Ronald George Pittman
March 14, 1951 to October 15, 2024
Obituary
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Ron, age 73, at the Dr. Leonard A. Miller Centre following a brief illness with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Born on March 14, 1951, in Stephenville, NL to Archibald and Lucy (Dennis) Pittman.
He leaves to mourn with cherished memories his wife of 42 years, Elaine Hutchings, and son Trent Pittman (Chantal; her children Kayden and Averie). Also left to mourn are his biological brother Brad (Melanie) Turpin; adopted siblings Allan, Mary, Archie (Ida), Bernard (Jane) Dennis, Lori (Tony) Alexander, Margaret Quan, Hilda, and Joan (George) Peters; brothers-in-law Isaac (Maureen), Chris, Faron (Kim), Calvin Hutchings; sisters-in-law Carrie (Don) Murrin, Hattie (Leo) Emberley, Lorraine (Perry) Muise; a large number of nieces, nephews, friends, his Torbay 50+ Friendship Club and his beloved beagle, Chester, who will dearly miss their special times together walking the trails. Everyone will miss his sense of humour and his gentle voice.
Predeceased by his biological parents Archibald and Lucy; his adopted parents Finton and Yvonne (Benoit) Dennis; parents-in-law Leonard and Evelyn (Pittman) Hutchings; siblings Edna, Rita, Robert, Jordan, Christopher, Muriel, Bernadette, Maurice, and Joyce Dennis; brothers-in-law Marvin and Richard Hutchings, and Daniel Quan.
Ron’s teaching career spanned 50 years. On retirement from 30 years spent in Newfoundland and Labrador, he began teaching in Northern Manitoba then retired and later started teaching with Nunavut Arctic College until December 2023 when ALS forced him into his final retirement. Ron did what he loved and he loved what he did.
Special thanks to the staff at 7 West St. Clare’s and the Dr. Leonard A. Miller Centre for their kind and gentle caring of Ron during his final journey. Also, thank you to Cheryl Power and the ALS society for all their caring and generosity during his illness.
Cremation has taken place, and the family will receive visitors at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, on Saturday October 19, 2024, from 2-4 p.m. and 7 -9 p.m.
Visitation for family and friends in Western Newfoundland will be at Fillatres Funeral Home in Deer Lake October 30, 2024, from 2-5 p.m. The funeral will be held on Thursday, October 31, 2024, with inurnment to follow at St. Paul’s Anglican Cemetery.
Donations in Ron’s memory may be made to the ALS Society Corner Brook (physical donations can be addressed to: ALS Society Corner Brook, P.O. Box 844, Corner Brook, NL, A2H-6H6).
“We love the very essence of Ron for his song is one of generosity, intelligence, humour, love, respect, passion for learning and teaching, love of nature, music, and his overall zest for living. We love him and are proud to call him our friend”
– (Grace Butler Difalco)
Please note that Carnell’s Funeral Home is a nut free building, due to a staff member with a severe allergy. Thank you for your cooperation.
Schedule
Visitations
2-4 p.m. on October 19, 2024
7-9 p.m. on October 19, 2024
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
11:00am, Thursday October 31st
Fillatres Funeral Home
Inurnment to follow at St. Paul’s Anglican Cemetery.
Uncle Ron,
I’m so glad I got to see you last year sept 2023. I always loved coming home and spending time with your infectious personality. This world will not be the same without you in it, you knew how to make everyone laugh and you always brightened every room you walked in.
I will miss you uncle Ron, nfld will not be the same without u.
You said something to me last September, and I don’t think you know how much it meant to me. I know it might not seem that big of a deal to some , but after my speech at my sisters wedding you told me I was great at speaking and what a great job I did. ( I was so nervous, I don’t like public speaking) With that compliment, my self confidence was restored. You were a great man and if all of us could be even 5% like you the world would be a great place. Your kindness, patience and humbling nature will be missed so very much.
Rest easy uncle Ron you may be gone from our sights, but never from our hearts. Xoxo ,
Nadine
Elaine, Trent and Family
It seems that I have known Ron forever. From the times as a kid in St. John’s it was always fun to see him and hear him. He made every visit enjoyable.
His loss saddens me. Our deepest sympathy.
So very sorry to hear of Mr. Pittmans passing, he was a great teacher. He was my teacher in Mary’s Harbour years ago. My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time..
Elaine , we extend our most sincere condolences, to you and your family. It was under similar circumstances that we met you , just a few short weeks ago, at the Miller Center..Thinking of you.
Tom and Rona ORielly
Elaine and Trent
I am so sorry for your loss and send you and your family my heartfelt condolences.
Susan Turpin
Whitby, Ontario
Elaine and Trent,
It has taken a while for me to write. In a way, I feel he is still with us. As I type, I can hear him say, “Now Byron, don’t go on with your foolishness.”
