CROUSE, Ronald Leroy – It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ronald Crouse, age 83, of Fort Ellis. "Ron" passed away peacefully on July 6, 2026, at Colchester East Hants Health Centre after a valiant seven-year battle with Parkinson's Disease. Born in Stewiacke, he was a son of the late Frank and Vida (Hebb) Crouse.

Ron grew up on the family dairy farm in MacKay Siding, where he developed a strong work ethic and a lifelong love of farming and rural life. After graduating from High School, he attended the Nova Scotia Agricultural College in Truro, where he earned a Diploma in Agriculture. He began his career with a local farm equipment dealer, where he spent three years selling and repairing farm equipment. He later moved to Moncton, New Brunswick, to work as a travelling sales representative for a larger farm equipment company.

In 1976, Ron returned home to Nova Scotia, where he spent the rest of his life. He joined the Nova Scotia Animal Breeders Association, where he spent many years working with farmers throughout the province and building lasting friendships along the way.

Ron found joy in the simple things in life. He took great pride in his home and property and could often be found tending to his gardens or keeping the lawn looking its best on his beloved zero-turn mower. After retiring, Ron spent many years mowing the lawn at Fort Ellis Cemetery, taking great pride in keeping it beautifully maintained. After Saint Andrew's United Church in Stewiacke closed, Ron and Sheila found a welcoming church family at Shubenacadie United Church, where they transferred their memberships. He also enjoyed firing up the barbecue and was known within the family for making a mean hot dog that everyone looked forward to. Ron was deeply proud of his children and grandchildren and all they accomplished.

Ron is survived by his loving wife of 19 years, Sheila; his sons, Scott (Jen) and Kevin (Laura-Jean); his daughter, Tanya (Brad); the mother of his children, Faye; Sheila's sons, Murray (Jean), Steven (Shenna), Donald (Kelly) and Daniel (Kelli); his brother, Charles (Lorna); his mother-in-law, Marie; his sisters-in-law, Beth, Jane (Brian) and Vickie, whose loving respite care meant so much to Ron; his cherished grandchildren, Keaton and Toria (Jesse), with their mother, Cathy; Courtney (Mitchell), Cameron, Tyler, Ashton, Ethan, Ari and Grant; along with several nieces, nephews and extended family.

Besides his parents, Ron was predeceased by his brothers, Clarence, Russell, Wilfred and Harry.

Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of Ettinger Funeral Homes, Shubenacadie and Elmsdale. A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Ettinger Funeral Home, 2812 Highway 2, Shubenacadie, with Rev. Natalie Buchanan Rutherford officiating. A reception will follow in the funeral home hospitality area.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ron may be made to the Parkinson's Society Nova Scotia, Shubenacadie United Church, or a charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank the VON Nursing team for the many years of care they provided to Ron. We also thank the nurses, physicians and support staff at Colchester East Hants Health Centre for the excellent care they provided to Ron over the years.

Tributes, words of comfort and memories of Ron may be shared with the family at www.ettingerfuneralhome.com.