Obituary of Ronald Charles Tarrant

July 5, 1931 – London, England

April 26, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Our family has lost a beloved husband, father, grandfather great grandfather, brother, and an esteemed and inspirational leader to many who knew him, when Ronald Charles Tarrant passed away peacefully in Calgary, AB, on Friday, April 26, 2024. We celebrate his life and cherish his memory.

Ron was born in the east side of London, England, on July 5, 1931, with his identical twin brother Peter. He was the son of William and Agnes Tarrant, and the younger brother to Bill, John, and George. World War II deeply impacted his childhood, as did the loss of his older brother George, who was greatly loved, admired, and missed.

Coming of age, Ron completed mandatory service in the British Army and eventually followed his twin brother Peter and joined the London Metropolitan Police and became a "Bobby". It was as a policeman that he met Lina, his future wife, bringing in "unfortunate clients" to the hospital where she worked as a nurse. They fell in love and married and soon decided to follow Peter and his wife Denise to Calgary, Canada. This is where Ron was proud to serve as a member of the Calgary Police Service for the rest of his career. His loyalty and commitment went beyond the badge, supporting and mentoring in his many progressive roles throughout the years. As he rose through the ranks, he navigated the requirements of management and policing while still always respecting and considering the needs of the men and women in blue. He walked the walk.

Ron had many achievements and passions including bicycling, motorcycle racing, and soccer, which he played until his fifties. He was a sought-after emcee and other pursuits included writing, performing, and cartooning of which he contributed work to both the Calgary Sun and the Rocky View newspapers. Ron was a former President of the Calgary Police Veterans Association and volunteered and supported the Police Museum. He was also the head of security for ABC Television during the 1988 Olympics.

Ron was predeceased by his 'one and only' Lina in 2016. Ron and Lina had two children, Stewart (Susan) in 1959, and Susanne (Derek) in 1962. Additionally, Ron was very proud and a major influence on the lives of all three of his grandsons, Ron, Devon, and Robert. He was also fortunate to experience the joy and arrival of three great-grandchildren, Rylee, Abbey, and Ayden.

We as a family have been humbled by the love and sympathy we have received since Dad’s passing, and we have been reminded of the magnitude of those whose lives he touched. We would like to thank all his friends and former colleagues who have visited and remained in his life, as they were so important to him. The stories of Ron's endeavours, accomplishments, and sense of humour are endless and are seemingly entwined with each other. We hold them dear with the greatest sense of blessing. His life was big, and his spirit was bright. For this, he will be remembered.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Ron’s family here.

In living memory of Ron Tarrant, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.