Ronald “Ron” Schlegel, LLD ’18, dedicated his life to improving the lives of others.  

As an entrepreneur, researcher and philanthropist, he played a significant role in advancing conversations about aging, seniors’ care and mental health in Canada. Through the organizations he built and the research he championed, his influence extended far beyond the communities he served. 

Schlegel died peacefully on September 19, 2026, at the age of 83. 

Building a better future for the health of Canadians

Born in the rural community of Punkeydoodles Corners in Ontario, Schlegel grew up as the son of a Mennonite minister and farmer. By high school, he was helping manage his father’s five farms, an experience that instilled in him a strong work ethic and a lifelong commitment to service.  

His life’s work, however, began not on the farm but in a small nursing home owned by his father. 

There, Schlegel developed a deep appreciation for the well-being and unique needs of older adults. The experience would shape the course of his life, informing his work as a researcher, entrepreneur, advocate and philanthropist. 

While still a graduate student, he purchased his first nursing home, laying the foundation for what would become Schlegel Villages, a network of retirement and long-term care communities recognized for its resident-centred approach to care. 

Schlegel earned a PhD in social psychology from Ohio State University, where he studied how environments influence human behaviour. His research explored issues ranging from addiction to aging and informed an approach that combined scientific inquiry with practical innovation, a hallmark of his career for decades to come. 

Before becoming a leader in seniors’ care, Schlegel spent more than two decades in academia. He taught at the University of Windsor from 1968 to 1972 before joining the University of Waterloo, where he played a key role in developing the Department of Health Studies and Gerontology and pioneering the scientific study of aging in Canada. 

In 2005, Schlegel and his family made a philanthropic gift to create the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging, dedicated to improving the quality of life and care of older adults through discovery and education. Over the years, the institute forged strong partnerships with researchers at McMaster University and St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton through the Research Institute based at St. Joseph’s Health System, laying the foundation for transformative investments in aging and mental health research. 

Investing in discovery and health

A visionary entrepreneur, Schlegel built a diverse portfolio of businesses through RBJ Schlegel Holdings Inc. Among them was Schlegel Villages, which emphasized quality of life and purpose for older adult residents, while providing hands-on learning opportunities for students in health and medical disciplines. Alongside Homewood Health, where psychiatry learners gained real-world clinical experience, Schlegel Poultry Compost and Schlegel Urban Developments, these ventures reflected his conviction that business success and social impact could, and indeed should, go hand in hand. 

While Schlegel transformed seniors’ and mental health care through his organizations, he was equally committed to advancing research and care through philanthropy. He contributed more than $4.8 million to support researchers at McMaster University and St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton through its Research Institute, helping advance groundbreaking work in aging, mental health, addiction and trauma. 

In 2014, he established the Schlegel Chair in Clinical Epidemiology and Aging, dedicated to improving the health, care and quality of life of older adults. The chair is currently held by associate professor Aaron Jones. 

Through a partnership with McMaster, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and the Research Institute, Schlegel also helped establish the Homewood Chair in Mental Health and Trauma in 2017, currently held by Margaret McKinnon, followed by the Homewood Research Chair in Women’s Mental Health and Depression in 2024, currently held by Benicio Frey. Through the Homewood Research Institute, Schlegel also supported the work of James MacKillop, holder of the Peter Boris Chair in Addictions Research.  

His philanthropic investments have enabled researchers to improve care for older adults, advance mental health treatments and deepen understanding of trauma and recovery, creating benefits for patients and families across Canada and around the world. 

A legacy that lives on

Through the institutions he built, the innovation he championed and the people he inspired, Schlegel helped redefine what it means to care for others. 

His contributions earned numerous accolades, including honorary doctorates from McMaster, Waterloo and Western universities, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the King Charles III Coronation Medal and an appointment to the Order of Canada. 

Schlegel was predeceased by his wife, Barbara. He is survived by his sons, Rob, Brad and Jamie, and by a legacy of service and compassion that will continue to shape lives for generations to come. 

The McMaster University, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and Research Institute communities join family, friends and colleagues in remembering Ron Schlegel and honouring his remarkable life and enduring contributions. 

Flags will be lowered at McMaster on October 2 in his memory. 

Leaders at McMaster University, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and the Research Institute reflect on the legacy of Ron Schlegel:

Susan Tighe, President and Vice-Chancellor, McMaster University 

“Ron Schlegel showed what is possible when entrepreneurial success is paired with a deep commitment to the public good. His support for health research and education has strengthened institutions, advanced discovery and improved countless lives. Ron’s contributions will continue to be felt across McMaster and in communities far beyond our campus.”  

Nancy Baxter, Vice-President, Faculty of Health Sciences and Dean, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine  

“Ron Schlegel understood that meaningful progress requires both bold ideas and sustained investment. Through his support, researchers have been able to pursue solutions to some of society’s most pressing health challenges, creating benefits that will extend well into the future.” 

Lehana Thabane, Vice President of Research, St Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton Scientific Director of the Research Institute based at St Joseph’s Health System 
Professor, Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University 

“Ron Schlegel’s deep commitment to advancing research and improving mental health care has created a lasting impact at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and the Research Institute. His contributions have fueled critical research that has advanced treatment and improved patient care. Thanks to Ron’s generosity, our researchers can continue to accelerate discoveries that will benefit patients, families and communities for years to come.”    

Karin Neufeld, Department Chair, Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University  
Psychiatrist, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton  

“Ron recognized that mental health is fundamental to overall well-being. His support enabled researchers and clinicians to deepen our understanding of trauma, resilience and recovery, helping us move closer to better care for patients and families. His commitment to this work will continue to shape the field for years to come.”  

Benicio Frey, Homewood Research Chair in Women’s Mental Health and Depression
Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University
Director, Centre for Clinical Neurosciences, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and McMaster University 

“What stands out most about Ron Schlegel was his desire to create opportunity for others. His support of women’s mental health research has given us the ability to pursue questions that matter deeply to patients and their families.We will miss his encouragement and leadership, but we will continue working toward the future he envisioned.” 

Aaron Jones, Schlegel Chair in Clinical Epidemiology and Aging
Associate Professor, Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University
Member, Centre for Integrated Care, St. Joseph’s Health System 

“Ron dedicated his life to challenging us to think differently about aging and the care of older adults. He believed that every senior deserves dignity and exceptional care. As someone privileged to hold a chair that bears his name, I see every day how his commitment continues to inspire research aimed at improving the lives of older adults and their families.” 

Margaret McKinnon, Homewood Research Chair in Mental Health and Trauma
Professor and Associate Chair, Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University
Research Lead, Mental Health and Addictions, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton 

“Ron understood that the effects of trauma extend beyond individuals to families, workplaces and entire communities. His support helped build capacity for research that informs how we respond to some of the most challenging experiences people can face. We mourn his passing while celebrating a legacy that continues to bring hope and healing to others.” 

James MacKillop, Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University
Director, Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton 
Peter Boris Chair in Addictions Research  

“I feel incredibly fortunate to have benefited from Ron’s support and encouragement over the years. He believed deeply in the power of research to make a difference and was unwavering in his commitment to bringing together people with diverse expertise to tackle important challenges. His influence will continue to shape our work for generations to come.”