Obituary of Ronald Assef

ASSEF, Ronald “Ron” It is with broken hearts and a million tears that we announce the passing of the much loved husband for 43 years of Betty (Behune Deschamps), cherished father of son Michael (Cathy), Kathleen Weidl (George), Margaret Ann Peakovic (George) and step-father to his “bonus” children Victoria Behune, Karen Behune Plunkett (Michael) and Dan Behune (Frauke). Papa/grandpa to 14 grandchildren and 20 great children in this ever-growing family. The only child of his late parents, James and Ann Assef. Ron grew up in Windsor amongst many Lebanese aunts, uncles and cousins in the Assef and Gilbert families in Canada, Florida and Michigan, and he held great memories of the wonderful Lebanese family events, particularly the ones that served Kibbeh Nayye. He was also a truly loved “brother” and uncle to Betty’s extended Deschamps family and he loved the great summers spent with them at Pine Lake, Bayfield, along with his cousins and lifelong “Pal” Pat and Gus Winters and family. A graduate of W.D. Lowe H.S. and The Detroit Radio and Electronic Technical School, he opened Assef TV in 1954 and claimed the title “The King of Colour!”, and was known for the quality TV and Stereo equipment he carried. Always active in the community, including the Knights of Columbus, Ron was particularly proud of his work with the Windsor Youth Employment Counselling (YEC), assisting young men with preparing for their careers. Ron’s lifetime love of music, whether it be Classical or Jazz, led him to become a member of the Board of The Windsor Symphony in the early 80’s. He very successfully chaired the committee which enabled the orchestras to perform in Orchestra Hall in Detroit before a large crowd of Windsor and Detroit music lovers. Ron sold Assef TV in 1985 when he and Betty started a new adventure in the Palm Beaches, Fla. Starting with a small Re/Max office, they eventually opened 4 others throughout the County. Ron earned many recognitions during the next 13 yrs., including Co-broker Owner in Re/Max Fla, North Palm Beach Realtor of the Year, serving on the Board of American Heart and Co-Chairing Children’s Miracle Network PBC. Ron also loved his years with Singer island Rotary Club, where he served as President twice and Chaired the Scholarship Fund of which he was so proud! He was a Paul Harris Recipient. NO meeting was complete without Ron, whose sense of humour is renowned (told at least 1 joke from his repertoire). As a Rotarian for 39 yrs. He became a visiting member of Roseland from 2016 until his most recent illness. Ron and Betty loved travelling and enjoyed numerous cruises and excursions with family and new and old friends. Visits were always anticipated with joy, especially as the grandkids started to make the trip to Florida themselves and could ride with papa/grandpa in “Ron’s Toy” - his beloved blue BMW convertible he treasured for 12 years, selling only when they moved back to Pine Lake. Then in 2016, it was time to come home to Windsor to be with family as his health deteriorated. A heart patient for 30 yrs., Ron suffered endured many other medical problems over the past 7 yrs., each diminishing his strength, but never taking away his will to live. He bore it with dignity and very little complaints. His wit always caused laughter and his sense of humour was the last to go. Special thanks to Betty’s Rock, sister Chris Balyo, and to dear friends of over 40 yrs, who were at his side during the last years, Wayne and Penny Liddy and Pauline and Jack Vanderpark. We are eternally grateful to the amazing staff at Brouillette Manor their truly stellar 24 hour care was so appreciated by Ron and his blended family during the 4 months he resided there. They are a ‘force to be reckoned with”. A private family visitation and cremation have taken place. Memorial visitation to take place at WINDSOR CHAPEL (Banwell Chapel), 11677 Tecumseh Rd E, 519.253.7234 on Saturday April 8th from 1pm until time of celebration of life at 2:15pm. In memory of Ron donations may be made to two charities Ron kept close to his heart, Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough or the MS Society of Canada. Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared at www.windsorchapel.com.