken over to meet Ron's oldest brother Dennis at the original Kerr cottage on John Street. Dennis and I were both 13. Ron was just a 3 year old kid on the beach. Terry was around somewhere and Jerry was a developing story. This meeting showed what a small world it is. Both Dennis and I were from Smiths Falls and had not know each other. When summer was over and we were back in Smiths Falls, Dennis and I started to hang out with a group of kid's our age at the local soda shop, Woolworth's snack bar, and later the Cozy House Chinese Restaurant. I saw Ron growing up as a young happy kid. A few years later the Kerrs moved to Ottawa. Our gang would go occasionally to Ottawa, to see Dennis and to explore the city. Of course we continued to see Ron grow up in small increments. After a lengthy absence from Round Lake, I returned in the late 1970's with my new Hobie Cat 16 sailboat. Ron's father Jack suggested that I could moor it in front of their cottage. This was a learning experience as I found out you can't moor a catamaran as their two hulls do not weathercock into the wind. About 7:00 am the next day Ron knocked on our door and explained that the catamaran was taking a bit of a beating in the waves and that I should come to its rescue. Ron had sprouted up about 2 feet and added about 75 muscular pounds (yes that's true). If I met him on the street I would not have known him but that was the start of a friendship with many happy years of sailing, including a number of not so spectacular appearances at the RLPOA Annual Regatta, and many other fun activities. We had a lot of fun in those early years - campfires on the beach, pretty girls looking for Ron, quality refreshments, good music, a couple of trips to the Barry's Bay Emergency Department, watching Ron's father teaching him how to construct buildings, do electrical and plumbing work, and so on. Ron's career with Bell Canada was getting established. He had started as a lineman and did installation and repairs. Every time I came up to the cottage he had won another prize as Bell’s Employee of the Month. Then about 1982 a pretty Cape Breton bagpiping nurse showed up and the other pretty girls quit coming around. This was followed by Ron and Annadeane's 44 years of happy marriage. His strong people skills helped him in winning more awards for selling to customers above and beyond what they originally asked for. Someone in Bell management was watching and said “we have to put this guy in sales.” They did and after that he won many international trips with Bell's President's Club, including Paris, France; Nashville,Tennessee (Ron's favourite); Dublin, Ireland; Los Cabo’s, Mexico; Italy and Sicily. While this was happening he and Annadeane were raising a family with 3 wonderful boys Allan, Andrew and John. Ron and Annadeane took great pride in watching the successful lives and careers of their boys and the partners they chose (Samantha, Stacie and Kate). And of course, Donna and I were experiencing similar joys with our girls. The kids wore out a path between our lakeside places. But with growing families, trailers get smaller. Ron bought his own cottage property on John Street and renovated the old McIntire home. The boys got bigger so he bought a new vacant property and constructed a new bigger cottage on it. The boys were still growing and had partners so more room was required. With a little help from his friends he tore down the original renovated cottage, built a new one, as well as a bunky, and a recreation cabin, and a boathouse, and a garage. When he finished all this,he built a really big garage on the other side of John Street. In this time he amassed a small army of wonderful friends and colleagues from Ottawa, the Valley and across Canada. He expanded his interests from the Montreal Canadians to the Ottawa Senators and included golf, deer hunting, Tuesday night dinners at the Wilno, and curling . Ron was always the life of the party, could tell jokes endlessly (some of them were even good) and always sought to make others laugh and feel welcome. Oh and “stay for dinner.” Ron did like to cook and eat. Ron was also good with giving his time and energy on both a corporate and personal level to charities and community events, most notably Ottawa’s Citizen Advocacy, now Able2. Sadly Ron has psssed on but I have no doubt that he will still look down and smile at his wonderful wife, his multi-talented boys and their partners, his two adored grandchildren Rowan and Jett, and of course his beloved Round Lake. With Ron family was Job 1. Life was good. Thanks for the memories. Miss ya buddy! John (and Donna, Meagan, Michelle and Heather).
Mark Wallar
Ron, Annandeane and the boys were part of the “Castleton Street People” of Nepean. I remember Ron’ s infectious laughter and willingness to lend a hand. We were also privileged to be graced with his Austin Powers persona. Our family was deeply saddened to learn of his passing. When the Kerr’s left Nepean a void was established but with his passing an emptiness that can never be replaced has been created. My condolences to Annadeane, Allen, Andrew and John and family. We will miss him. Woody, Jocelyn and the Wallar family.
Diane Burton
Our deepest condolences Annadeane and family our heart and prayers go out to you, cherish all the great memories. Certainly consistent messages from everyone who knew Ron, great guy, always willing to help out, musician, great story teller, the best jokes and lived life to the fullest. Ron will certainly be missed but never forgotten. Steve and I both had the pleasure of working with Ron and attending many Bell events and Evening in the Maritimes, always fun times. Take care and all the best. Steve & Diane Burton
Joan Skura
I met Ron through my friends John and Donna Cameron over 40 years ago. Coming to round lake involved visiting Ron and Annadeane and experiencing their welcoming smiles and welcoming hearts. Ron was always curious and loved to talk. He never ran out of something to say and it was so wonderful to be in his company as one always felt special. With his quick wit and humour we shared many laughs and good times. The music around the campfire was one of a kind and listening to Ron on the harmonica and singing made you realize how much he loved round lake.
I am saddened that Ron has left this world, but he will be remembered as a kind, generous, loving man that left a huge footprint behind. Ron was a good example of living life to the fullest. My sincere condolences to Annadeane, Allan, John , Andrew and the Kerr family. Joan Skura
Patti Hutton
Annadeane, Allen, Andrew, John and family We are so very sorry for the loss of such a wonderful man. Quick with a joke, amazing with a story, ever so proud of his family and always extra aware of the serenity the lake, trees and sky could bring to his peace. Ron will be remembered and missed by so many. That said, his amazing legacy lives on in all of you. With heartfelt condolences and warm hugs. Patti Hutton (and family)
Paul Mitton
Ron you made going to the curling club all that more fun for me. Being teammates on two of the three draws this past season made for lots of laughs. Away from curling, you and Annadeanne opened your home to me and made me feel like we had been friends for many years. Our chats about hunting while touring the hunt property will stay with me. I hope all those ironwoods eventually get cut down along the road. Rest easy my friend, you are missed. Heartfelt condolences to Annadeanne and the boys and the rest of Ron's family.
Please share your memories with the family and we’ll add them to this page.
Photos are welcome too. Email them to allan@allankerr.ca.
Memorial donations may be made to the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation.
As you remember Ron, perhaps play John Prine’s I Remember Everything.