Ronald Lee Simard

Ron was born on December 21, 1941, to parents Alfred A. Simard and Mary Duffy Simard in Portland, ME, and raised in Bridgeport, CT where his love of the sea and sailing began.  After serving in the Navy, he continued his education which culminated in a Doctorate in Physics from Brown University. Family life began in CT and RI where sons Mike and Chris were born.  After graduation, he embarked on a career in the Nuclear Energy sector. His work took him all over the world - Germany, France, Belgium, China, Dubai, and Japan.  He started work in PA., then moved to TN where he worked at the Oak Ridge National Lab, then to CA and The Electric Power Research Institute.  In Atlanta, he joined The Institute of Nuclear Power Operations. Ron eventually retired from The Nuclear Energy Institute in Washington, DC where he led efforts to influence nuclear energy investments within China and Japan.

Ron was a parishioner at the Catholic Church of St. Monica in Duluth, GA, and a past Grand Knight in The Knights of Columbus where he was proud of spearheading a life-saving initiative to install ultrasound machines in pregnancy centers.

Ron embraced martial arts and earned a black belt in Taekwondo.  He trained under Joe Corley and Jason Lau in Atlanta. Later in life, a passion for golf blossomed and he could be found at the course almost daily. He was well-read with interests in history and authors such as Elmore Leonard, and Patrick O'Brian. He was a student of the Chinese language. He loved music - classical, big band, opera, the blues of Etta James, and the traditional Jazz of Tuba Skinny were favorites. Ron was also a fan of the disco era and was never shy to show off his moves on the dance floor.  It was amazing to watch TVs Jeopardy with him. He was our couch Jeopardy champ.

Ron passed from this life on Feb. 28, 2023, due to complications of leukemia. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society helps make costly treatment available for those diseases and enabled Ron to enjoy a long remission.  Donations in Ron's memory may be sent online to The ASCO Foundation, https://support.conquer.org/donate.

We will greatly miss our wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend. We will always hold dear our memories of his thoughtfulness, wisdom, sharp wit, and sense of humor.

Ron is survived by his wife Barbara, sons Michael and Christopher, four grandchildren, Haley, Justin, Caitlyn, and Sara Simard, and nieces Darlene, Veronica, and Maurene Gall.

A funeral Mass will be said on Tuesday, March 21st at 1 pm at the Catholic Church of St. Monica, 1700 Buford Hwy, Duluth, GA 30097, followed by a reception in St. Augustine Hall.  Graveside services will be held at Gwinnett Memorial Park, 925 Lawrenceville Hwy, Lawrenceville, GA 30046, at 3:30 pm on March 21st.