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RONALD STEPHEN KONOPADA (RON)
Date of Passing: Feb 24, 2021
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory
RONALD STEPHEN KONOPADA
Ron was an advocate and rescuer of stray animals providing food and shelter to help them survive. He was a lover of nature and all of God's living creatures. Even the back yard sparrows congregated daily to patiently await Ron's arrival knowing they would always be fed. He never let them down.
Ron was a proud union employee working in the oil pipeline industry for many years. He took his job very seriously and always showed up regardless of circumstance. He was also a sports enthusiast and loved hockey (Jets), football (Bombers) and for many years was a referee for the North End Sponge Hockey League. Ron loved the great outdoors and getting away to Bird Lake for a weekend of fishing with his friends. He loved to make his bets with his friends on the various tracks.
Ron's lifelong friends were testament to his loyal character. Even as adults, Sunday was typically a day for the guys to meet in the back shed at Ron's place to watch sports, play cards, eat (BBQ - he was the master), bicker and just hang out. Some of these lifers such as Tony K., Jeff, Myron, Spisch, Steve, Roman and Mike (RIP) were childhood friends and were still in close contact. He will be missed.
Ron was predeceased by his parents, Steve and Trudy, his brother Greg, and his nephew Colin.
He leaves behind to miss his daily presence spouse Valdeen and her immediate family, sister Irene (Chris), sister Ursula, sister-in- law Tracy, niece Kristi (Jazz) and her children, Knowle, Vayda, Quin and Jay, nephew Evan (Natalie) and great-niece Natasha, his two beloved cats and dog Buddy.
A donation to any animal shelter, in lieu of flowers, would be greatly appreciated.
Celebration of his life will follow a posting in the Free Press at a later date, when Covid regulations allow.
Rest in Peace Ronald -
forever in our hearts and never forgotten.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 27, 2021
Condolences & Memories (18 entries)
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Sad to hear about Ron. We grew up together, playing hockey and football. Fond memories - he was a great guy with a cheerful disposition. Rest in Peace Ron. - Posted by: Darrell Majdell (Childhood Friend ) on: Mar 06, 2021
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Valdeen, Tracy and families, Our sincere condolences in the loss of your husband, brother-in-law, uncle and a great friend Ronnie. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Rest In Peace buddy. Until we meet again, Ken Koswin and family - Posted by: Ken Koswin (Long time friend) on: Mar 06, 2021
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Sincere condolences to Valdeen on Ron's sudden passing. Condolences to the rest of the family as well. - Posted by: Ron and Kelly Ann Coughlin (Brother of Valdeen (Spouse)) on: Mar 03, 2021
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Thoughts & Prayers, RIP Ron. Wpg. Hawkeyes. - Posted by: Jamie Kinaschuk (Friend) on: Mar 02, 2021
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Ronnie, the Gentle Giant. We first met playing football for the Nomads in 1977, then with the St.Johns Tigers in 1978. We spent many years freezing our assets (& feet) off reffing Spongee at Strathcona and Old Ex, for 10 to 12 hours a day, no matter what the temperature was. We were experts at debating (arguing), mathematicians (poker and horses) and pretty good botanists as well. Although I have been on an extended road trip (over twenty years), I can remember dozens of events in the back-room like they happened yesterday. Whenever I try to tell anyone about the boys (& girls) from the neighborhood; they just think I have a wildly creative imagination. Well it was real, and I was so lucky to be part of the crew of characters with a lot of character, that called your place a cool place to hang. We always wait too long to do the things we should, like thanking you, and your folks, for allowing us band of brothers to have a safe and friendly place to be the characters we were. Thank you. You were always calm and polite, even when sometimes, no one else was. Your compassion and care for the earth was especially special. Rest in peace, my friend, although not for too long. I am sure you are already mustering up the boys to get the shenanigans started. Say hello to Marty, Jimmy, Mike and the rest of the crew. See you on the other side. My deepest sympathy to Valdeen and all the family. - Posted by: Tommy Finch (Friend) on: Mar 02, 2021
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I worked along side Ronnie on my first pipeline job. He took me right under his wing and took to calling me junior. Each day he would teach me a little German or Ukrainian and we would share stories on drives to work sites. He was a man with a beautiful soul and I had a lot of respect for Ronnie. He will be missed. RIP - Posted by: Mike McManaman (Coworker and friend) on: Mar 01, 2021
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So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. As a friend of his sister Irene, I remember him from his younger days, and many laughs we all shared. - Posted by: Barbara Reid (Family friend) on: Mar 01, 2021
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Our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Ron's family and friends. - Posted by: Rick and Karen Martinson (Friends) on: Mar 01, 2021
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Met Ron when I was 11 at St John's Park playing tackle football, he was on my team he was a foot taller than everyone, we became good friends always said hi when we hooked up, he was a gentle guy a good friend. Rest in peace Ron, till we meet again - Posted by: Eric (Friend ) on: Feb 28, 2021
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Uncle Ron was a wonderful friend to all. Warm and generous. I have many happy memories of the time we shared. Another of the "good ones" gone. My deepest sympathy to Valdeen and all the family. - Posted by: Richard Roskosz (Friend) on: Feb 28, 2021
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Although I have not seen Ron for a long time, he was a good friend and a great guy. He will be missed by many. My deepest condolences to the family. RIP Ron❤️ We’ll see you on the other side.🙏. Your friend...Dale Swereda - Posted by: dale swereda (Friend ) on: Feb 27, 2021
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Ron was a very close friend. Always with a smile on his face and always welcoming. My deepest condolence to Ron’s family. Rest in peace Ryan you’ll be truly missed. - Posted by: Ricardo (Long time friend) on: Feb 27, 2021
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Truly sorry for your loss. Gone way too soon. - Posted by: Sophia Devero (Knew Ron from School many years ago) on: Feb 27, 2021
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Ronald I still can't believe you are gone my friend. I will miss you greatly. I would also like to pass on my deepest condolences to Val and the rest of Ron's family. We all Love and miss you big time Ronald. Rest In Peace my friend - Posted by: Tony Kusiak (Close Friend ) on: Feb 27, 2021
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I remember Ron back in the day as our neighbour on Alfred Ave. He was always the younger one and always wanted to be with the bigger guys. Had a great disposition, and had not seen him for many years. I’m sure he will be sadly missed and his Parents would have been proud. Rest In Peace my friend. Sincerely Tom and Marlene Eschuk. - Posted by: Tom and Marlene Eschuk (Old Neighbours) on: Feb 27, 2021
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Such a great man. Uncle Ron you were so kind, gentle, humble and a pleasure to be around, whether hanging at home or at a birthday party. You brought a warmth with you that allowed people and animals to trust you. I know you are surrounded by the family, and I'm sure you all have been catching up since God took you home. The world is less bright without you here. Love you very much, XO Natasha - Posted by: Natasha (Great Niece) on: Feb 27, 2021
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I am so sorry to hear Ronnie has passed away. My condolences to all the family. - Posted by: Marnie Hocken (friend) on: Feb 27, 2021
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Sincere condolences. Ronnie was one of the good ones. He will be missed. - Posted by: Rodney (Friend and coworker) on: Feb 27, 2021