ForeverMissed
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Ronald William Bunting lived his life fully with and for other people. He was driven by kindness, he sought equality and fairness in everything he did, and he loved to inspire play and curiosity. He had a generous and warm spirit and he filled his life with a deep and profound love.

Ron believed in sport. He believed in the power of athletic accomplishment to lift everyone up—no matter who was playing. He loved watching the highest levels of sport: soccer, hockey, track and field, rugby, tennis… name a sport and he would watch it in intimate detail. But he would also watch U6 soccer, or the ten year old trying the hurdles for the first time, with the same thoughtful attention. This was his super power. He was so completely generous with his time and attention to the people who were pushing themselves to be better. He had a natural ability to place himself in other peoples shoes and this came out when coaching or spectating, where he would often be found taking the shot from the side-line, the couch, or the stands.

He had a sharp tongue that would never bite. He loved to be social and could easily parry back a witty retort to anyone, from his own family, to the star athlete, to the timid five year old in kindergarten—always  from a place of kindness and play.  He was so animated when reading a story and his attention and excitement was infectious.

Ron also had a deep connection to the quiet of nature and he loved a good vista. The most peaceful moments he had were those in reflection overlooking nature. He stayed connected to it by wearing sandals in the winter and lining his office with paintings of mountains, forests, wolves, and deer.

Ron gave so much love to everyone he knew and that love will forever be with all of us.  







March 6
March 6
Mr. Bunting was my grade 6 teacher at Baker Elementary (Quesnel, B.C.)
Mr. Bunting encouraged me to join school sports and have fun. A memory and an opportunity I continue to share with own children. The year end "Achievement Award" was incredibly encouraging .  I still look back and commend Mr. Bunting for steering me towards "I can do it!" 

I believe 1973-1974 was Mr. Bunting's first year of teaching. It must have been challenging to move to a small community, figure out the curriculum and utilize teacher training.  He did a great job! 

When I returned to Quesnel for one year (my first year as a school teacher,) I reflected on the fond memories of my grade 6 teacher and felt a sense of gratitude. 

Thank you Mr. Bunting for making a difference.

Jasbir Bisal-Sekhon. South Surrey
December 16, 2023
December 16, 2023
Christmas brings me memories of you fondly, I think back on Christmas time together I raise a glass in your honour as we decorate with your beloved nutcrackers. I miss you so much love Ingrid.
September 13, 2023
September 13, 2023
Ronnie, I woke up thinking of you. It has been 3 years today that we all were devastated to hear that you had left us. For me you were my little brother who would love to tease us, and as the 4th child would get away with everything. As you became an adult you became a wonderful friend. You had a beautiful wife Ingrid and four super children Signi MacNeill, Kris MacNeill, James Bunting and Nik Bunting. You were a wonderful teacher and a very good coach. You children grew up and gave you 5 beautiful grandchildren. We all miss you and think of you always. You were a very special brother, uncle, husband, father and grandfather. Every time I am at Maple Beach I think of you. Love you very much❤️❤️
September 13, 2023
September 13, 2023
Thinking of our brother Ron today. We miss you so much. Have many wonderful memories of time with you and your family. We always felt so welcome and enjoyed all the fun times together. Christmases, Easter, other holidays. Times at Point Roberts with all the family that Ron arranged. He loved family times and get togethers. He was so great with Mom when she was in her declining years. He always kept in touch and always had that dry sense of humour. I still hear is “What do you want?” When we phoned. Love him so much and miss him a lot. Sending lots of love and hugs to Ingrid, Signi, Kris, James and Nik and all his well loved grandchildren. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
September 13, 2023
September 13, 2023
Ron!

I survived another year!
Missing your kind nature
and your great sense of humour!
Thinking about you today!
Missing you deeply. Love, Ingrid.
July 16, 2023
July 16, 2023
Today is Ron and Ingrid’s anniversary. I remember the day you were married and what a beautiful day. We spent the morning decorating the hall fir the reception and then your beautiful wedding with family and friends. Signi and Kris and all your nieces and nephews were there to celebrate this happy day. Ingrid I wish you love today and always. Thinking of you today. Ron you were a very lucky man to have a woman that loved you and children who adored you and grandchildren that loved you as well. You would be so proud of all of them.

https://www.forevermissed.com/ronald-william-bunting/gallery/download-original-photo?id=2593116
June 29, 2023
June 29, 2023
Today would be my younger brother’s 76th birthday and I would say to him we should celebrate your birthday with 76 trombones. He would understand what I meant. Ron, I miss you every day and think of you often. I woke up this morning thinking of all the great fun we had growing up. Our time at Boundary Bay, our time at the PNE, our time playing cards together, Christmas was the best time and you carried that love for Christmas always. I remember one Christmas we all came to Sechelt to celebrate Christmas.

