Obituary of Ronald Eugene Huestis
It is with deep sadness to announce the passing of Ronald Eugene Huestis of Summerside PEI, at the Dartmouth General Hospital on July 14, 2024, age 64.
Ronald was the son of the late Lowell Eugene Cadman Huestis and Francis Doreen Huestis (Bowness).
Ron (Ronald, Ronnie) loved music from the moment he was born and was destined to be a piano/keyboard musician thanks to the wonderful tutelage from his talented father Lowell. Born in Summerside PEI his life was always an adventure from experimenting with magnets and how they worked (which almost blew himself and the house up), to wonders of the stars and nature. Laughter was often heard from the kitchen table either at the cottage or house as Ronald was saying or doing something that would make you smile. Family and friends were something he held very dear to his heart.
Another big passion was airplanes and flight simulation. Many drives to the airport to watch planes take off and land and lots of air shows were attended over the years. There was not a plane that flew over the house that Ron didn’t run out to see what type of plane was in the sky. He always dreamed of being a pilot.
One of Ron’s first jobs was a radio DJ in Summerside at CJRW rolling out tunes for people to hear. Ron was part of many bands over the years starting in High School and continued into his later years: Taquila, Counting Zero, Saratoga, King Pleasure, Good Question, Razorboy, Nick Raine, Blue Bay to name a few… there were so many more. Oh, the stories to be told being on the road as a Rock and Roll musician. He attended Mount Allison University and took Fine Arts honing in on his artistic endeavours in photography and painting. Artistry was in his DNA. His mother, Doreen, was an established and well-known PEI artist.
Taquila traveled extensively in the early 80’s. On this particular gig Taguila was the opening bang for Bryan Adams. Ron struck up a conversation with Bryan after the gig and told Ron the band had great potential. One of the most special memories for Ron was helping Ian Crichton work on a few tracks for the Saga 1992 album Security of Illusion in a Toronto Studio. Ron had a special mention in the liner notes, his last name was spelt wrong but he thought it was still pretty cool.
Ron worked for Maritime Frame It and Long & McQuade (Musicstop) for 20 + years. There he formed a wonderful and beautiful relationship with his clients and the staff. He was known as the go to guy in the keyboard department if you had any issues with digital technology. Always willing to give a helping hand to anyone.
We must not forget what a huge, dedicated fan of the Toronto Maple Leaf’s he was. He did get to see the Leaf’s play against the Montreal Canadians in Toronto on his 40th birthday. His hope was to see Toronto win a Stanley Cup while he was still on this earth….time just ran out.
One of the last adventures he had was to see the complete eclipse of the sun in Bouctouche, NB this year. Mission accomplished. It was spectacular!
Ron was a throat cancer survivor. Unfortunately, he was one of the rare people that had an adverse reaction to the radiation (radiation fibrosis) that eventually attacked his vital organs. This did not deter him from living a full life. He continued to play on stage for many years and produced and engineered many recordings for other artists. Everyday of his life was a cherished moment and he lived each one. He was well known in Nova Scotia and Canada for his “sounds” that only he could create on his keyboards. His dream was to have a “man cave aka studio” to create and record music for his friends. It took many years to complete his dream and eventually was able to enjoy his space until his health would not allow him to continue to do so.
Survived by his beloved wife, partner, soulmate Joyce Nicholson-Huestis. Sisters Holly (Tony) Martin and Lowleen (Jim) Read. Sister-in-Law Jean (Terry) Woods, Uncles and Aunts- Aunt Helen and Uncle Stu Mohler, Aunt Ane Huestis, Uncle Bob Huestis, Aunt Ruth Bell, Aunt Linda and Allen Leard, Aunt Evelyn Ramsey, Uncle Allison (Joan) Bowness, Aunt Reveda Bowness, Uncle Edward Niles, Uncle John Niles, Aunt Hennrietta Nicholson, Aunt Doris Pauley and Great Uncle Raymond Pauley. Nieces and nephews - Robyn (Adam) Sellers, Brittany Martin, Shaun Malcom Martin, Hannah Coles, Elliott (Beth) Coles, Ben (Rachel) Coles, Lisa Woods (Stephen Thompson), Troy Nicholson and numerous cousins and great nieces and great nephews and even a great, great nephew.
The family would like to thank the VON, Continuing Care, clinics, nurses, specialists, therapists and doctors that helped Ron to be able to have a life over the years.
You always wanted to be a pilot…now you are flying free as a bird and without pain. I am sure wherever Ron is he's producing the most beautiful piece of music he has ever created with the greatest audience he has ever had. Rest in peace my love, my soulmate until we meet again forever and for eternity.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, September 5th at the Mic Mac Amateur Aquatic Club, 192 Prince Albert Road, Dartmouth, NS from 6pm to 9pm.
There will be a second service in Summerside, PEI on Saturday, October 5th at the Trinity United Church,90 Spring St, from 2pm to 3:30pm.
Ron cared deeply for all animals of this world and nature. Donations may be made to your local S.P.C.A, the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, 34 Coldbrook Village Park Dr., Coldbrook, NS, B4R 1B9 (902-679-2822).
