Hamilton Blues Lovers: Musician Ron Baumber Passes

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Mississauga musician Ron Baumber. He lost his brave battle with COVID-19 on May 19, 2021.

Ron was a regular part of the Oakville music scene as he played the area regularly, including many performances at the Moonshine Cafe.

Social Media Reactions

Ryan Baumber (son)

Dear Dad,

I still can’t believe I lost my bestfriend. There so many things I’d like to tell you. I either lack the words or fail to find the time or place. The memories of childhood days and all that you have done to make our home a happy place and growing up such fun.

First I’m proud to say I’m the luckiest son to have you as my father, even though we have ups and down but you never give up on me instead you give me your unconditional love. I will missed the time we spent together watching CP24 all day, I will missed the time that you will asked me to cut your toenails using the saw (jokes), you called me Ryan Jacob Baumber as the new member of American idol, I will missed my mid morning routine saying I love you to you and giving you my big hug over and over.

Lastly, it’s not gonna be the same watching Roughriders play knowing you're not there to cheer with me . We were inseparable, I don’t have many friends but you I would also called my best friend, my rock, my idol. I’ll keep these precious memories as cherished souvenirs. My bestfriend, I love you so much Dad!!!

Danielle Baumber (daughter)

Dear Daddy,
I don’t even know where to begin. My heart is shattered in pieces. I want to start by thanking you for stepping up when our mom left. Most men would have walked away but You worked 3 jobs to take care of us all and make sure we had everything we needed and more. You were my rock, I’m gonna miss picking on you and licking your glass before you could drink out of it or hiding your cup when you turned around to put the water back in the fridge. I’ll miss our days of watching Jeopardy together & you knowing all the answers. Dinners will never be the same without you to roast. I wish you could yell at me one more time for messing with the thermostat & or leaving the garage door open.

Even though we lived together we would FaceTime or talk on the phone every day while I was at work. What I would give to hear you tell me you loved me one more time. You were the smartest man I know. You’ve taught me so much in life but mostly you taught me that family is everything. You literally lived your life for your kids. You gave up so much so that we could have a good safe life & I am forever grateful for that. I’ll always remember the days of riding in your taxi and getting tips from your customers. Even though I made a lot of mistakes in my life you were always there for me no matter how bad I was. You always accepted me back home with open arms. I promise to take care of Erin, Ryan and Tanya for you.

Erin Baumber (daughter)

Daddy, my heart is broken... I never thought I would be saying goodbye to you at 25. I would do anything for one more hug from you. To hear you call me baby bear or bunny one more time. To tell you I love you one more time. I haven’t been able to sleep since you left me.

All I can think about is all the Sunday Swims we went to when I was little and scootering around Lake Aquitaine. Our recent trip to Banff where you told me all the routes and directed me to cool places that google can’t even tell you because you’re literally human Wikipedia. Sitting 4 of us in the TV room 2 on chairs and 2 on the floor watching EVERY basketball game together. It makes me feel so happy knowing I took you to your first basketball game ever, your favourite team and got you post game tickets. I loved seeing you happy.

I'm so proud to have you as my father, the musical genius that you are with an amazing heart and soul for people in need. I love you for always supporting my art you’re such an influence on me and you don’t even know. These last 4+ weeks have destroyed my family to say the least. All testing positive for Covid, my dad and I being admitted to the hospital because we couldn’t breathe from Covid, my nephew getting admitted to the hospital for a dog bite. And now losing our best friend to COVID.

We’re lost without you Daddy, we already don’t know what to do. Come back and yell Danielle for touching the thermostat in the house, or Ryan for not taking the garbage out. Let me steal your drink so Danielle and I can drink it all and give it back empty, or eat all the ice cubes in the machine so you have none left. We don’t function without you. It breaks my heart that I promised you you wouldn’t die, if I had one wish it would be to make sure I came through on that promise I made to you. You tried fighting Daddy and we saw that. We know you were tired of fighting and it was time to go.

Although you won’t physically be with me anymore I hope you visit me in my dreams and watch over me always. I’ll forever be playing your songs to remind me of you. One promise I need from you is to still be with me at my future wedding, and when I have my own children. You really have no idea how many people love you. I’ll miss you and love you forever Papa, wait for me upstairs ❤️ - Love your baby girl

Neil MacNaughton

What can you say about Ron Baumber that hasn't now been said by the dozens and dozens of tributes pouring in for this beloved man? Ron had a way of making everyone feel like they were his special friend. His kindness knew no bounds. His music brought a hush to the room. His humour was warm. He always had a twinkle in his eye, and he always had some new plan that he would hint about, but never tell you.
I knew Ron through my years of participating in, and then hosting, the Moonshine Cafe Open Mic. He was such a great supporter of the 'Shine and the cast of characters that would show up to share their talents. Ron often came by even if he had no plans to play. He just wanted to be where the music was.
Ron, your presence will be deeply missed. My condolences to your lovely family, and the many, many friends you have touched. Goodbye, friend.

Andy Griffiths

I am so sad to hear of covid 19 taking the life of my musical buddy .... Ron Baumber . Devastating. 😔
Ron was not only a highly skilled musician ... but was a truly supportive and compassionate human being.
I was lucky enough to meet Ron years ago, through the music community at the Moonshine Cafe. He was always supportive and encouraging to me for my original music. He actually liked most of my tunes that he heard! 🙂
One thing for sure about Ron ... he truly loved his kids/family and friends ... and made no bones about it.
He was a good man and will be missed very much.
Our heart felt condolences to Ron's family.

The Moonshine Cafe Open Mic produced a wonderful tribute to Ron.