Arunas (Ron) Antanaitis
May 23rd 1960 — May 5th 2023 (62 years)
Born May 23, 1960, Arunas passed away peacefully at the age of 62 on Friday May 5th at Margaret’s Place Hospice in Dundas, Ontario. Arunas embarked on his cancer journey with grace, dignity, and a contagiously positive outlook. His last days were filled with prayers and mantras, surrounded by his loved ones. Arunas will be remembered for his compassion, his love of conversation, and his spirituality. His playful demeanour and unwavering desire to help others led to meaningful and lasting friendships around the world.
Arunas grew up in Hamilton, ON, and attended McMaster and Western University. After completing teacher’s college at the University of Ottawa, he taught high school at St. Thomas Moore and Westdale Secondary School. Arunas was a long time volunteer and Director at the Lama Yeshe Ling Buddhist Centre in Burlington. In his retirement, he became an accredited mindfulness facilitator and was a faculty member at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies within the Applied Specialization in Mindfulness Meditation Program.
True to his Lithuanian roots, Arunas fiercely loved the game of basketball, playing varsity basketball at both McMaster and Western University. His love of sport and movement extended to coaching basketball, volunteering to make the local ice rink at Churchill Park, cycling, running, yoga, and dancing to music at his own beat.
Arunas is survived by his wife Sharon, his son Andre (Teresa), his daughter Emily (Bill), and his step-son Derek (Sydney). Brother to Nijole (Robert) and Saul. Beloved Pops to Posey and Ezra.
Arunas’ loving and generous spirit will be celebrated on Saturday, May 27th 2023 at the outdoor Edgewater Pavilion at Confederation Beach Park, 680 Van Wagner’s Beach Road, Hamilton ON L8E 3L8. A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 – 2:00 pm with a music-filled visitation from 2:00 – 4:00 pm.
Messages and memorials may be directed to Arunas’ family by posting on this memorial page. If desired, donations can be made in Arunas’ memory to Lama Yeshe Ling Buddhist Center. https://lamayesheling.org/