RONALD PETER MALIS

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RONALD PETER MALIS

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Ronald Peter Malis on September 19, 2023, in Gatineau, Quebec.



He leaves to mourn his passing his beloved wife, Gisèle Duford, of 36 years. Ron also leaves behind five children, Denise Malis (Shaun Lynch) of Boston, USA, Vivian Painter of Gimli, Manitoba, daughter-in-law Susan Malis of Ottawa, Ontario, Maureen Malis (Peter Jungen) of Berlin, Germany, John Malis (Gabrielle) of Gatineau, Quebec and Marilyn Malis (Gord Cunningham) of Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Ron had 10 grandchildren: Mekkin Lynch, Sarah Painter, Stephanie Painter, Emily Malis, Michael Malis, Freya Jungen, Kieran Jungen, Marshall Cunningham, Oliver Cunningham and Elin Cunningham and six great-grandchildren. Surviving Ron as well are sister Elizabeth Omeniuk (Bob) of Selkirk, Manitoba and Gregory Malis (Maryann) of Ottawa, Ontario and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Ron also leaves behind stepchildren, Manon Theriault (Chris Martin), Michel Theriault and step- grandchildren, Alexandria and Samantha Martin. He was predeceased by his father Frank Malis (1975), his mother Anne Malis (2012), brothers, Ernest Malis (2009) and Thomas Malis (2015) and his eldest son Blair Malis (2022).



Ron was born on the Malis family market garden in Narol, Manitoba on May 20, 1933. He graduated from University of Manitoba (civil engineering) in 1954 marrying his first wife Helga Malis and taking his first of many positions with Parks Canada. Ron's career took him and his family to every corner of the country living in Radium Hot Springs, Ottawa, Halifax, Calgary and Winnipeg. His job had him travel to all regions of the nation and he was instrumental in the creation and development of many National Parks and Historic Sites, most notably Fortress Louisburg, Nova Scotia, Nahanni, NWT, Grasslands, Saskatchewan and Dawson City, Yukon. As a Park Engineer, Regional Director and National Director within Parks Canada, Ron was both a leader and a mentor to many people in the Parks system. Ron retired from Parks Canada in 1991 after more than 35 years of service. Ron married Gisèle in 1993 and partnered with her to form HHRM Consultants specializing in Heritage and Human Resources services until fully retiring in 2010.



Throughout his life, Ron loved the outdoors and Canada's wilderness. He and his family spent summers camping, fishing, hiking and winters hunting, cross country skiing and curling. Ron got his private pilot license in the 1970s and owned several planes which he flew on frequent trips around the country. Regardless of where he and his family lived, Ron could bring people together with his sense of humour, infectious laugh and hosting great parties. He always supported his teams - the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, the Winnipeg Jets and Canadian curlers. While his latter years were spent in urban Gatineau his love of the outdoors had him living at Lac Rheaume happily in a home that was set amid the forest and on the water with Gisèle in the seclusion of the calm beauty of the natural world. There, he spent many special times with family and friends, sharing his passions for festivities, gardening, and his long-held love of music, especially The Who. Throughout his life, Ron was always incredibly proud of the achievements of all his children, stepchildren and grandchildren.



A Celebration of Life will be held at the COOPÉRATIVE FUNÉRAIRE DE L'OUTAOUAIS, at 95, Cite-des-Jeunes Bvld, in Gatineau (Hull sector), on Saturday October 21, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive condolences as of 13:30 p.m.



You will be able to watch the ceremony live or in replay via the following link:

https://commemora.tv/en/diffusions

/79985.

In case of technical problems during the live broadcast, a replay will be possible later.

Online condolences: www.cfo.coop

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 07, 2023