Cooney

Spirit Released November 10, 2021

Ron was born in Nova Scotia to Julia Power and Fleurence Cooney, the youngest of nine children. His early life was challenging, growing up on the streets of Montreal. When he was ten years old, he miraculously lived through a coma after being hit by a car. He attempted to get out of the neighbourhood by volunteering to go to Vietnam, but he was too young. At sixteen he joined the Navy spending time on the training ship HMS Cornwallis. Later worked as a deck hand on freighters on the Great Lakes, going down to the U.S. frequently. After some troubling years where he let his anger get the better of him; the turning point in his life was when he came across a book about yoga. He figured that he could do that, and he followed the instructions and illustrations and began a yoga routine. His relationship with Yoga taught him to calm himself. Running also helped him to calm his mind. Ron had many careers throughout his life. He was an accomplished cook, having graduated from Vancouver Community College. He owned a coffee shop in Kingston, Ontario and a small Restaurant in Salmon Arm, B.C. He really gave back to the community when he was a prison in-reach worker mentoring many inmates in high security prisons in the Lower Mainland. Since yoga inspired such positive change in him, he paid it forward by teaching yoga to inmates. He loved working with his dear friend Liz at the John Howard Society. Ron also spent years serving in Funeral Service. His professionalism and attention to details was exceptional. He endeared himself to the bereaved, as well as his colleagues. He went on to finish Yoga training at an Ashram in Quebec, where he obtained his ‘Advanced Yoga Instructor’s Certificate’.  At the Ashram he was recognized as someone special spiritually and was given the spiritual name ‘Valmiki’. Ron was caring, compassionate, smart and fiercely loyal to those who he loved. He had a mischievous sense of humour. Friends describe him as a cool guy. The encouragement that he showed others made a huge difference in people’s lives. He had a soft spot for children and animals. He spoiled his “boys”, (his cats).

Passing time around the campfire was one of his favourite things. It was here that he could entertain everyone with his storytelling; never letting facts get in the way of a good story. 

The devotion that he showed his wife Jeannette was admirable and steadfast. Together they grew strong in their faith in the Father of us all. He became an avid bible student, embracing the good book, while rejecting organized religion. Ron is survived by his loving wife of over 27 years Jeannette and a number of close friends and chosen family. You know who you are. Private interment at Heritage Gardens Cemetery, 19082 16 Ave, Surrey, B.C.