We’re heartbroken to share that Ron Vopni, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away at 69 on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the T. B. R. H. S. C., after facing many health struggles.
Ron was born November 7, 1956 in Goose Bay, Labrador. As a kid, he moved all around Canada following his parents’ work – places like Calgary, Lethbridge, Edmonton, PEI, Toronto and Amherstview.
After finishing high school at Ernestown High School, Ron headed to Thunder Bay to study Architectural Technology at Confederation College. When he graduated, he stayed on working in the Facilities Department and eventually became Director of Facilities Services. He managed everything from renovations and new buildings to maintenance and security as well as parking lots and even the cafeteria and bookstore. Ron was well respected by everyone there and really loved his job along with the coworkers he worked alongside.
Ron met Deb – his soulmate – while they were both working at the college. They shared a love of sports and played together on several staff teams. That shared interest brought them close. They got married in 1983 (almost 43 years this July), then welcomed two wonderful sons: Stephen in ’89 and Kevin in ’92. Family meant the world to Ron; they did pretty much everything together. He was very hands-on as a dad-coaching baseball and hockey for his boys over the years made him so happy! Watching his favorite team-the Boston Bruins-also brought him lots of joy.
In 2008 cancer hit Ron hard but after treatment he beat it and went back to work in 2009. Sadly cancer came back again in 2010 but once more after treatment he was declared cancer free; still those treatments took their toll so he couldn’t return to work afterward. Over time his health slowly worsened over sixteen years. He went on long-term disability then retired when he turned sixty-five. In April of 2022 Ron moved into long-term care when living at home wasn’t an option anymore-even though that home was one he had designed himself! His health declined further which led him to hospital stays in January then February of 2026 before passing away March 7th.
He leaves behind his wife Deb; son Kevin (with Chloe); granddaughter Lola who was truly his pride; mom Ferne; brothers Garry (Joan) & Jim (Marg); brothers-in-law Dean (Susan) Warren & Darrell Warren; plus nephews Christopher (Jamie), Thomas (Annslea), Michael (Krista), Erik (Jess), Andy (Meghan), Laura (Josh) Hagen, Gregory (Kaela) Warren & Jesse (Lisa) Warren along with their families.
Ron’s son Stephen Vopni passed away before him as did his father Canon Roy Vopni along with Lloyd & Helen Warren – Deb’s parents – plus brother-in-law Darren Warren.
You’re invited to celebrate Ron’s life Monday March 23rd at eleven am at St. Paul’s Anglican Church located at 808 Ridgeway St E., Thunder Bay ON P7E 5H5 with Archdeacon Deborah Kraft leading the service. Everyone is welcome afterward for lunch right there at the church.
A private burial will happen later at Riverside Cemetery where Ron will be laid to rest wearing his favorite Boston Bruins gear.
If you’d rather send donations instead of flowers please consider Northern Cancer Fund through Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation by mail: 980 Oliver Road Thunder Bay ON P7B 6V4 or online: www. healthsciencesfoundation. ca. You can leave condolences online here: www. sargentandson. com.
Ron / Dad
The memories of you will live on in our
hearts and in the hearts of those who loved you.
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