Ron Baumber, beloved taxi driver & musician passes away with complications due to COVID-19
photo credit ronbaumber.ca
Long-time Mississauga taxi driver Ron Baumber (pronounced Bomber) passed away of complications from COVID-19 on May 19. He was 71.
He will be remembered for his dedicated service to those with disabilities and senior citizens, and his advocacy for their rights at city hall. One industry member recalled how he put in 12 or 13-hour days, and was still willing to, “get up at 2 or 3 in the morning to take (his customers) to hospital” if required.
“He devoted his taxi driving to helping the handicapped,” says industry friend Mark Sexsmith. “He was very, very accommodating to people that needed help.”
“He was handicapped himself with ongoing asthma.”
The father of three drove for several different brokerages, before receiving a plate later in his career.
A Regina native, Baumber also had a notable career as a Canadian singer/songwriter, manager, and producer dating back to his 1976 debut “China Doll” (now considered a collector’s item). During the ‘70’s and ‘80’s he worked with such name artists as Eddie Schwartz, Sylvia Tyson, Christopher Ward, Helix, and Ronnie Spector, (of Ronettes’ fame). His web site address is ronbaumber.ca, and his most release My Arctic Heart is available via all of the major streaming services.
A virtual memorial service for Ron Baumber will be held at a later date; if the link is made available to share, Road Warrior News will publish it.
