It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Ronald Gordon Giffen, our “humble shepherd,” on September 9, 2026 at Toronto General Hospital.  Ron, in his 69th year, cherished husband of Lorrie Giffen, proud father of Megan (Max) Kant and Molly (Joseph) Scicluna and adoring grandfather of Gibson, Miller and Edison.  He is survived by his devoted brother Greg (Yvonne) Giffen, dear Sister-in-law Sandy (Mike) Townes, his nieces and nephews Jason (Melanie) Giffen, Jayde (Jeremy) Isaac, Patrick (Samantha) Townes and Kelsey (Mike) Temolder plus his great nieces and nephews as well as his furry family Avery, "Willy" and Pearl.  He is predeceased by his parents, Gordon and Gwyneth Giffen and in-laws Orval and Patricia Elliott.

He will be missed by his extended family, cousins,  neighbours, and last but not least his Ridgetown crew.

Ron was an accomplished fastball pitcher in the Barrie & District Intermediate Fastball League for many years.  He gave up fastball to pursue his love of farming.  He attended Ridgetown Agricultural College and took courses in sheep management.  He started with a small flock after college but eventually bought 500  sheep from Vavenby BC.  He was a humble, honest, devoted shepherd and got to work with his dad and best friend every day but Sunday!  After 40 years he had to give up sheep when he couldn’t breathe in the barn. He switched to cash crops but became even more reliant on the neighbours after his double lung transplant.  During two and a half years of hospitalizations, he was constantly surrounded by his most precious daughters and wife, Lorrie, the love of his life.  He had one good year post transplant and took his family on two long awaited vacations!  Ironically he passed away happily watching the movie “Sheep Detective” in the ICU with family by his side.

We’re thankful for the amazing care he received at Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Grace Health Centre, RVH, St Elizabeth Healthcare, Bayshore Home Health and Dr Thomas Mills. We’re also most grateful for the tremendous support we received from family, friends and neighbours.  

As per Ron's wishes, there will be a private family visitation and graveside service at a later date.