March 26, 1938 – May 8, 2026
The death of Ronald Keith Ogden occurred at the Saint John Regional Hospital on May 8, 2026. Born Joseph Leo-Paul Clarance Girouard, son of Marie Irène Girouard, on March 26, 1938 at the Salvation Army Evangeline Home, Princess Street, Saint John, he was placed in the Protestant Orphanage, Britain Street. At the age of three, he was adopted by Stanley and Florence (Northorp) Ogden of Clarendon, NB, and given the name Ronald Keith Ogden.
During his teen years, Ronald worked as a woodsman and farm hand. He moved to Saint John in 1959. He was employed as a machine operator with Irving Pulp and Paper Co., a psychiatric attendant at the Provincial Hospital, an office messenger for T. S. Simms Co., and custodian at Sears Canada Ltd. He worked part time at his vocation as a carpenter and a few years at furniture upholstery and refinishing. He enjoyed hobbies including coin collecting, art work, and photography. He was a member of St. Andrew and St. David United Church of Canada, Saint John, where he served as an elder and choir member.
For the past seven years, Ronald made his home at Manor St. Jude, Sandy Point Road, Saint John. He was grateful to Steve and Gwen and their staff for the care he received.
Ronald was a humble and compassionate person with a good sense of humour. He had firm convictions and believed strongly in peaceful co-existence. He loved nature. Music and Gospel singing were soothing to his soul. He leaves his legacy of having faith, being determined, having a positive attitude, and asserting God’s existence.
Ronald was predeceased by his spouse, Margaret Ann (Beckwith), his brother, Richard Ogden, beloved mentors and Christian family, Wallace and Lillian Manuncia, whom he had known since 1945, and a half-sister, Aurella (Anderson) Robichaud. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Helen Ogden, three nieces, in-law relatives, kin members of the Ogden and Northorp families whom he greatly respected, and many dear friends.
Arrangements are under the care of Castle Fallsview Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Avenue, Saint John, NB, E2M 2L3 (506-634-1701), where visitation will take place on Friday, May 22, from 10:30 AM and the funeral following at 12:00 noon in the chapel with the Rev. Robert Johnson officiating. Interment will follow at the Welsford Valley Cemetery.
Ronald requested memorial donations be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or another charity. Online condolences and donations may be made at castlefh.ca.
