The Elvis of Kitchener-Waterloo has passed away

Remembering Ron: KW's Elvis impersonator Tributes are pouring in for a man many knew as the Elvis of Kitchener-Waterloo. Heather Senoran has his story.

The Elvis of Kitchener-Waterloo has “left the building” for the last time.

The 71-year-old, who walked the streets of Kitchener, Ont. for more than three decades dressed as the King of Rock and Roll, has died.

Elvis, whose real name was Ron, passed away Friday in hospice after a battle with cancer.

Those close to him said he was thriving in his final days – living and eating like a king.

“He got to hospice and he had pancakes and maple syrup and applesauce,” said Rachel Hunter from KW Habilitation, a social services organization who help Ron throughout his life.

Tributes, shared online, describe him as a kind-hearted man who always said hello to people in the community.

His friends said Ron came to Kitchener almost 40 years ago, and he dressed up like Elvis because he was a lifelong fan who wanted to be a legend like his hero.

“He was iconic,” said Hunter. “He was a legend in this town. It’s sad that he’s gone. [He’ll] be missed by thousands and thousands.”

Ron was born in Vancouver, B.C. but considered Waterloo Region his real home.

He was misunderstood by some, according to those who knew him well.

“He was a very gentle man who had an intellectual disability,” said Ann Bilodeau, the CEO of KW Habilitation. “So all of these other myths, it just wasn’t true. He had a home on Frederick Street for 30 years with wraparound support.”

At the end of his life, Ron had about a dozen Elvis outfits in various colours and styles.

“Sometimes, I must confess, I think he even slept in them,” Hunter said. “It was hard to get him to take them off there for awhile, but then he would get into a routine of bringing them to the dry cleaners or washing them.”

Ron didn’t just love Elvis’ look, but also his music.

“He was forever asking to sing to people that he cared about, like his partner Tammy and the nurses at Grand River Hospital when he was going through his cancer treatments,” Hunter explained.

He spent his own money on the suits and sometimes even helped design them.

“He would be very keen on his new outfits and new belts and new hair, new shoes,” explained Dana Hunter of Proper Barbershop K-W, where Ron was a frequent customer.

During a committee meeting on Monday, Kitchener Councillor Scott Davey paid tribute to Ron by wearing a custom Elvis shirt.

“I said [to my wife]: “You know what? It would be nice to honour him,’” he said.

According to KW Habilitation, Ron will be cremated with his favourite Elvis suit and two Elvis wigs, which he wore daily to achieve the height of Elvis’ iconic pompadour.

Funeral arrangements are still being finalized but is expected to take place next week.

Ron’s friends said they expect a big turnout.

His legacy, like the King of Rock and Roll, will continue to live on in the hearts of many.