Ronald D. Langille
died on November 26, 2013. He passed as he wished to, at home, with his son Ron by his side, a promise kept. He was 91 years old.
Ron was born on October 3, 1922, in Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia. He was the middle child of five, born to Robert and Elizabeth (Waugh). He was the last surviving sibling. Ron lied about his age and joined the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps at the age of 16. He was later attached to the 3rd Division, 14th Field Ambulance Service as a Dispatch Rider, the beginning of his enthusiasm for motorcycles. Ron participated in Operation Overlord on D-Day, serving in France from 1940-1945. He was highly decorated.
It wasn’t long after the war ended that Ron immigrated to the United States and moved to Needham, MA. It was a proud day when he became a US citizen. He first worked for the William Carter Company on Highland Ave. Then, he was hired by the Kitchen Exhaust Fire Protection Company in 1953, later becoming the owner/President. It remains a family business today, with son Ron and granddaughter Kelly. Ron was also a member of the Norfolk Lodge A.F & A.M., and a Shriner. He looked forward to the Needham July 4th parade to ride his Harley with the Shriners.
It was on a blind date that he met his future wife, Etta Whitaker. He thought she was beautiful, she thought he talked funny. They married December 15, 1951. They spent all of their time together, working side by side in the family business, raising their two children, never tiring of each other. Etta even rode on the back of Ron’s beloved Harleys on occasion. Upon retirement, they travelled extensively in their motor homes. They saw every state in the United States except Hawaii, and every Canadian province. Ron and Etta lived in Needham for most of their married life.
Ron is survived by his wife of 61 years, Etta, son Ronald W. and daughter-in-law Karen, daughter Debra and her husband Brian Kelly. Ron was a proud grandfather (“Bubby”) to Kelly, Ronald B (R.B.), Kevin Langille, Brendan and Shealan Kelly. He was also Bubby to great-grandchildren Leah and Charlie Collins.
He will be missed.