Laurier mourns the passing of Ron Schlegel

Sept. 25, 2026

The Wilfrid Laurier University community is saddened by the passing of Ronald (Ron) Schlegel, a dedicated community builder and friend of the university. Ron passed away peacefully on September 19, 2026.

Born in Punkeydoodles Corners, Ron grew up in an apartment adjoining the nursing home owned by his father, Wilfred, in Ailsa Craig, ON. Ron worked in the home from a young age, delivering meals to residents.

Inspired by his upbringing and a strong work ethic, Ron dedicated his life to improving quality of life and care for older adults through his entrepreneurship and academic career.

He later purchased his father’s interests in a larger nursing home, and by the age of 42 he was a leading provider of long-term care, retirement and community services for older adults with three long-term care homes. Today, Schlegel Villages has more than 20 locations.

While working as a professor in the University of Waterloo Applied Health Sciences Faculty from 1973 to 1991, Ron was a founding professor of the Department of Health Studies and Gerontology, and helped develop the MA and PhD programs.

In 2005, Ron founded the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA), a charitable, non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and care of older adults.

Together with his wife, Barbara (2022), and their sons Rob, Brad and Jamie, Ron founded the RBJ Schlegel Family Foundation, focusing on health research in aging, research in mental health and addictions and global poverty reduction.

Through the RIA and the Schlegel Foundation, Ron and his family established the Schlegel Research Chair in Music Therapy and Aging at Laurier in 2023. The Research Chair leads research in the multifaceted benefits of music therapy and engages with the community to develop innovative, music-focused interventions for older adults.

“Inspired by the legacy of previous generations, Ron Schlegel has made a substantial and positive difference in the lives of older adults and the communities who care for them,” says Deborah MacLatchy, Laurier’s president and vice-chancellor. “We consider it a great honour to count Ron as a friend and supporter of the university, and the entire Laurier community offers our deepest condolences to his sons and their families.”

Schlegel Villages has published a biography to honour Ron’s legacy as a community builder and social entrepreneur.

Read Ron’s obituary published by Erb & Good Family Funeral Home.