When I think of Ron, I think of flowers and shrubs. How he loved his garden!! And how beautifully he maintained your premises. Like everything Ron did, it was done meticulously. It was a true work of love and art intertwined. A masterpiece.
When I think of Ron’s teaching, I think of dedication. Ron truly cared for his students and he pushed them to be the best they could be. He saw each student as a unique individual and he guided each towards their potential.
When I think of Ron as a friend, I think of kindness. Oh, he wasn’t one to be all mushy and sentimental! No. It was stiff upper lip, quiet support. He had your back. If he saw your need, he just moved to help. He was in your corner; no questions asked.
I’m going to stop here……..Ron, you are missed.
Condolences to all.
Byron and Celeste White
Dear Elaine, & Trent,
I was deeply saddened to hear about Ron’s passing. He was truly a remarkable man—thoughtful, gentle, wise and a consummate professional. In the years I worked alongside him, I never once heard him raise his voice to a student, and it was clear how much he genuinely cared for every one of them. The respect they had for him was evident, and it was because of the warmth, kindness, and unwavering fairness that he showed to all.
Ron often spoke about you and Trent; it was clear how much he loved & treasured his family. You were his priority in life, and I know he cherished every moment spent with you . May you find comfort in the beautiful memories you created together, and in the knowledge that Ron was deeply loved and will be dearly missed by all..
Ron was not only a wonderful colleague but a dear friend, and it was always such a joy to run into you both after you moved to St. John’s. The last time I saw you was, fittingly, at Holland Nursery, where you were both working on your garden—something I know you loved doing together.. You were a team
in every sense of the word.
It pains me deeply to know how much Ron suffered, and I understand all too well the cruelty of ALS, having gone through the same with my father. I remember your genuine concern when I told you about my dad that day at Holland Nursery. And now, my heart aches for you. Please know I am holding you close in my thoughts and prayers as you navigate the immense loss of a loving husband and father. Ron brought smiles to everyone who was fortunate enough to know him, and his legacy will be one of warmth, kindness, and humour.. Thank you for sharing him with us . May his gentle soul rest in peace .
With heartfelt sympathy,
Anne Manning-Moffitt
I just heard about Ron’s passing and am so sorry for your loss. I would love to have the words to bring you comfort but want you to know I will keep you close in my thoughts and prayers. Stay strong and hold your family close.
The staff and students here at Nunavut Arctic College were so sorry to hear about Ron’s passing. He was a highly regarded instructor with our Nunavut Teacher Education Program. You will be missed.
I will personally miss Ron’s humour and support that he gave all students and myself as his manager.
Greg Campbell
Our deepest sympathies to Ron and his family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Greg Campbell, Kaviq Kaluraq, Andrey Canady, Shelley Drover, Alex Makin, Linda Grabas, Steven Snowball and Michael Gale
So sorry for your loss. Ron was such a nice man.. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dear Elaine, we are so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. Mom always spoke so highly of him. We know he will be missed by all who knew him. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love
Ron and Leann Field
I’m saddened to hear of Ron’s passing. Ron was a colleague many years ago at Centennial High School in Gander Bay. I remember him as a friendly, kind, and caring person who loved, and was loved by, his students. I’m sure his many colleagues over the years will also remember him as respected educator. My since condolences go out to his family and friends.
Dear Elaine and Trent and Family
We are so very sorry to hear of Ron’s passing.
We pray with time your tears will be replaced with smiles when you think of all your beautiful memories you have of him.
Audrey (Dennis)and Peter
Elaine and Trent
Thomas Campbell once said, “To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die”. Ron will live on in your day to day activities as memories pop up of the wonderful life you shared together as a family. Those memories will bring a smile, a laugh, a feeling of warmth and love as you remember the trips, the gardening,, the card playing,, the cooking, and the humour, to mention a few. Enjoy, laugh and cherish those moments because that my dear friends is what will help you, through the days and nights ahead.. Jim and I shared in some those activities with the three of you and are so happy that we had the privilege of knowing and spending time with you as a family. Please accept our Sincere Condolences on Ron’s passing. He was kind loving, dedicated, caring husband, father, friend and teacher. Everything he did, he did for you and please, take comfort in knowing that he did it with love, as he loved you both very, very much. God Bless both of you in your time of sorrow and grief. Love and Hugs Verna and Jim Legge
Ron, we will always hold you near and dear. By the way, I know what you are saying,: ‘oh my!, you fellows are acting some foolish over me. ‘ Love you buddy.
Elaine, Trent, the Hitchings family, the Pittman family, and the Denns family, my sincere condolences go out to you on Ron’s passing.. We were good friends during our university years.
Elaine, Trent and families, please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of Ron, our dear friend.. His kindness, his sense of humour, his dedication to his profession, his genuine friendship and collegiality was unmatched. May you take much comfort in a life well lived and carry on as he would want you to. May God bless you and help you through this difficult time.
