Ronald John Elliott born Dec. 7, 1947, in Huntingdon, Quebec, passed away at home on April 15, 2021, after a brutal battle with cancer, surrounded by his loved ones. Predeceased by his sister Kathleen; his daughter Faye; and his parents John and Mary. Loved by wife Bernice; brother Bob; son Christopher; daughter Genevieve; three grand-children, Jaxon, Ada Rose and Leonidas; uncle Pete (Moray); aunt Meta; and many cousins and in-laws.

He studied geology at Carleton University before transferring to the mining engineering program at British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). After several summers working in exploration with his uncle Peter Fox, he took his first permanent position as geological technologist at the Iron Ore Company in Schefferville, Quebec. He was promoted to pit foreman, then to blasting engineer after an interest in the science of blasting, which became a life-long passion. It was there that he first became a member of the ISEE and nervously presented his first paper at ISEE’s annual conference in Orlando in 1981. Since then, he has authored and co-authored many blasting related papers that have been presented at ISEE and other industry venues.

It was also in Schefferville where he met his wife of 46 years, Bernice. Following their marriage, they welcomed two children Christopher and Genevieve, while suffering the loss of a newborn. Just before the mine closed, the family moved to Logan Lake, British Columbia, where Ron took a position as a drill and blast supervisor at the new Highmont Mine. He was responsible for blasting engineering, planning, safety and training of the drilling and blasting crews in the operation of an 85,000 tonne per day open pit cop-per mine.

When the mine closed, he took a position as blasting superintendent with Pacific Blasting, eventually becoming blasting vice president. Explosives manufacturer Ireco hired him as a technical representative, eventually becoming the Canadian Technical Service Manager in Mississauga, Ontario, when Ireco was purchased by Dyno Nobel. While in Ontario, he revived the Ontario Trillium Chapter of ISEE as its president. Pacific Blasting lured him back to the West Coast where he also revived the Western Canadian Chapter of ISEE as its president. He dedicated a total of 22 years helping to grow Pacific Blasting from a local family-owned company to an international player, pursuing projects on all four corners of the globe.
He was elected the first non-U.S.-elected president of ISEE and served from 2010 – 2011.
Ron received ISEE’s Distinguished Ser-vice Award in 2019. The Distinguished Service Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated leadership and who has made a significant contribution to the explosives industry. Additionally, the recipient represents the highest standards in blasting.

Ron was committed to raising the level of professionalism of blasters in the field through training and improving the public’s perception of the blasting industry. He led and mentored many young blasters throughout the years, to enable them to learn, grow and develop sound blasting practices. His dedication to their growth allowed many of these blasters to become the best in their field. He exhibited a commitment to the ISEE and to the growth of those who work for him.
He was awarded the Professional Achievement Award for recognition of Outstanding Performance in Technology by the Applied Science Technologist and Technician of British Columbia (ASTTBC) for his outstanding contribution to the blasting industry in British Columbia.

After retiring in 2013, he started a new chapter in his career as a blasting consultant. As principal of International Blasting Consultants, he continued to advance excellence, working locally and around the world. He was an avid curler, fisherman, golfer, skier and marksman.

Funeral services will be attended by his family and a Memorial Service will be held at a future date. The family wishes to thank the oncology nurses at Surrey Memorial Hospital and the Fraser Home Health Palliative Team as well as his GP Dr. Samantha Hage-Moussa.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice or the SEE Education Foundation. Tributes can be made at www. burquitlamfuneralhome.ca