James Rivera
Ronald (Ron) Moffatt
ca. 1941/42 – May 13, 2024
The Passing of a Cartooning Legend
Ron Moffatt, a cherished cartoonist whose work brought joy and reflection to many, passed away on May 13, 2024, at the age of 82. Known for his courage and dignity, Ron’s heart failed in the recovery room following surgery after a challenging year of health issues.
A Legacy in Cartoons
Ron Moffatt was a fixture in the world of cartooning, particularly known for his long-running contributions to SooToday. His comics, often filled with wry humor and social commentary, were a beloved feature. Despite some readers not always “getting” his dad-joke style, many appreciated the light-hearted moments he provided.
In addition to his work at SooToday, Ron’s cartoons appeared in the Sault Star and Sault This Week. He continued creating his weekly ‘Sunday Funny’ feature right up until the end, leaving behind two final comics. One, published on the morning of his passing, and the other, poignantly dealing with the theme of death, serves as a thought-provoking commentary on the local doctor shortage.
A Caretaker and Friend
Beyond his cartooning, Ron worked as a caretaker for the Algoma District School Board (ADSB) for many years, making countless friends along the way. He concluded his career at Korah Collegiate and Vocational School, where his art still decorates the halls.
Unveiling a Painful Past
In a poignant revelation, it was discovered that Ron had been wrongfully convicted of a crime as a teenager. In 1956, at just 14 years old, he was falsely accused of murdering a seven-year-old boy at the Canadian National Exhibition. He spent nearly eight months in custody for a crime he didn’t commit. This traumatic experience remained a closely guarded secret until he shared his story with crime writer Nate Henley, who published The Boy on The Bicycle: A Forgotten Case of Wrongful Conviction in Toronto in 2018.
Final Words from SooToday
SooToday’s founding editor, David Helwig, paid tribute to Ron, highlighting the joy and laughter his work brought to many. “Thanks for all the laughs, Ron,” Helwig wrote, echoing the sentiments of countless readers and colleagues.
Ron Moffatt’s life was a testament to resilience and creativity. His legacy lives on through his cartoons, which continue to bring smiles and thought-provoking reflections to all who encounter them.
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