Ron, I know you are looking down at us and you are so proud of Ingrid and your children and grand children.

We will roll out the big parade today to celebrate your 76th birthday with 76 trombones. All our love Janet, Gary, Angela, Theo, Jonah and Abby❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
June 29, 2023
June 29, 2023
Missing you today on what would have been your 76th Birthday Ron. You loved Birthdays and family celebrations. You would organize get togethers with all the family and made sure the family was all together on a regular basis. Always loved to celebrate your Birthday with you and your wonderful family. Here’s to a big piece of Birthday cake for you and to never blow out your special candle. Love you and miss you
Your sister Judy
June 28, 2023
June 28, 2023
You don’t just lose someone once you lose them over and over.
When the loss moment, creeps up on you and attacks you from behind.
Happy heavenly birthday, Ron
June29th
Love Ingrid
September 14, 2022
September 14, 2022
Today I am thinking of my little brother who we lost two years ago. We miss you so much. To Ingrid. Signi and Shawn, Kris, Natasha, Lachlan and Calla, James, Ashley, Cohen, Luke and Oscar, and Nik, you were Ron’s life and he was so Proud of all of you.

From the very beginning when we first saw you we were in love with you even when you  Ignored us and gave us a hard time we knew you loved us. 

I remember the last time I talked to you about a week before you died, we talked about your family and mine. We remembered some good times. You are always in our hearts. Love Janet and Gary
September 13, 2022
September 13, 2022
It is hard to believe that it has been two years since you left us Ron. It is a very sad day. We have many wonderful memories of you and of the good times we spent with you and your family. I so appreciate how you were there for Mom in her later years when we were not around. You were so busy with your family but always took time for her. That was the kind caring person you were. Miss our phone calls. You would always answer with “What do you want”. So miss that. Sending love and hugs to Ingrid, Signi and Shawn, Kris and Natasha, Lachlan and Calla, James and Ashley, Cohen, Luke, and Oscar and Nik.
Love you little brother
July 17, 2022
July 17, 2022
I was shocked when I stumbled across the fact that Ron had passed away.

Ron came to teach at West Fraser Primary in I believe 1969. I was Principal. I couldn't believe my luck. Ron was everything a person could want for a colleague. He was so Canadian. Affable, sincere, reliable, consistent….I could go on and on. Although a beginning teacher, he was gifted with so many abilities as a classroom teacher.

The most important was his instinctive ability to gauge the needs of those young people in front of him. He never spoke down to anyone. When he worked with these young, farm children, it was like he knew exactly where they were coming from. They trusted him. It doesn’t sound much but children place a high degree of worth on “trust”.

Ron threw himself into every aspect of of the school and its community. He helped make West Fraser Elementary the best school in the district.
We would settle for a few beers at the end of the week and he often had dinner with Elizabeth and I. Elizabeth shared my love for his company.

When we returned to Australia in 1972, Ron followed not long after.
He stayed with us for about four months. He worked on a massive gas pipeline along the Brisbane River. We were in drought. Yes! Even the city was experiencing drought.

“ Does it ever rain here?” He asked me.
“ Don’t worry Ron. You’ll know when it happens.” I told him
The rain came. The sky had opened. The phone rang.
“You were right.” He said.

It rained most of the summer while Ron dug his way along the River bank.
Ron came over and stayed briefly with us before he continued on his travels.
He was hard to keep track of and occasionally bits of information would filter through about where he was in BC.

How important is the often demeaned role of a school teacher. What an amazing difference one can make to the world they pass through.
I knew Ron would do that and it is obvious from the accolades he has received from all those who knew him.

He did.

Our sincere thoughts

John and Elizabeth Bradley


Australia

June 29, 2022
June 29, 2022
Today would be Ron’s 75th Birthday! We miss you every day and think of you always. To celebrate your birthday today I am going to Your very special beach and think of all the good times we spent together. Love to all your family and thinking of you today. Happy 75th Birthday!❤️
July 11, 2021
July 11, 2021
I first met Ron over the phone as I was calling from Calgary to register my children at Alex Hope School. I had lots of concerns and questions and he set me at ease. It was no surprise, to those who knew Ron, that he welcomed us by name on the first day of school! I believe he was acting principal at the time and he got to know my two children in school and the two younger ones still at home. I have many, many fond memories of Ron, from the perspective of a parent and as a colleague. On Ron’s second stop at Alex Hope we became colleagues.