So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. Many great memories of him as one of our favourite high school teachers in Mary’s Harbour, NL. He will surely be missed by all that knew and loved him. Deepest sympathy to Elaine and Trent.
Elaine Trent and family. So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. Many memories of you both living next door to each other..R.I.P. Ron.
Condolences to family and friends 🙏 May memories live on in each passing day by the beauty he created by his presence .God bless 💙🙏
Elaine and Trent, Boyd and I are truly saddened by Ron’s passing. I felt I knew Ron before I even met him. John and Vicky talked so often about his storytelling, his humor, his wisdom, and his kindness. When we finally did meet, Boyd and I saw this for ourselves. He had such warmth and kindness that we immediately felt welcomed as friends. He was a true gentleman, and he will be grieved by all who were so fortunate to have known him. We share your sorrow and offer our deepest condolences for your loss.
So sorry to hear this news. Shared many laughs with Ron during our time at GC . He had a special sense of humour…always ready to share a laugh. Condolences to all. Bob D
Elaine, although our friendship with you and Ron was but for a few years, the heart measures not time, only emotions, and right now these emotions are of grief and mourning. Too, they are of hope born from faith that souls live on and life continues beyond all that we know it to be. We will, forever, remember Ron, our precious friend who walked into our hearts and it is there he shall stay.
Deepest condolences to you, Trent and families as we keep you in our thoughts and prayers at this very sad time.
Grace and Tom Difalco
Our sincere condolences to Elaine, Trent and family on Ron’s passing.. I will remember Ron fondly as a kind and gentle member of our 50+ club who was always ready to give a helping hand whenever needed. May you find some peace and comfort in all the beautiful memories that you share and draw strength from each other to help you through the difficult days ahead.
May his gentle soul Rest In Peace.
Hugs from Helen and John ❤️
My deepest condolences to Elaine, Trent and families. Ron was one of my high school teacher/Principal in the 1980’s. He was a well-liked teacher, and I recall when he left the classroom, and upon returning he would stomp his cowboy boots in the hallway to make us aware he was coming back. It gave us the 30 seconds or so we needed to stop whatever shenanigans we were up to before he got back into the room. Rest in Peace Mr. Pittman.
Deepest condolences to Elaine, Trent and family on Ron’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with Ron for several years. He was a very dedicated educator who always put his students first. Ron’s humour and willingness to help others will surely be missed by all who knew him.
Thinking about you during this difficult time.
Wayne and Martha Witherall
Thank you Ron & Elaine for accepting myself and the kids into your family with nothing but open arms; also, thank you for raising Trent to be the kind, gentle, and caring soul that he is. You all mean the world to myself and the kids and we could only wish that we had more time to get to know Ron; the few short months that we did have were nothing short of amazing.
We love you all very much, and will be with you guys every step of the way.
I was once trying to describe a dear friend to Jim Legge, and said, “He’s kind of like a young Ron Pittman” Straight away Jim exclaimed: Now there’s only ONE Ron Pittman!
So true.
It is very sad news indeed. We will sure miss his presence in our home cooking and telling stories and sharing wisdom. We miss his great joy. We are grieving with you, big time.
Elaine and family
I’m so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. Condolences to you and the family.
Elaine, Trent and Family,
You may not know me, but I was one of Ron’s last students in Nunavut. It was an honor to be taught by him. I aspire to teach effectively as he did. My sincere condolences for your loss.
Elaine, Trent and Family,
So very sorry to hear about Ron’s passing. We are out of the Province and unfortunately unable to attend the visitation but please know you are in our thoughts at this very difficult time. Hugs🙏
Elaine, Trent, and Family
So very sorry for the loss of your loved one. May precious memories ease your pain.
Elaine and Trent, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. May you both find comfort in the memories you have shared together over the years..
My sincere condolences to Elaine and family
Elaine and family. So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace.
Elaine and Trent,
I know there are no words that can ease your pain May all your wonderful memories comfort you during this difficult time.
Ron was a very special person and I will never forget all he did for my mother. She loved him like a son. and I know he adored and respected her.
Rest in peace, Ron
You will be forever in my heart
Sadly deepened my the passing of such a wonderful man.
He touched many lives with his teaching and kindness.
So very sorry Elaine and Trent.
Sending our condolences Laurie and Kevin Graves
Dear Elaine and Trent
My sincere condolences on the loss of your Husband and Father. Over the weeks working with you and Ron I could how kind and sincere and gentle Ron was . You were the rock that carried him through and cared for him ! RIP Ron may your rise to Heaven in a beautiful garden in the sky
Elaine and family. So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Rest in peace Ron
Trent and Family, we are so very sorry for your Father’s passing. Our deepest sympathies are with you all during this very difficult time.
Elaine and families, please accept my heartfelt condolences. It was a privilege and honour to get to know you.
May Ron Rest In Peace. 🙏✝️