Ronald Snowden

Ronald Snowden, of St. Helens, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025 at the age of 72. He was born in Wingham on Oct. 26, 1953, the son of the late Caroline (Humphrey) and Ernest Snowden. 

 

Ron met Barb (Culbert) as teens at a dance in Dungannon and, after marrying in February of 1974, they went on to share 51 amazing years together. Together they raised three incredible daughters: Kim (Kyle) Wheeler, Kerri (Clint) Murray and Becky Snowden (Mike Walker), grandchildren Brandon (Tash), Craig (Dez), Hannah (Gavin), Erica (Jared), Olivia, Rylan and Cohen and great-grandchildren Harper and Colter. 

 

Together, Ron and Barb enjoyed travelling, entertaining, camping and road trips. Ron built a home that was a warm and welcoming gathering place for family and friends to share laughter, meals and love.

 

Ron was the brother of Linda Carter and Allan (Donna) Snowden, brother-in-law of Shirley Snowden, Jack (Karen) Culbert, Don (Linda) Culbert, Betty Lewis, Dorothy (Dave) Bere and Joanne (Wolfgang) Weber. He is also survived by mother-in-law Doris Culbert, many nieces and nephews, friends, neighbours, customers of his business Snowden Insulation and the community with which he was so involved. 

 

He was predeceased by stepfather Cliff Menary, father-in-law Howard Culbert, brothers Brian and Bill Snowden, sister-in-law Debbie Culbert and brothers-in-law Harvey Carter and Brad Lewis. 

 

Ron will be remembered fondly for his witty sense of humour and ability to have a joke for any occasion. Forever a kid at heart, he was always up for a game of crokinole, a vintage car show, and adventures on a new motorized toy. Always an animal lover, dogs flocked to cuddle next to him and receive his signature last bite of ice cream. His snuggles will be especially missed by his best friend puppy companion Cali.

 

Through his work over the years as a machinist, carpenter and farmer, Ron became a jack of all trades and someone who could always say “I have the tool for that!” His talents extended beyond being handy - he had a creative eye, a knack for finding solutions to tough challenges and always seemed to leave everything he touched in better shape than how he found it. He gave freely of his time and talents, helping others by lending a hand, often before they knew they needed one.

 

He believed in community involvement, serving as a councillor and deputy-reeve in Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh, as well as starting the St. Helens Hall Committee, helping to restore the hall so it could become a hub of the community. 

 

Never one for a short conversation, Ron was known for his friendly and chatty nature and how he seemingly knew everyone. He had an ability to make others feel welcome and included, lending an ear and the wise advice you needed.  

 

He was a devoted family man, girl dad, grandpa and, most recently, great-grandpa. Ron found enjoyment in the simple pleasures in life, spending time with grandkids, gathering around a roaring campfire, family dinners, putting on fireworks displays, tinkering around his beautiful property, telling jokes, pulling pranks, indulging in sweets, using his creative visions to make any project perfect, and having a cold lemonade on the back porch listening to the creek babbling and passing the time with friends and family, just to name a few.

 

May his memory live on through the many lives he touched and in the love of his friends and family.  Please honour him by showing acts of kindness within your community, giving without receiving, and leaving the world better than how you found it.