Ron Fontaine 1949 - 2026
Richmond Cowboys Founding Member, Team Captain, Coach and Barn of Honour Inductee
Respectable
Few who know the Richmond Cowboys, do not know Ron Fontaine.
Ron was a founding member of the Cowboys, even though at the start he actually played against us on the Air Canada team! But he did help get us in the league that
first year, and he was instrumental in gathering the team together back in 1979.
The only objective of the Cowboys that year was to beat Air Canada - at least once.
Surprisingly, that bunch farmers from East Richmond not only did that, they won the League Championship!
Ron, being a smart guy, married to Louise (a cousin to most of the Cowboys) and living in East Richmond, soon after saw it fit to join the Cowboys
where he continued a leadership role for nearly half a century!
Without the help of Ron Fontaine there would be no Cowboys Hockey Club.
On September 18, 2026, hundreds of people overflowed the 600 seat Riverside Grand Ballroom to bid a final farewell to long time team captain and later
Cowboy coach, Ron Fontaine.
There were several speeches delivered by friends, loved ones and teammates - all a testament to what a respected man Ron Fontaine is. And as a great
tribute, his #5 jersey was officially and permanantly retired from play on the Cowboys Hockey Club.
But in typical Ron fashion, he had to have the last word. Written just weeks before he passed away, and read by Bruce May, there was not a dry eye
in the room when he finished... so get yourself a hanky:
The Last Word
You know what?
If you are reading or listening to this - Things didn't really go as planned.
BUT...
I had a great life -- I mean a REALLY GREAT LIFE!
I am a very lucky man. I have the BEST WIFE in the world. I really truly do.
All my friends and relatives know it and, more importantly I KNOW IT !!
I've told all my friends, all my hockey and golf buddies - and they have also told me - they are also correct.
The only one I should have told more is Louise herself and she should have been told more often.
I really do LOVE YOU.
YOU ARE THE BEST!
If it wasn't for you, I would not have had the great life I did You raised two remarkable girls who turned into great mothers of their own -- I know I am very proud of them, and that could not have been without Louise She is the rock in our family.
Like I said --I had a great life.
Is there really any other place to live and work, where you can discuss issues, debate, have fun- than East
Richmond?
We have been so lucky.
I have been so lucky in our neighbourhood!
Michelle and Christy you have both raised fantastic grand children that I am so proud of. They care for each other and support each other,
but if it wasn't for the two of you to give them this leadership it may have never happened.
Matt thanks for all you have done in raising two guys with their shoulders on straight. They are going to be just fine.
Andrew, welcome to the family. Hard to believe ten years! Thank you.
The few things I am going to miss are what are Mak, Nathan, Sienna, Chase and Ben going to be doing in 5 or 10 or 20 years??
It would be nice to be able to see you all into the future.
I would like this read out before the party.
Now let's party!
Love you all! Have fun!
