Obituary of Ronald Alexander Law

In Loving Memory of Ronald Alexander Law

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ronald Alexander Law—known most lovingly to us as Dad and Poppa.

Ron was born in 1927 in Liverpool, England, where his lifelong love of football began. A devoted Liverpool FC fan, he played professionally for the club’s second team from 1948 to 1951. After the war, he served three years in Egypt as part of his military service.

In 1952, Ron married Shelagh Jones. Together, they immigrated to Canada in 1956 with the intention of staying for just two years—but it didn’t take long for Dad to know he had found home. He became a proud Canadian, often calling Canada “the greatest country in the world.”

At 98 years old, Ron witnessed nearly a century of extraordinary change. Though he often joked he was “no scholar,” he was well-read, sharp, and endlessly curious. His intelligence, drive, and humility guided him to great success in business—never at the expense of kindness or integrity.

Ron began his career as a baggage handler with Air Canada. Through hard work and determination, he rose through the ranks to retire 27 years later as Director of Air Canada Cargo. Not ready to slow down, he became co-owner and Vice President of FedEx Canada, where he helped build the company into a national success before selling it to FedEx USA seven years later. He was admired by colleagues and peers across the industry, not just for his achievements, but for the warmth and respect he brought to every role.

He travelled the world—visiting six continents and more than 45 countries—but his greatest joy came from the people he loved most: his family.

Sunday dinners were a cherished tradition, full of stories, laughter, and of course, food. Every week, Dad would look at his plate and say, “That’s far too much for me”—only to clean every bite and wait patiently for his tea and dessert. These simple moments, shared with his growing family, were among his greatest pleasures.

Ron will be deeply missed by his children: Mark (Cathy) Law, Russell Law, Tracey (Randy) Law, and Niki (Ken) Law; his 10 grandchildren: Jennifer, Brad, Candice, Dustin, Jordyn, Christopher, Harrison, Tyler, Tessa, and Tyler Jamie; and his five great-grandchildren: David, Emily, Zackary, Alexis, and Wren. He also leaves behind his beloved sister, Edna Hinde, who still lives in the house where Ron was born in Liverpool, as well as many nieces and nephews who fondly knew him as “Uncle Ron.”

He was predeceased by his loving wife, Shelagh, and his granddaughter, Alexandra Law.

Dad moved through life with a gentleness and grace that touched everyone he met. His light, his humour, and his endless kindness will be missed more than words can ever express.

We’ll be toasting the rich and colourful life of Ron Law at a celebration of his life on Saturday, August 2, from 12 - 3 p.m. at Maybee’s Brewery, 559 Wiley Road. Please bring your stories, your tales about Ron; a pearl of wisdom or advice he may have shared. Please come to raise a glass, have some nibbles and share your fondest memories of this wonderful man who touched so many people over his 98 amazing years. For those who wish to make a donation in Ron’s memory, the family had requested donations be made to The Preschool Centre. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com.