Ron organized the winter bus trips and ski lessons to Whistler. He lovingly and patiently stayed with our eldest as she ‘stumbled’ through her first day on the slopes. Years later he convinced me to chaperone on the ski outings. We enjoyed chatting and counting heads throughout the day…until he ended up in the emergency with a student and I ended up rounding up everyone for the bus. I believe he also convinced me that Grade 7 camp was an experience I wouldn’t want to miss!

Ron cared for ‘his’ students as if they were his own. Many have mentioned his uncanny ability to know everyone’s name and more importantly to call students by name. As an administrator, Ron had an eagle eye when reading through report cards. He showed appreciation and complimented staff, but he could also find any misplaced punctuation or typing error!

Ron made a difference in the lives of so many students and families. My hope is that his family all know the many ways in which Ron positively touched the lives of others. As a parent, colleague and friend, I can confidently say his legacy will be long lasting.

Rick and Terry Sisk (plus Kate, Mike, Dan and Jennifer too)
July 8, 2021
July 8, 2021
I have great memories of Ron and was saddened to learn of his passing As a fellow educator and administrator in Langley school district I really enjoyed meeting and talking with Ron. He was so welcoming and in my mind ,such a breath of fresh air.I discovered we both coached soccer and that we both saw the value of sports in a student’s time at school. I can remember talking to him about curriculum and teaching styles and he and I would engage in all kinds of ideas and strategies of what works, when and where.Because of Ron and several other administrators at the district level I spent time visiting with elementary teachers and schools observing best practices in the classroom and wondered what strategies might work in a secondary setting..I took several concepts and incorporated them into my teaching style and I shared many ideas with fellow secondary teachers.All with great success. My fondest memory of Ron goes back to the early nineties when he was the principal of Alice Brown Elementary and I was the Vice Principal at HD Stafford.I often made trips up to Alice Brown to meet the Grade Seven students who would shortly be coming to the new secondary environment. On this particular day I just happened to pop in and found out he was not in the office. His secretary told me he was covering a grade two class. So I went down the hall looking to find him. When I arrived at the room I saw all these kids quietly working on different tasks. Some children were at their desks working on a project. Others were scattered about the room. Some were by a window all intensely involved in doing something. Others were at the back of the room and still others up front by the blackboard. The room was quiet, but all the children were busy and involved. I couldn’t see Ron. Where was he ? Then I noticed a child holding some papers and heading to the middle of the room and there was Ron behind a table sitting on the floor with three or four other students holding a book and quietly reading to them. It was a fabulous sight . All the kids had important tasks to accomplish and there was such an air of calmness and care within that room. It was a classic learning environment. When our eyes met, we both had a big smile seeing each other knowing that this part of education was such an important and rewarding part of our lives Ron the good works you did in life will be carried by so many. God Bless.
July 6, 2021
July 6, 2021
Ron was a kind and gentle soul. While I never had the privilege of working with Ron directly, I knew of his manner and style. A group of administrators visited Ron in his later years. We had such fun recalling 'the good old days', complete with many stories. Ron had a positive effect on many. RIP, Ron.
July 5, 2021
July 5, 2021
Passions Shared
Ron and I shared a number of passions over the decades I'd known him. The one that brought us together was Track and Field. We spent many a night chatting while waiting for all the athletes to settle down in their rooms on our numerous Canada Games Teams. We spent a great deal of time talking and sharing coaching philosophies and coaching techniques and enjoyed a good many dinners and beers together on teams and in numerous meetings. 
We shared a passion for teaching, both for the hundreds of students who walked into our classrooms and for the numerous coaches who sought to improve their skills through the National Coaching Certification Program which facilitated. Easy going, kind, patient and enjoyed by all, I will always cherish the time we spent together and the passions we shared.
July 5, 2021
July 5, 2021
I remember that Ron had the greatest smile and was always in good humour. His smile made his eyes twinkle. It's no wonder that he was beloved by kids, because they would feel valued, cared for, because of his smile. He made the world (and the Langley School District) a nicer place.
July 5, 2021
July 5, 2021
I always enjoyed working with Ron and visiting him in the later years. He was a pleasure to work with, very professional in his approach and work ethic. We visited he and Ingrid many times in their Kamloops home and later in the care home where a small group of us spent time recalling the years we spent together in the Langley school District. He loved his family, his profession and his coaching of the many atheletes he encouraged on to bigger goals and performances. He will be missed, R.I.P. my friend knowing full well you made a difference in many lives.
July 5, 2021
July 5, 2021
Like many I had the privilege of knowing Ron. Many have expressed how kind, supportive and gentle he was. As colleagues we would often talk about the issues in education generally and in School District 35 specifically. He was always calm and treated issues as just that, never personalizing and damaging relationships. Ron walked the walk and always put the students first. He has left so many people such good memories and his family, friends and colleagues will have many reasons to smile as they recall this fine man.
July 1, 2021
July 1, 2021
I remember the first time I met you - the interview for the vice-principal position at Alice Brown Elementary! I thought, “I could sure learn a lot from this guy!” Boy, what an understatement! From Alice Brown to Shortreed, you were an amazing mentor, a wonderful leader and you taught me the value of “staff over stuff” which I carried with me through my years as a principal. Thanks for the memories - I will treasure them for always!
July 1, 2021
July 1, 2021
Uncle Ron was someone who I really idolized while growing up. He had such a calm demeanour and an extremely infectious laugh, I can still hear it in my head. I loved how he interacted with people, whether they were family, friends, former students or colleagues. I could see how special they were to him, you could just tell by the look in their eyes.
Going to visit Ron when he lived on the Sunshine Coast was always something I looked forward too. My earliest memory was him having this brown panel van with shag carpeting in the back that we used to drive around in. He'd usually have his cat, Devil, on his shoulder. I thought that was the coolest.
We would have these amazing conversations about all sorts of things, including his rugby days and his trip to Australia.
When he met the love of his life, Ingrid, I could just see how happy he was. He was such an amazing Dad to Signi, Kris, James and Nik. Having our big get togethers was always a lot of fun.

