The Elvis of Kitchener-Waterloo has “left the building” for the final time.
The 71-year-old, who walked the streets of Kitchener, Ont. for greater than three many years dressed because the King of Rock and Roll, has died.
Elvis, whose actual title was Ron, handed away Friday in hospice after a battle with most cancers.
These near him stated he was thriving in his last days – residing and consuming like a king.
“He got to hospice and he had pancakes and maple syrup and applesauce,” stated Rachel Hunter from KW Habilitation, a social companies group who assist Ron all through his life.
Ron, the Elvis of Kitchener-Waterloo, in an undated picture. (Supply: KW Habilitation)
Tributes, shared on-line, describe him as a kind-hearted man who at all times stated good day to folks locally.
His pals stated Ron got here to Kitchener virtually 40 years in the past, and he dressed up like Elvis as a result of he was a lifelong fan who wished to be a legend like his hero.
“He was iconic,” stated Hunter. “He was a legend in this town. It’s sad that he’s gone. [He’ll] be missed by thousands and thousands.”
Ron was born in Vancouver, B.C. however thought of Waterloo Area his actual dwelling.
Ron, the Elvis of Kitchener-Waterloo, in an undated picture. (Supply: KW Habilitation)
He was misunderstood by some, in accordance with those that knew him properly.
“He was a very gentle man who had an intellectual disability,” stated Ann Bilodeau, the CEO of KW Habilitation. “So all of these other myths, it just wasn’t true. He had a home on Frederick Street for 30 years with wraparound support.”
On the finish of his life, Ron had a couple of dozen Elvis outfits in varied colors and kinds.
“Sometimes, I must confess, I think he even slept in them,” Hunter stated. “It was hard to get him to take them off there for awhile, but then he would get into a routine of bringing them to the dry cleaners or washing them.”
Ron, the Elvis of Kitchener-Waterloo, in an undated picture. (Supply: Correct Barbershop KW)
Ron didn’t simply love Elvis’ look, but additionally his music.
“He was forever asking to sing to people that he cared about, like his partner Tammy and the nurses at Grand River Hospital when he was going through his cancer treatments,” Hunter defined.
He spent his personal cash on the fits and typically even helped design them.
“He would be very keen on his new outfits and new belts and new hair, new shoes,” defined Dana Hunter of Correct Barbershop Ok-W, the place Ron was a frequent buyer.
Ron, the Elvis of Kitchener-Waterloo, in an undated picture. (Supply: Correct Barbershop KW)
Throughout a committee assembly on Monday, Kitchener Councillor Scott Davey paid tribute to Ron by sporting a customized Elvis shirt.
“I said [to my wife]: “You know what? It would be nice to honour him,’” he stated.
Based on KW Habilitation, Ron will likely be cremated together with his favorite Elvis swimsuit and two Elvis wigs, which he wore day by day to attain the peak of Elvis’ iconic pompadour.
Ron, the Elvis of Kitchener-Waterloo, in an undated picture. (Supply: KW Habilitation)
Funeral preparations are nonetheless being finalized however is anticipated to happen subsequent week.
Ron’s pals stated they anticipate an enormous turnout.
His legacy, just like the King of Rock and Roll, will proceed to dwell on within the hearts of many.
