With profound sadness, the family of Ronald George Slaunwhite announces his passing on July 18, 2026, at age 91, just shy of his 92nd birthday. Ron was a devoted husband, father, JaJa (grandfather), great-grandfather, veteran, and friend.
He was predeceased by his parents Helen and Sherman Slaunwhite, his two brothers Leonard and Murray and in 2017 by his beloved wife of 57 years, Emily Blanche Slaunwhite (née Shippelt), with whom he shared a lifetime of love, adventure, and unwavering devotion to family.
He will be deeply missed by his five children: Michael (Françoise), Deborah (Andrew Coombs), Patricia (Peter Verheyden), Ronda (Gordon Hicks), and Donald (Mona); his cherished grandchildren Makayla, Adam, Diane, Nathalie, Thomas, Nathan, Hailee, Jordan, Cameron, Derrick, Jeffrey, Jacqueline, Angela, Sierra, Val; five great-grandchildren Liam, Lily, Mariella, Constantine, and Henry (and a couple on their way). He will also be remembered by his sister Sandy (Ed Shortell); his sisters-in-law Fay and Agnes; his eastern and western family members, dear friends and colleagues.
Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Ron grew up near the harbour, where helping his father overhaul boat engines began a lifelong fascination with machinery, aircraft, and water. He studied Science and Engineering at St Mary’s University, trained at Royal Military College, and graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering.
Born with a passion for service and leadership, he enjoyed an outstanding career in the Royal Canadian Air Force, where he earned the respect of those who served alongside him. He spent an  early assignment in Metz France as an aircraft maintenance staff officer and was later posted to RCAF Station Penhold, Alberta. It was there, at a Christmas Party in 1958, that he met Emily. They married in Red Deer, Alberta on May 14, 1960. Ron and Emily built a loving home wherever their frequent postings took them. Posting within Canada and the United States of America included Penhold, Trenton, Langley Virginia, Belleville, Halifax, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Belleville, and finally Ottawa. Every move for Ron and Emily was a family undertaking, and the close family they built became their greatest shared legacy.
During a 32-year military career, Ron served in increasing senior engineering, maintenance, training, command and procurement roles. He was the first Canadian Exchange Officer posted to the United States Air Force Tactical Air Command Headquarters and later served as Director of Aircraft Engineering Maintenance at National Defence Headquarters, responsible for the engineering, maintenance, and airworthiness of Canadian Forces Aircraft. In 1980, Ron was promoted to Brigadier General and appointed Project Manager for Canada’s CF-18 Hornet Acquisition. This was one of the highlights of his distinguished career.   He led a complex national program involving 138 aircraft, training, production, technical requirements, delivery, and industrial benefits. The program achieved its objectives ahead of schedule, under budget and beyond its performance requirements, while bringing the CF-18 into service in Canada and Europe. After retiring from the Canadian Forces in 1984 he continued serving the Canadian Aerospace industry. He became Vice President, Ottawa with McDonnell Douglas Canada and later Vice President, Defence and Space Systems, with Boeing Canada. His work connected Aerospace industry, government, and National Defence through business development, awareness of Canadian aerospace manufacturing, and liaison on defence and space products. He was also a Fellow and 50-year member of the Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute.
For all the distinction of his professional life, Ron’s greatest pride was his family. He delighted in family cruises, trips to the Merry Widow Mines in Montana, boating adventures aboard the Emily Sue, and spirited games of Canasta and Dice.  He loved music, travel, and beautiful cars . Ron will be remembered for his high standards, generosity with advice, beautiful handwriting, his sense of humour, and his unwavering commitment to those he loved.  Ron was a respected leader, a loyal friend, and above all, a devoted family man whose legacy will live on through the generations he inspired. He had deep pride in every generation of his family.
Ron and Emily spent their last years living with their daughter Deborah and her husband Andrew along with various dogs (Luke, Liam, Shadow) in their country home in Dunrobin. He truly appreciated Deborah and Andrew’s attention to his care and for providing him with such a wonderful quality of life.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has offered their love, support, and kindness during this difficult time.
A Funeral Service will be held on July 27, 2026, at Beechwood Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Ave, Ottawa ON K1L8A6. Visitation in the Hall of Colours 09:00 to 09:45 followed by the funeral service at 10:00 in the Sacred Space. Graveside Ceremony at 11:00. A reception will follow in the Borden & Fleming Suites.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Ottawa Heart Institute or a charity of your choice.
Ron’s life was marked by duty, leadership, adventure, and devotion. His work strengthened Canadian aviation and aerospace; his love and example strengthened his family.
Sign the digital guestbook