Ronald SMITH

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SMITH: Ronald George Smith (September 24, 1942 - April 23, 2019). Ron was the second child, born to Norman and Winnie Smith on September 24, 1942 in Hamiota, MB. His family moved to Shilo, MB when his father joined the fire department in 1946. Ron was predeceased by his parents, sister Bev, brother Brian, brother-in-law Len and niece Donna. Ron will be deeply missed by his loving wife Shirley, his children Debbie (Dale), David (Maggie), Chelsea (Rich) and Graham; grandchildren Tara (Tom), Ashley (Tyler), Jessica (Aaron), Sara (Paul), Niki (Scott), Kady, Sloane, Stella, six great-grandchildren, sisters Linda and Barb (Kenzie), brothers Wayne (Gail) and Art (Jackie) and sister-in-law Connie, and many dear nieces and nephews. Ron met his first wife Susan in Churchill. They later resided in Shilo and had two children: Debbie and David. Ron and Shirley shared 31 wonderful years together, raising Chelsea and Graham, teaching together, enjoying retirement, traveling and welcoming grandchildren. Ron’s teaching career started at the age of 19 as the principal of Napinka School. He also taught one year in Churchill and spent the remainder of his career in Shilo, teaching Grade 7 and 8. He coached almost every sport, including basketball, volleyball, hockey, golf, and badminton. He taught Driver’s Education, volunteered for the Snowdrifters Snowmobile Club, and was president of the Shilo chapter of The Manitoba Teachers’ Society. Ron was an entrepreneur from a very young age. His first jobs were delivering telegrams and newspapers. While teaching full time, he also worked as a salesman, golf instructor, realtor and landlord. He was an avid sportsman. He enjoyed hockey, tennis, golfing, curling, sailing, fishing, and snowmobiling. More recently he had much fun playing ping pong in a league he created with friends. Ron golfed regularly as a member of Shilo Golf and Country Club and also enjoyed trying different courses wherever he traveled. He was passionate about fishing and enjoyed the camaraderie of friends and family during annual northern trips. Ron also enjoyed boating and taught almost every child he met to water ski and tube. He especially cherished having his grandchildren as mates, when he captained the boat at his favorite summer retreat, Bower Lake. Ron was a popular man, had an amazing spirit and sense of humor, and was generous, easy going and truly enjoyed being with people. He was thought of as the favorite uncle, teacher and friend and made an incredible impact on his family, school and community. Ron was a real fighter. He found back after having two strokes, cancer and heart issues. Whatever struggle was thrown his way, his positive attitude prevailed. His last condition quickly consumed him, and he passed away peacefully with his family at his side at Brandon Regional Health Centre. A service to celebrate Ron’s life was held at the Imperial Ballroom of the Victoria Inn on April 27, with family friend Kurt Ardron officiating. Interment took place at the Brandon Cemetery. The family is grateful for the caring and compassionate staff of 300, 500, and ICU at BRHC and for the many thoughtful gifts of food and flowers, and for visits, calls and messages during this difficult time. If friends desire, a donation in Ron’s memory can be directed to Brandon University Foundation brandonu.ca/give/donate or by calling 204-727-7374 noting Healthy Living Centre (HLC) on the donation, or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba.

As published in Brandon Sun on May 11, 2019