I miss you every day Ron

Mark
June 30, 2021
June 30, 2021
Dear Mr. Bunting,

Yes we miss you. The times at Shortreed, the times when you lived with us while your home was being built in Kamloops, the times skiing, camping and sharing a glass of wine together. Your gentle, subtle humour would allows elicit a smile from Tony, Tara, Peter and myself. Your kindness to staff, children and parents, was an inspiration to me when I also entered administration in Langley. Your support and words of encouragement will never be forgotten.

I remember that Mother's day weekend in Kamloops on Rose hill when the pine beetle had destroyed so many of your trees. Our loggers Tony and Peter took the trees down. The laughter with the last tree of the day when it pinched the saw and Tony ran like stink was hilarious but also dangerous.

I remember visiting Agassiz for the fall fair and Sunny swimming in the neighbour's pond. Or Sunny swimming in the neighbour's pool, or Sunny and later Zeke swimming in the river while we walked the Fort to Fort.

I raise a glass of your favourite beer and salt and vinegar potato chips to you. All our love and best wishes my friend. :)
June 29, 2021
June 29, 2021
Well Ron, happy 74th; I hope you are enjoying it in a great place. I wish we could have had more together. We always got along and I certainly enjoyed your company and hospitality right from the get go. As you welcomed my daughter into the fold you and Ingrid also welcomed me.
 Ron and I were like yin and yang; he quiet and accepting, me; well…. We had a few things in common. We each coached soccer but he new what he was doing! We both loved our families deeply and relished that. We liked to kid people, including each other and that more than anything was our bond. He accepted my family as I did his and our pride was evident in our expanded family trees.
 Missing you and thinking of you often Ron.
June 29, 2021
June 29, 2021
A number of years ago my dad and I popped up to the grocery store to grab a couple of things to make for dinner at my house. We were casually walking through the store when a young girl stopped us—she was a former student of his who recognized him and began to cry. She told us how my dad had prevented a bully from harassing her back in her school days and that it meant the world to her as he was one of the few people that stood up for her. As we pulled away from the grocery store I asked him about it, expecting this elaborate story, but he just kind of brushed it off. To this day I’m not sure if he didn’t know what he had done or if he didn’t want the attention for it.

But this was my dad. 

He devoted so much of his time to being an educator—he loved it. He took pride in knowing the name of every kid in the school. You could see on their faces when he addressed them by name, that they felt valued. What a small detail that meant so much, to so many. He made sure he was the first one at school in the morning and one of the last to leave. He extended this to his staff, making sure they felt supported and appreciated. 

