Community mourns entrepreneur, philanthropist

TORONTO: Ronald King, 84, a Jamaican Canadian philanthropist and founder of Elmartin Electrical Company Limited, has died. He was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica on November 10, 1939, and died suddenly on August 3, in Ontario.

A graduate of Cornwall College, King went to England in 1957 and attended Wandsworth Polytechnic. He started his career in the electrical industry in the UK and was first married there, becoming the proud father of children Angela and Errol. The family migrated to Canada in 1967 where he founded his electrical company which worked on several construction projects across Ontario.

For decades, King’s philanthropy sponsored and supported many community initiatives. He was a life member of the Project for the Advancement in Childhood Education (P.A.C.E.) Canada, an active member of the Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA), Jamaican Canadian Association (JCA), Urban Alliance on Race Relations (UARR), and the National Council of Jamaicans and Supportive Organisations in Canada (NCJSOC). King was also a director of the Scarborough-Agincourt Liberal Association.

“He was an avid cricket player, a passionate domino player, leader, and organiser of mass domino events,” notes his obituary.

“He was one of the early contributors to JCA when we were in search of our second building. We could always count on him when we had fundraising activities. He took a keen interest in our search for a new building and supported us financially,” said Herman Stewart, a past president of the Jamaican Canadian Association, who noted that the JCA was located at 1621 Dupont Street from 1985 to 1995.

Sandra Whiting, a former president of the BBPA and P.A.C.E. Canada, said King was a man of few words with a very distinct laugh. “A very kind and generous man; he gave from his heart not only to community organisations, but to friends and those in need. He was a generous soul who loved his family dearly and will be sorely missed.”

Diana Burke, president of P.A.C.E. Canada said, “Ron King was an outstanding supporter and patron of P.A.C.E. Canada for over 20 years and was recognised as a recipient of our Pacesetter award. His contributions to our annual fundraising events through provision of auction items and participation at these events were instrumental in ensuring a successful outcome for P.A.C.E. We are also grateful that he generously opened his home to host P.A.C.E Canada events. Our condolences to his family and we trust these memories will bring some joy during this difficult time.”

Pamela Appelt shared that when her husband, David, died years ago, King came to her home and without saying a word just sat there. She felt that he had left his place of work to let her see that he cared and was supportive of her family.

“This man was a diehard community supporter. He used his resources to support so many initiatives within our community and beyond,” she said.

Appelt quipped that she will however continue to see King in her house because all the chandeliers were his choice. “Ron’s company did all the electricity in my home and in my backyard, so I miss him already. I miss him plenty.”

His philanthropic work was recognised by numerous community appreciation awards including Her Majesty the Queen Golden Jubilee Medal, 2002; the BBPA Harry Jerome Award for Outstanding Business Achievement, 1995; the BBPA 25 Year Award (1982-2007); the Commemorative Medal for the 125th anniversary of the confederation of Canada for significant contribution to compatriots, community and to Canada, 1992.

King is survived by children Angela (Dave Dabideen) and Errol (Lina); grandchildren Andre, Camille, Ellie, Deon, and Taylor; great-grandchildren Ava, Mateo, and Kahlaya; siblings Yvonne, Albert, Anthony, Bradley, Ransford, and Marilyn and brother-in-law Ray Wade.

A viewing was held on August 15 at the Highland Funeral Home in Scarborough and the funeral service was on August 16 at St Matthew The Apostle Oriole Anglican Church in North York, Ontario. Interment was at the Highland Memory Gardens and a reception was held at the Ajax Convention Centre.