Ronald JOSS

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JOSS: Ronald William. It is with profound sadness that the family announces the passing of their father, grandfather, brother and uncle, Ron Joss. Ron passed away January 10th, 2017 in Bienfait, SK, the little town he’d called home for the last 14 years. Ron was born on September 6th, 1954 in Wetaskiwin, Alberta only minutes before his twin brother, Russ. The family relocated to Brandon (his Mom’s hometown) when he was 2 years old. He spent all his formative years and most of his adult life in Brandon. Ron attended Alexandra Elementary, Earl Oxford, Neelin and Vincent Massey schools. Ron may not have excelled in the 3 R’s, but what he lacked in classroom smarts, he more than made up for with his natural mechanical talent and his hard work ethic. Ron was a mischeivious youngster with blue eyes, blonde curly hair and a freckled face who was aptly nicknamed Fuddy Duddy by his Auntie Allie. He loved to go down to the river and fish. Once he brought back several live catfish which he insisted on keeping in his Mom’s laundry tub. During his youth Ron excelled at swimming and spent many a summer day at the Kiwanis Pool. Ron was always curious about how things worked. When he and Russ were given new bikes, Ron had his taken apart before the day was over much to the displeasure of his parents. But, not to worry; he put it back together perfectly…. no parts left over. His first job was delivering papers for the Brandon Sun. While still in high school, Ron started working for Bee-Clean doing janitorial work in the evenings and on weekends. Later, he purchased some equipment and did part-time janitorial work on his own to supplement his income. In his younger days he loved to watch wrestling on TV with his Dad and the family joke was that the two of them became so animated that no one would sit near them for fear of accidentally getting hit. Ron always loved a good joke ….. the problem was that when he tried to re-tell it, he’d more often than not mess up the punch line.He met Helen Wasilka and they were wed in Oakburn in 1975. Four daughters were born into this marriage: Jaclyn, Kimberley, Lori and Brittney. Those little girls were the apple of his eye and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them. Ron spent most of his career in Brandon working as a shipper/ receiver for Westburne Amesco, an electrical supply company. In 1998 he left their employ and went to work for Gescan, another distributor of electrical products, first in Brandon, then Saskatoon and Estevan. In 2014, Ron’s career came full circle when he went back to work for Westburne. As a shipper/receiver, Ron expected things to be done in a certain way and definitely promptly. He took great pride in providing excellent customer service and went above and beyond to ensure supplies were delivered in a timely manner, often after hours on his own time. Ron was a licensed softball umpire and spent countless hours on softball diamonds throughout southwestern Manitoba and southern Saskatchewan. It was a pastime that he was particularly passionate about. Anyone who knew Ron, knew he was always ready to lend a hand to help others and willing to give tirelessly of his time. He never did things with mediocrity. Rather, he’d just jump in with both feet. This was especially evident when Kim and Brittney took up Ukrainian dancing with the Troyanda Dance School. Although he was not of Ukrainian descent, Ron immersed himself wholeheartedly and could tell anyone who’d listen about the different costumes the girls wore, the ethnic regions the costumes represented and the stories behind the dances. He was heavily involved in the Troyanda Dance School executive and served as president for a term. He organized competitions, secured sponsorship, ordered trophies and helped organize fundraising projects for the club. He was also a long time committee member of Brandon’s Santa Claus Parade. The next time you see the Town Crier at the front of that parade, think of Ron -- that was his brainchild. Even after leaving Brandon, Ron drove back every year to help out with the Summer Fair Parade. In his adopted hometown of Bienfait, he joined the Royal Canadian Legion and became wholeheartedly involved with the town’s recreation commission, especially helping organize Canada Day celebrations. Ron was predeceased by his mother Rose (Randall); fathers Peter Gorzen and Leith Joss; and, adopted sister Donna. He is survived by: daughters Jaclyn, Kim (Myles), Lori (Kyle), Brittney and their mother, Helen; sisters Barb & Patty; brothers Norm (Violet) and Russ; 3 grandchildren (Logan, Anneliese, Sophie); several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews; and adopted sister, Robin. In accordance with Ron’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A private family service will be held at a later date. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Ashley Neufeld Softball Complex, PO Box 50011, Brandon, MB R7A 7E4 or to Westman Dreams for Kids, Unit 4-940 Princess Avenue, Brandon, MB R7A 0P6. Don't think of him as gone awayHis journey's just begun,Life holds so many facetsThis earth is only one.Just think of him as restingFrom the sorrow and the tearsIn a place of warmth and comfortWhere there are no days and years.And think of him as livingIn the hearts of those he touched . . .For nothing loved is ever lostAnd he was loved so much.

As published in Brandon Sun on Feb 04, 2017