I’ve run into former teammates of mine that he coached and they’ve told me he was the best coach they ever had, and how much he influenced them. He seemed to find so much joy in coaching and teaching and figuring out how to get the best out of the individual or finding that. I love him for it. He has inspired me to do similar things in my life and in my career. I coach soccer for my kids because of him and I wish he was there with me on the sidelines. I know he is there in spirit, but I would’ve loved to have coached alongside him. 

My dad had a love for traditions—not just at the holidays. Every Sunday was Sunday Dinner, a formal affair (or at least he wanted them to be), and as the dinner guests each week, well let’s just say we weren’t always willing to abide with our dinner manners. 

Even tiny traditions he loved: making coffee in the morning, mowing the lawn, walking the dog. All before 7am, I know because he was not quiet about his little traditions.

It’s ironic that he inevitably helped to raise two chefs as his cooking was… unique. Boiled or microwaved hotdogs, Lipton Onion Soup Mix on everything, potato salad with all the mayo. But the one thing he knocked out of the park each time and took so much pride in was his yorkshire puddings. Despite his culinary skills, he loved good food and drink, and I think that had an impact on both Nik and I. He loved coming into the restaurants to pay us a visit and have a burger.

Being a teacher and a principal meant he had the whole summer off. Most of the adventures seemed to happen in this window from his birthday to the last week of August. It was packed with track meets, road trips, and summer chores. It was unbelievable how long he could stay outside at track meets, just watching all sorts of events, cheering on his athletes or anyone really. He usually forgot sunscreen and always seemed burnt, we found out one year he thought he was putting sunscreen on but it turned out to be bug spray. His attention was on the athletes and the events. One year I decided I was going to train for the decathlon, as I was only average at most events. The one event that I hadn’t tried that he insisted I practice first was pole vault. Now in order to do pole vault, apparently you need to be able to hold a handstand for a full minute. I practiced for a week while he chuckled away at my endless falls. So many memories of spending hours at Minoru, Bear Creek Park, and the Apple Bowl in Kelowna. It was impressive to see how far he took his coaching, how well respected he was.

As far as vacations go, we didn’t go to many exotic locations across the globe but we did put on a lot of miles in the car. He loved to drive, he would drive just for the sake of going for a drive somewhere. Window down, elbow resting out the window.

Road trips had rules though: 
Singing was discouraged (including lip syncing the words); the quieter the better
Only so many stops were permitted (people with small bladders needed to have bottles at the ready to pee in)
No advanced hotel bookings were required (sleeping in the car overnight was perfectly acceptable)
Car maintenance N/A; there are plenty of reputable mechanics on any major route

I want to talk about the last few years though. As hard as it was to watch this disease take hold of him, he stayed true to who he really was. He never liked anyone to fuss over him and when asked he would always say he was “fine” or “I’m good”. We all struggled with his condition over the last six years, but for all the lows there were still those amazing moments that showed that spirit within him. With dementia you never know what version of your loved one you are going to get, but with dad, he was himself. A little slower than usual, he would still be able to offer his usual sharp tongue, and sarcasm. Overall he was a delight to be around—one day he called me from his care home, and he was so excited. He could barely contain himself. He had just won the lottery and he wanted me to join him in Whistler as soon as possible so we could go shopping for a house for each of us. At first I was hit with a sense of sadness and concern for him, but it hit me later on that he was living out his best day and even in the darkness of his sickness, he wanted to do something for others; it was never about him, ever! 

