BARTEAUX, Ronald Stanley aged 77, passed away Friday, August 7, 2015 at home. Born in Middleton, he was a son of the late Reginald and Willa (Sproule) Barteaux. Ronnie was a family man, a man who knew the cost and reward of hard work, and the joy of working among friends and loved ones. As a young man, he was renowned as a showman of champion Herefords. After converting the farm in Clarence to Holsteins from Herefords and apple orchards, Ronnie began his career as a dairy farmer. He was a generous and inspiring employer, who brought out the best in those who worked alongside him. He served the agricultural and broader community often and, in 1974, he received the Award of Merit from the Canadian Department of Agriculture for 30 years of service operating the Experimental Project Farm at Clarence. He also served as the President of Beaver Fruit Co-op, Member of the Annapolis Valley Affiliated Board of Trade, Board of Directors of the United Milk Producers, and perhaps closest to his heart - an active 4-H leader. He was well known in sporting circles as an athlete, hockey referee, and volunteer. He was devoted to nature - as a hunter, fly fisherman, and, after retiring from dairy farming in 1986, in his logging business. He thoroughly enjoyed visiting with friends, neighbours, and family, and was a wonderful host. He loved life and he would have preferred to have had even more of it. But, when his time came, he accepted it with great dignity and pure grit, as was his style. Ronnie is survived by his wife, Vickie Barteaux, Clarence; daughters, Jeannie (Tim) Shoveller, Vancouver and Jane (Victor) Melendez, Halifax; grandchildren, Jonathan and Rosa, Halifax; as well as sister, Iona (Lawrence) Bishop, Paradise; brother, Sherman (Lucy) Barteaux, Bridgetown. In keeping with Ronnie's wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held 7:00 to 9:00PM, Thursday, August 13, 2015 in the Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street (902) 825-3448 where a memorial service will be held 2:00PM , Friday, August 14, 2015 with Rev. Barbara Bishop officiating. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery, Lawrencetown. Donations in memory of Ronnie may be made to the Victorian Order of Nurses-Annapolis Valley Branch or to the Fine Arts Parents Association of the Halifax Schools All City Music Program. Online guest book may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com