Ronald R.A. FLOREY

10 AUG 1926 - 26 MAY 2013

• BIRTH: 10 AUG 1926, Witney, West Oxfordshire District, Oxfordshire, England
• DEATH: 26 MAY 2013, South Bend, St Joseph, IN

• MARRIAGE: 10 FEB 1951, Saint James Church, Oxfordshire, England

INDEX

[N27579] Ronald Robert Adrian Florey

Birth 10 Aug 1926
Witney, West Oxfordshire District, Oxfordshire, England

Death 26 May 2013 (aged 86)

Burial
Ferrisville Cemetery
Penn Township, St. Joseph County, Indiana, USA
Memorial ID 119504196 · View Source

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Aug. 10, 1926 - May 26, 2013 SOUTH BEND - Ronald Robert Adrian Florey, 86, formerly of Oxford, England, died at home surrounded by his family on Sunday, May 26th, 2013. Ron was born on August 26, 1926, in Standlake, Whitney, Oxfordshire, England, to Sidney and Esther (Roberts) Florey, and had lived in South Bend since 1967. On February 10, 1951, at Saint James Church, Oxford, he married his wife of 62 years, Pamela Soanes, who survives along with three daughters, Diana S. M. Florey-Hitchcox (Patrick) of Oxford, England, Marilyn J. Florey-Krucina (Gary) of South Bend and Dawn A Cowen (Doug) of South Bend. He is also survived by three cherished grandchildren, Benjamin M. M. Krucina, Claire D. Florey-Hitchcox and Stuart D. Cowen. Ron is also survived by three cousins, Margaret, Esther and David; sisters-in-law, Winifred Florey and Susan Costar, all of Oxfordshire, England; and a brother-in-law, Michael Soanes of Cardiff, England. Surviving also are numerous nieces and nephews residing in England. Preceding him in death were his parents, Sidney and Esther, and a brother, Leanard. Ron was an engineer at British Leyland, Oxford, England, for 25 years before immigrating with his family to South Bend in 1967. He was employed at South Bend Tool and Die as an engineer and later retired in 1988 from Bendix-Honeywell. During World War II, Ron served with the British Royal Artillery in North Africa. He was a volunteer with the British Army Cadet Force for over 25 years and was awarded the honorary rank of Captain in 1967. Ron was one of the first instructors of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and was introduced to Sir Edmund Hilary in 1951 who was a founding member. Ron was an active member of the British Legion. Ron was a member of the Michigan Peace & Justice Coalition and an active member of the South Bend Democratic Club. Ron and his wife Pam spent many hours volunteering with the area organizations devoted to helping those in need. Ron was an avid soccer player and began playing as a small child in Standlake, Oxford. He was a member of the Stadhampton, Oxford, Men's Club, and was a founding member of the Michiana Soccer Association. Ron had a beautiful voice and loved to sing. He sang in the Boys Choir at Oxford University Christ Church Cathedral. He loved to sing at the gatherings of The British Caledonian Club. His favorite place to sing in recent years was at Fiddlers Hearth, South Bend, among his good friends and with a pint of Guinness. Rona and Pam loved antiques and ran a small antique business, participating in many regional Antique Fairs. For over 30 years they had a seasonal booth at the South Bend Farmers Market where Ron enjoyed talking with their many, many friends. Ron was a member of the First United Methodist Church, South Bend. He was a gentle, loving man who was devoted to his family. He lived life to the fullest and loved spending time with friends and family, sharing stories and his wonderful sense of humor. In spite of his recent health issues, he never complained and always thought of others first. He will be greatly missed. Funeral services will be on Saturday, June 1st, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior in First United Methodist Church, South Bend, with Pastor Mary Hubbard officiating. The family extends their gratitude to Dr. Rafat Ansari and to the Center for Hospice Care in South Bend. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to First United Methodist Church, 333 N. Main St., South Bend, IN 46601. To leave the family an online condolence, please visit our website at www.hahnfuneralhomes.com. .

Published in South Bend Tribune from May 29 to May 30, 2013