Here’s to you dad! Love you and miss you always!
June 29, 2021
June 29, 2021
Oh my gosh Mr. Bunting, what wonderful memories we have of our time together at Shortreed. You were so patient with our motley crew. You created an atmosphere of care and belonging. We had so much fun together though times could be tough. You loved the students and us, and we definitely loved you.
Who could forget our zany retreats to the Last Resort for Professional Development. Meals together, songs in the kitchen and by the fire and sharing our love of the learning process. Lasting friendships were forged during those times.
I’ve missed my adopted big brother. I seldom get teased anymore the way you used to revel in harassing me which als means I seldom get to punch anyone in the arm!
I hope that there’s an occasional beer or glass of wine where you reside now and of course, a generous spread of appies.
Love you lots.
June 29, 2021
June 29, 2021
Losing a spouse is one of the hardest things anyone will ever go through. Ron was a man nobody can replace— at least not in my heart. We were married 38 years, raised 4 children and are blessed with 5 grandchildren, who all share Ron’s love of soccer. Ron spent a great deal of time coaching track and field. He also coached all 4 kids in soccer at different times.
Ron had 3 siblings who he loved and always had time for, five nieces and nephews who he was very proud of.
Ron loved his career as a teacher and a principal and made many countless friends along the way. He considered many at work to be his second family and treated them with the same generosity as his own family.
Ron was such a kind soul. You will always be remembered and you will always live in my heart for as long as live. I love you so much!!❤️
I remember how relaxing it was for you in Whistler! Your bench is waiting! Love Ingrid❤️!
June 29, 2021
June 29, 2021
 Today, June 28/21, I learned that Ron passed away. I notice tomorrow would have been his birthday. As coincidence might have it, I was searching for his current address yesterday on the Yellow Pages app. I don’t recall why I decided to look Ron up, maybe to call & say hello but I am saddened by the news today. 
 I knew Ron in high school though at that time I knew the twins more as they organized events at St Phillip’s. 
 In 1969-70 Ron & I spent the year taking our professional teaching training. We were the only 2 guys in a group of 7-9 student teachers assigned to Van Horne Elementary, as a fellow Byngite he was my support group! I totally agree with the sentiments shared about Ron’s kind & caring nature. At the end of the year we had to go “out of town” for our final practicums. Ron gave me a lift to Kamloops (land speed record in his Volvo) where he was doing his & I bussed on to the Shuswap where I stayed in a bunkhouse on my uncle’s small ranch. When Dorcas & I moved to PG during the Xmas break of 1973, Ron drove our homemade wine up from Vancouver. He stopped in Quesnel overnight on his way & brought the now frozen wine up the next day. By April we had 8 dozen bottles of vinegar . 
 We met Ingrid & her girls only once, in the ‘80s. They came over to my parents place near UBC all dressed up, first time I saw Ron in a suit! . I know we ran into each other a few times since but we lived at other ends of the province. I was pleased to read that though a short one, Ron led a full life. 
 The last gift of love — remember us
June 29, 2021
June 29, 2021
Happy 74th Birthday Ron. I miss you so much and will always remember our times together. This weekend we got to be close to your family and I know you were with us in spirit. You have such a beautiful family, Ingrid, Signi, Sean, Kris, Natasha, James, Ashley and Nik and your beautiful grandchildren Cohen, Lachlan, Calla,, Luke and Oscar. We celebrate you today and always.  To your family Gerry and Linda, Judy and Adrian, Janet and Gary, Vicki and Joner and Evie and all your nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews and cousins celebrate Ron’s birthday today. 
June 28, 2021
June 28, 2021
I knew Ron for 53 years.
He became a friend, confidante, a person I loved to share a laugh with as well as a much loved brother-in-law.
I’m writing mostly about our earlier days knowing each other as that’s what keeps coming into my mind as I think about Ron.
-Ron occasionally called his brother Gerry, Jets, and Gerry would call him Ronsers.
-He loved playing different sports and watching sports with close friends David Brown and David Kent.
-The hot Sunday afternoon he and David Brown took the Fifth Dimension out on David’s dad’s boat when they had played a concert or two (?) in Vancouver. I think it was the summer of 1969.
-The summer of 1971 when he lived with us before he left for Australia.He helped Gerry plant the lawn in the front yard of our new house that we had moved in in June.
-He introduced me to his Carol King album, Tapestry, which is one of my favourites to this day.
He loved kids. Whether, in the 1970’s, it was students or his nieces and nephews and they loved him back!
He spent a lot of time with all of his neices and nephews and I know all the kids treasure those memories. It was also good training for the great dad he would become after meeting the Love of his life, Ingrid.
-Ron loved Boundary Bay as did his siblings. He organized the first “Bunting and family reunion” when he rented a cottage for his family and it’s a tradition that remains and I’m sure will remain when This pandemic is finally finished with us.
These are just some rambling thought about my dear brother-in-law.
Miss you and Love you!
Linda

