Ron Papp

Obituary

Ron Papp of Southampton passed away peacefully on Monday, November 2, 2026, at Chapman House in Owen Sound, at the age of 86.

Ron was the beloved husband of 50 years to Betty (Dales) Papp.

Ron was a proud Stelco man, where he worked for over 30 years. He and Betty enjoyed a wonderful life together, spending many years of their retirement splitting their time between Florida in the winter and Sauble Beach in the summer. Ron loved to golf, socialize and, most importantly, spend time with friends. He was a member of several clubs, although the clubs often seemed to involve gathering at the bar, sharing a few drinks, telling stories and enjoying plenty of laughs. Ron certainly knew how to have a good time!

Their winters in Florida also provided many opportunities for Ron and Betty to cruise the Caribbean and explore the many beautiful places they visited. Ron had a few favourite drinks along the way, including rye and water, Rickard’s Red beer and, in more recent years, a gin and tonic. He loved meeting people and was always ready with a great story or two. He had a gift for conversation and could make friends wherever he went.

In his younger years, Ron enjoyed hunting and fishing. He learned the art of working on cars from his father, who was a body man, and developed a lifelong passion for automobiles. Ron loved fixing up cars and had a knack for finishing them in unique and interesting colours. It wasn’t unusual for someone to admire one of his creations and offer to buy it right out from under him! Of all the cars he owned, the Cadillac was always his favourite. Whenever he purchased a new one, he would add a pinstripe or some other personal touch to make it his own.

Ron took tremendous pride in keeping his vehicles immaculate. In fact, no one could clean a car quite like Uncle Ron! His nieces and nephews would often ask if something was clean, or more importantly, if it was “Uncle Ron clean?” It became a standard that was pretty hard to live up to!

Above all else, Ron’s greatest love was his wife, Betty. He cherished her and loved nothing more than looking after her and sharing the life they had built together. Their 50 years together were filled with adventures, laughter, friendships, and countless wonderful memories.

Ron was truly Betty’s “diamond in the rough.” He lived life on his own terms, enjoyed the simple pleasures, made friends wherever he went and never missed an opportunity for a good laugh.

We should all be so lucky to have lived a life as full, happy, and well-loved as Ron’s. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 on Friday, November 6 at St Patrick’s Catholic Church in Southampton followed by a celebration at The Walker House from 12:15-2:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ron’s memory may be made to Grey Bruce Hospice (Chapman House) https://www.greybrucehospice.com/