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RONALD WAYNE LANCASTER
Born: Sep 08, 1946
Date of Passing: Jul 05, 2014
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryRONALD WAYNE LANCASTER Almost 75 years to the day after Lou Gehrig's famous speech, on a hot, humid Saturday July 5, 2014, his favourite kind of day, Ronald Wayne Lancaster, devoted husband, father, grandfather, golfer and friend to all, lost his battle to ALS, the disease forever linked to the Yankees' Iron Horse. Gehrig famously said: "Today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth I might have been given a bad break, but I've got an awful lot to live for." Fittingly, it was with that very attitude that Ron often looked back fondly on the amazing life that he was fortunate enough to live. Ron was born September 8, 1946, son of William and Phyllis Lancaster, into a middle-class family in Winnipeg's then-new suburb of St. Vital. Ron had a great childhood, growing up with his older brother Gord and numerous neighborhood friends. The family spent their summers at Nutimik Lake, often with Aunts Jean and Nora and Ron loved to water-ski, be outdoors and participate in every sport possible. As a teenager, Ron met the first love of his life: Golf! His dad bought him a junior membership at the Winnipeg Canoe Club, where he would spend every available minute. If he did not have a game, he would be on the practice green or in the bush looking for others' lost balls. He had a natural talent, but also honed that talent with hours of practice. It wasn't long before he had a scratch handicap and participated in and won various tournaments. He was club champion at the Canoe Club several times and still holds the course record. His proudest golf accomplishment was earning a spot and competing for Manitoba at the 1980 Willingdon Cup tournament in Halifax, NS. After graduating from Glenlawn Collegiate, Ron worked at various jobs, always preferring those that afforded him weekends off and allowed him to sneak away early on nice afternoons in the summer or to hold client meetings on the course. Some of his favorite jobs were with Temro Industries, Golden West Broadcasting and West Can Telecommunications, making numerous life-long friends at each stop along the way. Ron also made many great friendships and memories at The Wildewood Club, Southwood Golf and Country Club and Transcona Golf Club. But, it was back at the Canoe Club, at a dance, that Ron met the greatest love of his life, his future wife Ann. Fittingly, when he finally summoned the courage, it was also at the Canoe Club where he proposed marriage. Ron and Ann settled in St. Vital and had one son, Scott, to whom Ron was an ideal father. They spent countless hours playing catch in the yard, watching and debating various sporting events and when Scott started playing sports, Ron never missed a game. The home that Ron and Ann created was so loving that, as Scott grew up, it quickly became the local hangout for all of Scott's friends. During Scott's university years, many of his friends would stop by to have a rum with Ron, even if Scott was not home. As he did with everyone he came into contact with, Ron formed many lasting bonds and it was one of Scott's friends who nicknamed him the Rondog, a name that stuck with him for many years and continues to this day. Everyone was drawn to Ron because of his sense of humour, huge heart, infectious laugh and constant positivity. Upon learning of his passing, a friend noted that if you did not like Rondog, you did not like people. Ron and Ann were fortunate to have spent many wonderful years together after they both retired including an amazing Mediterranean cruise just two years ago, where they celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary, not-surprisingly with new friends that Ron had made on the ship. Ron was thrilled when Scott married Jennifer and he was absolutely in love with his two grandsons, Mason and Blake Ronald (not to mention his beloved grand-dogs, Ozzie and Bettis). The whole family was fortunate to have spent three weeks together in Maui this past winter, where Ron and Ann toured the island by helicopter and Ron joined Scott as he played a round of golf at Kapalua. Right up to the end, Ron cherished his visits with family. His young grandsons were always very excited to see their Grandpa Rondog. Ron was predeceased by his parents, Bill and Phyllis and survived by Ann, his wife of 42 years, his son Scott and daughter-in-law Jennifer, his two grandsons Mason and Blake Ronald, his Aunt Jean, brother Gord (and wife Gabe), Ann's siblings Joan Cheyne (and husband John) and Ronald Flook, his six cherished nieces and their families, and many, many friends far too numerous to list. Ron's family would like to extend a special thank you to Ron's best friend Bob Foskett, Ann's brother Ron Flook, the ALS Society of Manitoba and in particular Diana Rasmussen, and occupational therapist Carol, all of whom provided so much needed assistance and support in Ron's difficult last days. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Ron's memory to the ALS Society of Manitoba, 493 Madison St., Winnipeg, MB, R3J 1J2 to be used both to fund research and to assist those living with ALS in Manitoba. In accordance with Ron's wishes, there will be no funeral, but you are all encouraged to toast his life and honour his memory as you see fit. Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca Glen Lawn Funeral Home 204-982-7550
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 12, 2014
Condolences & Memories (18 entries)
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Ron was a charming man, always smiling and a wonderful person to have known. We know he will be a great loss to your family. We are so sorry that he was taken away from you so soon. Joy and John Knudson - Posted by: Joy and John Knudson (Friend) on: Jul 19, 2014
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I am so sorry for your loss. Uncle Ron was an amazing man. He had such an infectious laugh and an ever present smile. Our prayers are with you and Scott and his family. - Posted by: Tammy and Mike Mestdagh ((second cousin to Anne)) on: Jul 16, 2014