June 27, 2021
June 27, 2021
My beloved younger brother Ron

Ron was the fourth child of Charles and Eleanor Bunting and was born in Vancouver General Hospital. He was very much wanted by our Dad as he missed out on our early growing up years during his time away during World War 2. We always thought “Ronnie”was spoiled but it was perhaps sibling rivalry. My sister Janet and I were very happy to have our very live baby doll to play with. We would dress him up when he was young. It was a wonder as he got older that he would threaten to “pound us” if we didn’t do his bidding. I can still see his tongue sticking out the side of his face as he held up his fists pointing at us.
Ron attended Queen Elizabeth Elementary school and Lord Byng Secondary School. After high school he decided to take a year travelling around the province and working in various jobs. He then decided that he wanted to be a teacher and went to UBC to get his degree. His first teaching job was in Quesnel where he taught from Sept 1969 or 1970 until the spring of 1972. My husband Adrian did his teaching practicum in Quesnel in the spring of 1971 thanks to Ron and was offered a teaching job where we have remained for almost 50 years. Ron was involved in sports and Little Theatre in Quesnel and got us involved as well.  Ron then took a year to travel to Australia and did various jobs to pay for his adventures. In the summer of 1973 he moved back to teach in Quesnel where he moved in with us. Our daughter Jen was born in June of 1973 and was colicky for a number of months. Uncle Ronnie would come home from teaching and sit in his rocking chair with Jen and she would fall asleep in his arms. Her favourite toy was a Koala bear that he had sent from Australia when he heard that I was expecting. That is just the kind of person he was, generous with his time and love. She was the best dressed little girl in Quesnel because Uncle Ron always found great outfits for her.
Ron was restless though and applied and got a teaching job at Bowen Island. We were sorry to see him leave. He spent a couple of years there and then he moved to Roberts Creek. While at Roberts Creek he met Ingrid his beautiful and talented wife and her two children Signi and Kris. In July of 1982 they were married in our Moms living room with close family and friends. We were so happy to have this new family in our lives. 
Ron and Ingrid moved to Davis Bay where James was born on December 21,1982 and Nikolas was born on March 16, 1985.
Whenever I would phone Ron he would always answer by saying “what do you want? He had a great sense of humour.
To Ron family was very very important and he arranged for us his siblings and family to return to Boundary Bay, the place where we had so many great memories growing up. He had a friend Linda, who rented her cabin to us and that was the start of many wonderful get togethers. Our last wonderful time together was when our grandson Hunter was born in 2014. We have many many memories of Ron and every day we miss him. My husband Adrian was very happy to have such a wonderful brother in law as well
Much love
Your loving older and wiser sister Judy


Judy

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Recent Tributes
March 6
March 6
Mr. Bunting was my grade 6 teacher at Baker Elementary (Quesnel, B.C.)
Mr. Bunting encouraged me to join school sports and have fun. A memory and an opportunity I continue to share with own children. The year end "Achievement Award" was incredibly encouraging .  I still look back and commend Mr. Bunting for steering me towards "I can do it!" 

I believe 1973-1974 was Mr. Bunting's first year of teaching. It must have been challenging to move to a small community, figure out the curriculum and utilize teacher training.  He did a great job! 

When I returned to Quesnel for one year (my first year as a school teacher,) I reflected on the fond memories of my grade 6 teacher and felt a sense of gratitude. 

Thank you Mr. Bunting for making a difference.

Jasbir Bisal-Sekhon. South Surrey
December 16, 2023
December 16, 2023
Christmas brings me memories of you fondly, I think back on Christmas time together I raise a glass in your honour as we decorate with your beloved nutcrackers. I miss you so much love Ingrid.
September 13, 2023
September 13, 2023
Ronnie, I woke up thinking of you. It has been 3 years today that we all were devastated to hear that you had left us. For me you were my little brother who would love to tease us, and as the 4th child would get away with everything. As you became an adult you became a wonderful friend. You had a beautiful wife Ingrid and four super children Signi MacNeill, Kris MacNeill, James Bunting and Nik Bunting. You were a wonderful teacher and a very good coach. You children grew up and gave you 5 beautiful grandchildren. We all miss you and think of you always. You were a very special brother, uncle, husband, father and grandfather. Every time I am at Maple Beach I think of you. Love you very much❤️❤️
His Life

Ron's Career and Travel Highlights

June 24, 2021
1959-1960 
  • Paperboy in Vancouver
1965 
  • Graduation from Lord Byng Secondary School
  • Job at the logging camp
First teaching job in Quesnel (lived with Judy & Adrian)

1972-1973
  • Spent 9 days in Fiji in September
  • Travelled to Australia where he lived until May of '73
  • Left Australia for Singapore where he spent 7 days
Started a teaching job on Bowen Island

1976
  • Got his teaching certificate
Moved to the Sunshine Coast and worked many years in Roberts Creek and bought his first house near the beach. He transferred to Davis Bay Elementary and met Ingrid, Kris, and Signi in 1980. They married in 1982 and moved to Kelowna where James was born that December. He worked at a winery for a year before moving back to the Sunshine Coast where Nikolas was born in 1985.

