It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our founder and dear friend, Dr. Ron Schlegel. Ron passed away peacefully on September 19, 2026.
While we mourn this tremendous loss, we also celebrate a life well-lived and reflect on his incredible legacy. The Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) stands today as a living testament to Ron’s visionary spirit, generosity, and determination to advance research and enhance quality of life for older adults.
A respected researcher, businessman, philanthropist, and community leader, Ron’s passion for enhancing the quality of life for older adults began at a young age, when his family purchased a long-term care (LTC) home and moved into the adjoining apartment. His first job was carrying meal trays to residents and running errands. This experience laid the foundation for his future career and legacy.
Ron understood the value and importance of hard work. In high school, he operated his father’s five farms, and by the time he entered university, he had his own farming business. By age 42, he owned three LTC homes and was a leading provider of LTC, retirement, and community services for older adults. Today, with his guidance and vision, Schlegel Villages has over 20 locations with plans to expand.
Ron also pursued a successful academic career, earning his bachelor’s degree at Western University, a master’s degree from the University of Illinois, and a doctorate in social psychology from Ohio State University. Ron then taught at the University of Windsor before becoming a professor at the University of Waterloo, where he spearheaded the development of the Department of Health Studies and Gerontology.
His unique combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial drive, and community leadership inspired him to found the RIA in 2005.
A trailblazer ahead of his time, Ron brought together research, education, and practice to drive meaningful change. He saw research-driven innovation as the key to uncovering best practices and improving quality of life and care for older adults.
A community builder at heart, he wanted to ensure that all communities caring for older adults had access to these innovations. This mandate is woven into the fabric of the RIA.
While Ron and his family’s philanthropy has benefited countless charitable organizations, the RIA is open today because of their vision and generosity.
The family’s contributions support research chairs and enable critical infrastructure, including RIA’s home base at the Centre of Excellence for Innovation in Aging. The Centre, which opened its doors in 2015, exemplifies Ron’s vision for the RIA. It is a purpose-built hub for collaboration that integrates senior living with research, education, and community services.
As the Board Chair for two decades, Ron’s guidance helped grow the RIA from a modest team of 5 to a globally recognized institute with over 70 employees, 12 Schlegel Research Chairs, 2 Schlegel Specialists, and collaborations worldwide.
His remarkable contributions earned him the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award, an appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada, and two honorary doctorates.
“We are deeply saddened to say farewell to RIA’s founder, Dr. Ron Schlegel,” says Tammy Cumming, acting executive director. “Ron’s vision will continue to be our guiding light. We will forever honour his memory and continue his legacy as we drive innovation that makes a difference for older adults in our community and around the world.”
On behalf of the entire RIA community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Schlegel family and to all who had the privilege of knowing Ron. We will carry forward his compassionate heart and visionary spirit, ensuring his dedication to older adults lives on in everything we do.