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Dear Ann, I was so sorry too learn about Ron's diagnosis and death. The obit was beautifully written; what a tribute. He was a prince of a guy. I will be thinking of you and Scott as you navigate through the next months. Fondly, Nancy Flintoft - Posted by: Nancy Flintoft (Friend) on: Jul 15, 2014
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So very sorry for your loss Ann and Scott, thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. Sounds like Ron had a wonderful life and lived every moment with love and happiness. - Posted by: Christine Stevens (friend of Ann Lancaster) on: Jul 14, 2014
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I first met Ron when I joined the Badminton Club in the late 60s when I first came to Canada. I remember him giving my sister and me rides home in the winter when the inside windows would be frozen and Ron would be driving and scraping the windshield at the same time. He always had a smile and a twinkle in his eye. Unfortunately, we lost touch over the years. My condolences to his family. Ron will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Renee Falco (Friend) on: Jul 14, 2014
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Really saddened to hear about Ron passing. The passage describes him to a "Tee". He will be missed by many of his good "WAGAN Group" golfing Buddies at the Old and New Southwood G&CC. Cheers! - Posted by: WAGAN Group (Golfing Friends) on: Jul 14, 2014
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Dear Ann-I was so sorry to hear about Ron. I always enjoyed his sense of humor and outlook on life. (He really did enjoy his time on this earth). I will be thinking of you and Scott - May peace be with you. - Posted by: Vicki Martin. (Friend ) on: Jul 13, 2014
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We only had the pleasure of meeting Ron on two occassions, first on our visit to Winnipeg and then on the visit to our home by Ron, Ann, John & Joan. Even though our meetings were only very short he quickly became a true part of our extended family and will be sorely missed by everyone. - Posted by: Robert & Flook (Uncle & Aunt in the UK) on: Jul 13, 2014
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It was a privilege to have known Ron. - Posted by: Nancy Goodland and Sweet P (friend) on: Jul 13, 2014
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Our dearest sympathy during your time of loss. We know what you are going through. We never realized that your father's illness was so advanced. God bless... - Posted by: The Divorne Family () on: Jul 13, 2014
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My deepest sympathies. Surely there is a bright new star in the heavens now. - Posted by: Sandy Loptson (Friend of Scott and Jenn) on: Jul 13, 2014
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Scott, Jennifer, Ann and the kids, We are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of your father, grandpa, husband, Ron. Although we never met him, we did have the pleasure of meeting Scott and Jennifer in Maui two and a half years ago. Scott, you spoke fondly of your dad, to me, a virtual stranger at the time. That said a lot to me about your fathers character and the love and admiration you had for him. We still have great memories visiting with you and your little family during that vacation. We hope we can meet up once again and introduce our littlest ones to one another. Thank you for continuing to keep on touch over the years. Take care and know we are thinking of you. Sincerely, Megan, Steve, Zoë and Baby Ewan - Posted by: Steve and Megan Cowling (and Zoë and Ewan) (Friends with Scott and Jennifer and the kids) on: Jul 13, 2014
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So sorry to hear of Lanky's passing.While I had not seen Ron for a few years he will always be remembered by us "younger guys" from Wildewood as somone we wanted to be like on the golf course but more importantly off the golf course. A genuinely fun, nice, person. A class act all the way. Well done Lanky! - Posted by: Rob Coghlan (Wildewood Golfer) on: Jul 13, 2014
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So sorry to hear of Lanky's passing.While I had not seen Ron for a few years he will always be remembered by us "younger guys" from Wildewood as somone we wanted to be like on the golf course but more importantly off the golf course. A genuinely fun, nice, person. A class act all the way. Well done Lanky! - Posted by: Rob Coghlan (Wildewood Golfer) on: Jul 13, 2014
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Sorry for your loss Ann. - Posted by: Jim Caron (Friend of Ann's brother.) on: Jul 12, 2014
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I was your neighbor on Ashburn Street When your name was FLOOK AND YOU WERE JOKING WITH YOUR MOM AND MY MOM ABOUT LIVING NEXT DOOR TO LANCASTER'S AND YOUR GOING TO BE ONE I always wondered how everyone is and your brother Ron and Joan - Posted by: Joyce Lancaster (neighbor) on: Jul 12, 2014
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You always knew when Ron walked into the office. His laughter was contagious. When Denis, Ron and the "guys" were together and fooling around; you knew something was up. Ron welcomed me and was always there to help me along the way. I'm grateful for having known him. We have a painting his father did which has reminded me over the years. I truly should have known Ron and the "guys" were up to something when they introduced me to the "entertainment" at the Marion Hotel one lunch hour. To say it was educational is speaking kindly but it brought laughter for weeks to come. I know Ron's love of his family was like no other. I hope my words will bring a moment of peace to all those who loved him. Barb - Posted by: Barb Cnockaert (Temro Co-worker) on: Jul 12, 2014
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Although we lost contact for some years, Ron remained a good friend and it was always fun to reconnect. The fivesome of Ron, Bert, Peter Kennedy, George Walker, and Walter Thompson, (whether on the golf course or on the badminton courts), entertained us. They are all gone now. Thanks Ron for being the wonderful person you were. I will miss you. - Posted by: Anne Molinski (Friend) on: Jul 12, 2014
