Robert Ranson

Brigadier General (Retired) Robert Harley Ranson 

March 26, 1941 – September 1, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Brigadier General (Retired) Robert Harley Ranson, age 84, of Oakville, Ontario. Harley passed away peacefully on September 1, 2025, following a brief battle with pneumonia, with his daughter Pamela by his side.

Born in Tisdale, Saskatchewan, Harley was raised in the heart of the prairies, where his lifelong fascination with aviation began. Inspired by the sight of aircraft and early satellites soaring overhead—and by family members who served in the Royal Canadian Air Force during WWII—this passion sparked a distinguished 35-year career in aerospace engineering, maintenance, and operations with the RCAF, beginning in 1959 and culminating in retirement in 1994. Throughout his service, Harley was stationed across Canada, Europe and the United States, earning numerous accolades including Airman of the Year (1982), the Canada 125 Medal, the NATO Medal, and the Canadian Forces Decoration. Following his military career, Harley continued to contribute to and expand on friendships in the aerospace industry as a member of the executive team at SPAR Aviation Services in Mississauga, where he worked for eight years until his retirement in 2001.

In retirement, Harley continued to embrace life fully. He travelled extensively, enjoyed time with friends and family, and gave back to his community through volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity. A skilled woodworker, he crafted beautiful furniture for loved ones, and shared his joy of music and interest in technology by mixing sound for his local Church and social band.

Harley was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Evelyn Jean (née Barkley) in 2018; his son David in 2001; his father Robert Stanley Ranson in 1999; his mother Frances Margaret (née Smylie) in 1991; and his brother William George in 1946. He is lovingly remembered by his daughter Pamela (Mark), grandchildren Kate and Liam, his twin brothers Homer (Shirley) and Stanley (Shirley), sister Margaret (Larry), and many nieces and nephews. He will also be deeply missed by his cherished companion Gloria Norrie and her family.

Harley’s legacy is one of kind leadership, thoughtful mentorship, and unwavering generosity. In the spirit of what makes each of us truly compassionate, he gave more to life than he ever asked in return and will be remembered for his jovial sense of humour, intelligence, gentle nature, and patriotic spirit.

All who knew and loved Harley are warmly invited to attend a memorial service held at Glen Abbey United Church located at 1469 Nottinghill Gate in Oakville on Saturday, September 13th. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., followed immediately by the service. For those unable to attend in-person, a virtual link to the service is available here. A reception will be held afterward for all who wish to gather and celebrate Harley’s remarkable life. His ashes and final resting location will be at the Trafalgar Lawn Cemetery in Oakville with his wife Evelyn Jean and son David through a private gathering with his immediate family and next of kin.