Ronald Abraham H. Epp, head stage carpenter for the Shaw Festival, died January 10, 2005 from complications of an infection. He was 42.

Mr. Epp taught stage rigging at Sherdan College, Ryerson Polytechnic University, Memorial University, and Fanshawe College. He also conducted seminars throughout Canada for IATSE locals and other organizations. He had been a part of the Shaw Festival since 1988, when he joined as a special FX flyman for Peter Pan.

Mr. Epp was a long-time member and supporter of both USITT and CITT. His colleagues from IATSE Local 461 held an evening of remembrance and a celebration of his life on Saturday, February 5 at Niagara on the Lake, Ontario, Canada.

The Shaw Festival's Artistic Director Jackie Maxwell noted, "Like all members of the Shaw's family, Ron was a passionate professional whose technical expertise will be greatly missed."

Paul Court of Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning said, "Ron was a big man in all senses; he was full of enthusiasm, generosity, and laughter. I cannot remember boredom taking hold of any room that he inhabited. He actually made safety sound like fun and could impart a tremendous amount of information while we were simply enjoying his company."

Mr. Epp was co-chair of the Advisory Committee to the Ministry of Labour Live Performance Guidelines, and was an enthusiastic member of the Shaw's Joint Health & Safety Committee.

Survivors include his father, Abram Epp of Leamington, Ontario; three sisters, Eleanore Sich, Mary-Anne Wellwood, and Kathy Epp; two brothers, Richard and James Epp; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was predeceased by his mother, Hilda, and two brothers, Garry and Dennis Epp.

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