Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ron Schlegel, whose passing leaves a profound loss for the Waterloo region and for communities across Canada.
Driven by a deep Mennonite faith and a commitment to helping others, Ron devoted his life to building stronger, more caring communities. Through Schlegel Villages, the Research Institute for Aging and the elder wisdom program, he transformed the way we care for seniors and improved countless lives, while also making lasting contributions to mental health, research, and community development.
Ron helped establish the University of Waterloo's School of Public Health Sciences and was awarded the Order of Canada, the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal and honorary doctorates from several Canadian universities. However, those who knew Ron remember not the awards, but his humility, kindness and genuine interest in people. He always focused on improving the lives of others.
On behalf of the people of Kitchener—Conestoga, I extend my sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. Ron's legacy of service, compassion and community building will endure for generations. He will be missed.