Oakes, Ronald “Ronnie” Edwin; Passed away at home in his beloved Salem on Monday, January 13th 2014. He was the loving husband of Ellen (Muir) and proud father of Greg (Sonja), Tim (Wendy), Jeff (Jennifer) and Susan. He will be fondly remembered by his grandchildren Rachel (Scott) Williams Oakes, Emily and Elana Oakes, Cory (Denise), Joshua and Steven Oakes, Joseph Miles, and Amanda and Caleb Johnston and great granddaughter Victoria Williams Oakes. He will be missed by his sisters, Faye Steeves, Teri Anne Marlette and brother Michael Day, and brother-in-law Gord (Pat) Muir. Also by several cousins, a niece and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Edwin and Helen Oakes, his sister Donna Hillis and niece Kimberly Hillis. Ronnie was born in Toronto (1937) but after the age of two spent most of his life in what he called Almost Heaven, Salem by the Irvine. He worked for Bell Canada for over thirty years and treasured the lasting friendships he made there and elsewhere. He was a member of the Elora Legion Branch #229 for over thirty years and was everybody’s friend. Visitation for Ronnie was held at The Graham Giddy Funeral Home, 37 Church Street Elora, on Wednesday January 15th from 7-9pm and the funeral service was held in the funeral home chapel on Thursday, January 16th at 1pm. Interment at the Elora Cemetery was immediately followed by a reception at the Elora Legion. In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be directed towards the Elora Legion. For additional information please call the Graham Giddy Funeral Home at 519-846-5352. www.grahamgiddyfh.com