Obituary of Ronald Bertram Button

Brigadier General (RCAF-Retired)

Passed away peacefully at the North Bay Regional Health Centre with family by his side on Saturday, August 20, 2022, in his 94th year.

Ron was the beloved husband of the late Janet “Jan” (nee Thompson). Loving father of Leslie and her husband Brad Toole of North Bay, Catherine Phillips (Mike predeceased) of Ottawa, Patricia and her husband Jeff Dacey of Ottawa, Tracy and her husband Davin Kamino of Brampton and Sara and her husband Jamie Woolman of North Bay.

He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Jennifer (Jason), Daryl (Maija), Danyell (Dave), Matthew predeceased, Katie (Angelo), Tessa (Will), Ashley (Jeff), Lucas (Trina predeceased), Tyler, Sydney, and Brandy (Scott).

A special great grandpa to Mackenzie, Cassie, Carson, Gavin, Amelia, Ava, Lauryn, Sophie, Oliver, Benjamin, Jamieson, Greyson, Mila, Axel, Ryder, Olivia and Everitt. Dearly loved brother of Gene.

Brigadier General Ron Button retired from the RCAF/Canadian Forces in 1983 having served for 35 years.

During those years he flew on two Transport Squadrons and three All-Weather Fighter Squadrons. He is a graduate of the RCAF Staff College and the National Defence College of Canada. He completed tours on the staff of transport, Air Defence, RCAF and National Defence Headquarters. He commanded a unit (Air movements during Korean Airlift), a school (First Integrated Officers’ School), a radar station (Northern Ontario), a Base (CFB Toronto) and ultimately was appointed to his own command as a commander of Central Region Ontario and Commandant of the Canadian Forces Training System comprised of five bases and 20 Recruit and Trades Training schools. He Served twice in the USA at NORAD Installations and following his promotion to Brigadier General in 1978, his penultimate tour was in Washington, D.C. Where he served as the Canadian Air Attache and Senior Canadian Liaison Officer to the USA.

As an avid golfer he was a member of the Pinewood Golf Club for many years. He enjoyed his daily crossword and sudoku puzzles and loved telling stories. Ron will be sadly missed by his family and many friends.

Cremation will take place and a Celebration of his Life will take place at a later date. If desired, donations to a charity of choice or the North Bay Regional Health Centre will be gratefully acknowledged as expressions of sympathy. Arrangements entrusted to Basic Cremation Services.