Remembering Ron Thorne-Finch

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of friend and colleague Ron Thorne-Finch.

Ron taught with the Inner City Social Work Program (ICSWP) for over 27 years. Among the students, he was a favourite instructor and was appreciated for his continued encouragement and innate ability to make them feel comfortable.

Although he instructed many courses for the ICSWP, he mainly taught Interpersonal Communications for Social Work and recognized the course as the foundation for effective social work practice. His dedication was seen throughout the many years he volunteered as a committee member on the course standardization committee.

Ron was an active member within the ICSWP community. He filled in for various positions such as an academic advisor and counsellor. For anniversaries and retirements, Ron could be counted on to gather up boxes of photographs and put together one of his legendary power point presentations.

Ron taught with a gentle kindness; while at the same time, expected students and staff to bring the best of themselves to the ICSWP each day. Ron put aside his personal pain to focus on others and to teach, inspire and cheer on students. We will remember him as a guiding light of fairness, generosity, kindness, and humour. He inspired many as a beacon of exemplary social work practice and social work education.

Ron was our friend. We laughed together, problem-solved together and supported students together. It was our privilege to work with him, learn from him, and laugh with him. We will miss his warm smile, his gentleness and his wisdom. We wish him a good journey into the world of spirit.

Faculty, Staff & Students
Inner City Social Work Program