People of the Passage June 2025

by Gail Haarsma—As we mark Father’s Day this June, we highlight the life and legacy of Ron Naugle—an Eastern Passage native whose influence helped shape this community in quiet, lasting ways. For 45 years, he ran a local service station, generously gave his time to community causes, and lived a life rooted in kindness, humility, and love for family. In this tribute, his daughters share heartfelt memories and reflections that reveal not just the man he was—but the difference one good man can make in the lives around him.

What did your father love most about living in Eastern Passage?

He loved the people and the sense of community. He was born, raised, lived, and worked here; his family was here – there was no place he would rather have been.

What kind of business did he run, and how did it start?

Dad was the owner/operator of a service station for 42 years. He was a self-taught mechanic. As a very young man, he leased a Texaco station and started working on cars and selling gas. From there, he moved a short distance down the road and opened Naugle’s Irving, which he operated until he retired. He usually had at least one other local mechanic with him. Several young people, including all three of his daughters, had their first part-time job there.

Do you remember a moment when he felt especially proud of his work?

Dad was a very humble man, but I think he was most proud of being able to help people. Dad was not raised in a family with money; he understood when people couldn’t afford the repairs they needed. He sourced used parts when people couldn’t afford new. He ran tabs for people until payday. One day, a young girl brought in a “new to her” car with a noise. When Dad realized how much work the car needed, he called the dealership and quietly insisted they cover the repairs. Rhonda Naugle says, “I know that story because I was there that day, and we would never have heard about something like that at the supper table.”

What kinds of volunteer work was he most passionate about?

Dad was a member of Eastern Lodge 8686, a board member at Ocean View Manor and Credit Union Atlantic (when it was located in Eastern Passage). Still, he gave the most time to the Eastern Passage Cow Bay Lions Club and their charitable endeavors, along with any community volunteer work Mom pulled him into. 😊

Were there projects or events he helped organize that people still remember?

He was always very supportive of anything involving youth, and organized the Eastern Passage Cow Bay Summer Carnival Teen Dances after the Teen Pageant at the Lions Club. The event always drew a huge crowd. He supported individuals and sports teams in need, but was always someone who never sought recognition for these contributions. He would be one of the first people to praise someone else, but he never liked the spotlight on himself. 

How do you think his volunteer efforts impacted Eastern Passage?

Every individual who gives freely of their time to volunteer impacts our community.

The International Lions' motto is "We Serve," and we are proud to say our dad served. Our parents' volunteer work has inspired their daughters and grandchildren to give back to the community. 

How would you describe his personality in one word—and why?

Kind – and he wasn’t just kind to his family and extended family; he was kind to everyone he met.

What did he teach you or others by example?

Compassion. Cars were things that could be fixed or replaced; people were not.

Was he known for any sayings, habits, or routines?

As silly as it sounds, he liked to hum. To us, it was just part of who he was at home, but people often mention it in the years since he’s passed. Apparently, he didn’t just hum at home 😊

What legacy do you think he left behind—in the community and your family? 

The importance of family—he grew up as an only child, raised by his grandparents, who passed away when he was still quite young. He would beam when he sat down to family suppers with his children and grandchildren. And he smiled even bigger if the gathering included extended family. He connected with them all, and that was important to him, and it’s now important to all of us. 

Do you have a favourite story that captures who he was?

So many!! He once closed his business to go get his grandson from preschool who didn't feel good because he could get to him the quickest.

A sweet elderly, deaf couple with an old yellow station wagon would drive a long distance from outside our community every Saturday to get gas and any work done on their vehicle. The couple was like sunshine on a Saturday morning. You might wonder why they made this trip. One Saturday morning, the gentleman shared a handwritten note that read, 'Good Man, Trust Him' and pointed to Dad fixing his car.

When he arrived at his Surprise Retirement Celebration and saw the crowded hall, his first thought was, 'How can I escape this?' Haha! It perfectly reflected his personality; he was never one for the spotlight.

After he retired, it was not unusual for a previous customer to knock on the door to ask if he could drive around the block to listen to their car's noise; of course, he always took the drive.

He loved to bring joy to other people; his laughter and smile could bring life to any room. 

What do you think he’d want to be remembered for?

He worked hard to provide for his family, he lived a simple life with the love of his life, and he gave back wherever he could.