Uploaded September 2021 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Ron Freckleton discusses his experience living in a retirement residence during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Presenter bios:
Ron Freckleton was born in the United Kingdom in January 1933. He grew up in Liverpool where he met and married Joanie. The pair managed stores for the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes (NAAFI), the official trading organization for the British Armed Forces. In 1973, Ron and Joanie emigrated to Canada where they took sales jobs. Eventually Ron became Managing Director of a division of Associated Grocers. At the age of 54, Ron began his own marketing company. Joanie developed dementia at the age of 69. Ron became her full-time caregiver. They were able to remain in their home until the final four months of Joanie’s illness, at which time she moved into long-term care. Shortly after Joanie's passing, Ron moved into Trinity Lodge retirement community where he continues to live independently, writing, growing dahlias, and exercising regularly. In his 84th year, Ron published a book titled, "Our Time to Say Goodbye," celebrating his life with Joanie and reflecting on his experiences as a caregiver. All proceeds, which have totaled more than $16,000 to date, are donated to the Alzheimer Society of Calgary. Ron is the Ambassador for the annual IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's fundraiser. He also raises funds for the Alzheimer Society through his "Adopt a Dahlia" program at Trinity Lodge and through his “Dahlias of Trinity Lodge” calendar each year.
Ron Freckleton discusses his experience living in a retirement residence during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Presenter bios:
Ron Freckleton was born in the United Kingdom in January 1933. He grew up in Liverpool where he met and married Joanie. The pair managed stores for the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes (NAAFI), the official trading organization for the British Armed Forces. In 1973, Ron and Joanie emigrated to Canada where they took sales jobs. Eventually Ron became Managing Director of a division of Associated Grocers. At the age of 54, Ron began his own marketing company. Joanie developed dementia at the age of 69. Ron became her full-time caregiver. They were able to remain in their home until the final four months of Joanie’s illness, at which time she moved into long-term care. Shortly after Joanie's passing, Ron moved into Trinity Lodge retirement community where he continues to live independently, writing, growing dahlias, and exercising regularly. In his 84th year, Ron published a book titled, "Our Time to Say Goodbye," celebrating his life with Joanie and reflecting on his experiences as a caregiver. All proceeds, which have totaled more than $16,000 to date, are donated to the Alzheimer Society of Calgary. Ron is the Ambassador for the annual IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's fundraiser. He also raises funds for the Alzheimer Society through his "Adopt a Dahlia" program at Trinity Lodge and through his “Dahlias of Trinity Lodge” calendar each year.
