Ron was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan and lived on the farm near Birch Hills until moving to BC in 1956. He worked in heavy construction all his life, mostly construction of BC Hydro dams. He also worked on many pipelines and road building projects and spent 3 years working in Papau, New Guinea setting up two gold mines. Through his career, Ron held many positions from Heavy Equipment Operator to Site Superintendent. He made many lifelong friends working in construction and anyone who worked with him held him in high regard. Ron retired after a long and successful career at the age of 75.
Ron was an avid golfer and took his golf clubs with him for all his travels. His golfing accomplishments included two holes in one with one being during a round with his grandsons – Danny and Frankie!
Family was Ron’s strongest value. Even though separated by distance to many of his siblings and children, he always kept in close contact.
Ron lived life to the fullest and loved any opportunity for a party or celebration. He especially loved it when there was music and dancing. He will always be remembered for his love of country music, in particular, Johnny Cash, George Jones, and other classic country musicians.
Ron left this world peacefully on his terms after a very short battle with cancer surrounded by his loving family. He was predeceased by his wife Karen; parents Norman and Jane; brother Jerry; grandson Frankie; and, brothers-in-law Charlie and Les. He will be lovingly remembered by daughters Cindy (Rick) and Rhonda (Oly); sons Darryl and Sam (Charlene); sisters Lorraine and Patricia; brothers Sam (Marj) and Clive (Aline); sister-in-law Delores; and, stepchildren Eldon (Shelly), Stacey (Pete), and Kim (Mike).
Ron treasured his grandchildren and great grandchildren, they brought him so much joy - Laura, Danny, Frankie, Ronnie, and Charlie; great grandchildren Ryan, Payten, Ryder, Everly, Andi and Olivia; and, step-grandchildren Matthew, Niki, Aaron, Heather, Courtney, Karin, Taylor, Chase, Scott, D.J., Logan, Dawson, Caitlyn, Conlan, and Reid. Additionally, he had very close relationships with his cousins, nieces and nephews, and childhood friend, Bill Shore.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring. We wish to send our heartfelt thanks to all the doctors and nurses who cared for Ron in Kelowna General Hospital and the staff at the Kelowna Hospice House. A special thank you to Joanne Murphy for always being there for him and to Corinne Crockett for bringing peace to Ron in his last days.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com
Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299
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