Surrounded by his family, Ronald John Ness, age 89, husband of the late Jean (Muir) Ness of Belleisle Creek, NB, passed away peacefully and gracefully, at the Saint John Regional Hospital on Friday, May 22, 2015. He was born in Belleisle Creek, NB, the son of the late Robert and Mabel (McConnell) Ness. Ron Ness, born July 28, 1925 ,third son of Robert and Mabel Ness, lived a full and happy life. He was a hard worker, a family man and enjoyed many hobbies and interests. He married Jean Evelyn Muir in 1949. Ron's formal education finished early but his learning lasted a lifetime. He loved his work as a cook in the lumber camps , driving the milk truck for Fred O'Neill ,and the log trucks for Gene Kelly. He also learned both the mechanical and carpentry trades in the early years . Ron however was a true entrepreneur at heart. In the late '40s he built the Fina Garage in Belleisle and worked there for many years before deciding to take on the Ford Tractor franchise in 1965. He built that into another very successful business. In 1984 he sold that business to his son Bob and built a sawmill . During all these years he also farmed and worked in the woods. In 1990 he sold the mill to Trevor McMillan, who would also become his son-in-law. Then he said "This time I mean it...I am really going to retire" Retiring from his full time jobs just meant he had more time for other pursuits.....woodworking and furniture building, fixing antique engines, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, being part of the "Wednesday Camp Crew",square dancing and organizing long table suppers for whoever was around. His love of gathering with family and friends was known far and wide. Ron Ness had an impact on everyone who met him. He will be greatly missed. Ron will be sadly missed by daughters Brenda and Peter Pope, Vicky and Dan McLaughlin, Gwen and Roy Jr. Pope, Lana and Dale Waite, Mary Jane and Trevor McMillan; sons Bob and Sue Ness and Tim Ness; 17 grandchildren Anthony Pope (Sherry), Bradley Pope (Susan), Jeanette Howley (Jeremy), Christopher McLaughlin (Carrie Travis), Jennifer Frigault (Allan), Gregory McLaughlin, Andrew Ness (Tara), David Ness (Rebecca), Erin Johnston (Courtney), Kristopher Pope (Catherine Richard), Jillian Wilson (Andrew), Jensen Pope, Kyle Pope (Kaylee Raymond) Caleb Waite, Cassidy Waite, Kirk McMillan and Colby McMillan; 16 great grandchildren Connor, Cameron, Emmerson, Avery, Gabrielle, Jack, William, Brandon, Hillary, Morgan, Drew, Ryan, Kit, Sybil, Hannah and Hayden; brothers Allan, Ray and Jack and Madeline Ness all of Sussex; sisters Hattie Northrup of Sussex, Mary and Howard Joynes of Belleisle Creek, brothers-in-law Mansel Muir of Belleisle Creek, and Maurice and Rose Muir of Connecticut; sisters-in-law Pauline Muir of Sussex and Eleanor Ness of Sussex; several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his sons Stephen and Bruce; brothers Russell, Ed Don and Bob Ness. He is resting at Sherwood’s Funeral Home and Life Tribute Centre (506-839-2156), 18 Scovil Road, Norton, NB, with visiting on Sunday from 6 to 8 pm and Monday from 3 to 5 and 6 to 8 pm. Funeral service, conducted by Rev. Tom Robinson, will be held at 11:00 am., Tuesday, May 26, 2015, from Kings Kirk United Church, Belleisle Creek, NB. A private family interment will take place following the service in Union Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Belleisle Community Centre, Springfield. Donations to Union Cemetery or the memorial of the donor’s choice would be appreciated. Condolences to the family may be made through www.sherwoodsfuneralhome.com