He transferred to Sechelt Elementary School, and started the track club. In 1987, he moved to the New West school district, and in 1988 the rest of the family moved to Delta.

Ron received his Masters of Education in November of 1994. He began working for the Langley School District and enjoyed many happy years as a teacher and later an administrator at Uplands, Alice Brown, Shortreed, and Alex Hope Elementary schools.

He retired in June of 2006 and moved to Kamloops before returning to Langley in 2012. During that time, he became the proud grandparent of Cohen, Lachlan, Luke, Calla, and Oscar and loved his dogs Sunny, Zeke, and Charlie.
Recent stories

Christmas 2022

December 10, 2022
My third Christmas without you. 
I have always celebrated Christmas with great vigour and high spirits because you were always there to make it a special day for all.
Bring out your special nutcrackers that you started collecting way back in 1983.
To finding and decorating the tree to the many many trips to Blaine for crackers, cheese, and spicy sausages.
Christmas has always been about decorating the house hanging as many lights as possible making your famous add antipasto.
Ron you have no idea how much I miss you 
Merry Christmas. Love, Ingrid.

September 13 2022

September 13, 2022
Today is a sad day in my heart.
The anniversary of Ron‘s death is always tough.
It opens up old wounds and memories that I haven’t thought about for a while.
The pain never fully goes away and is especially hard September 13. Ron you are always in my heart.
love Ingrid

A great friend.

July 27, 2022
Ron:
I first met Ron when I started going out with Judy and it was like I had another brother from the very start. We were one year apart and were both in university.  I loved hanging out at the Bunting house on the weekend.  Gerry and Ron and I would be in the basement watching NFL games and every now and then the “moms” would bring us food and beverages.  An ideal life.  

Ron was an incredibly trustworthy person, or so I thought.  On the morning of the day that Judy and I were married I gave Ron our VW bug to look after and have at the church so that it would be ready for us to go on our honeymoon.  We had loaded our camping gear and suit cases in the car in preparation for our quick departure.  I knew that Ron would make sure that the no one touched our car or did the normal wedding pranks.  I was wrong.  When we got in the car we discovered that he had put large amounts of confetti everywhere in the car.  We never managed to get rid of all of it.  Every once and while pieces would blow out of the heating system to remind us of Ron and his sense of humour.  

Eventually Ron moved to Quesnel to begin his teaching career.  He invited me to come and stay with him in Quesnel to do my last practicum.  He was living in a rental and two of his other friends were staying there for a short time, while they worked at Cottonwood for the summer.  I will never forget Ron’s instructions prior to me coming to Quesnel.  He told me to make sure that I had everything prepared in advance for my practicum.  He made it clear that I would have no time for school work once I arrived in Quesnel.  How true.  Every day after school was filled with either ball or soccer followed by beverages at the Billy Barker hotel.
In September of 1971 Judy and I moved to Quesnel and I began teaching there.  We saw a lot of Ron and our friendship continued.  Ron lived with us for a short period of time and was part of our household once Jen was born.  I can still picture him sitting in his big rocking chair and rocking Jen to sleep.  He loved his nieces and nephews and they adored him.  I recall a party at our house that involved a great deal of dancing and drinking.  It must have been prior to children.  The morning after the party Ron and I were up early to clean up the mess from the party.  I can still picture us sitting on the floor in the kitchen making sure that all the liquor bottles were emptied and ready for recycling. I don’t think Judy was too happy with us when she got up.

I have many great memories of Ron.  We both became teachers and then administrators.  I always viewed Ron as my mentor.  He was the kind of teacher and principal that I aspired to become.  He was kind and gentle and loved by all students and staff.  We had many conversations about our administration challenges and reward.  

Once Ron and Ingrid married we had many great family visits.  Signi and Kris were a matched pair for Jen and Mike and they enjoyed each other.  Once James and Nick were born the family visits became even more fun.  We had some great easter visits and the kids loved the easter egg hunts.  

I will always remember Ron as one of the kindest people I have had the pleasure of know. 

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