Obituary of Ronald Joseph LEVESQUE

September 7, 1956 – Campbellton, New Brunswick
November 19, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Ronald Levesque of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, November 19, 2020 at the age of 64 years.

Ron was born in Campbellton, NB on September 7, 1956. He grew up in the small town of Saint-Alexis, QC with his father (Adrien), mother (Yvonne), and siblings (Jean-Claude, Claudine, Rejean, Laurent, Josee, Simon). 

Ron accomplished much through his life. From Dec 2, 1978 until June 26, 1979, he served in “C” Company of Les Fusiliers du St-Laurent in Matane, QC (Canadian Army Reserve Unit). Ron left Matane June of 1979 to reunite with his brother (Jean-Claude) in Vernon, BC. Ron enjoyed working the Okanagan Valley orchards before accepting a position at Sprung Structures. It was in 1979, that Ron decided to make Calgary, AB his new home.

Ron was particularly proud of an investment he made in 1981. He and two friends (Robert Poirier and Marc Gendron) purchased custom-built bicycles. In support of Arthritis Research, the trio pedalled from Edmonton to Dawson City (via Anchorage and through the United States). Their journey (12,000km in 18 months) began with just $50 in their pockets.

Ron spent over 20 years (with his partner Donnell) building a home, travelling, and adoring his baby girl Jessie (the family dog). Ron didn’t hesitate to become a father to Jennifer and Ryan. He earned the title of dad and always looked out for his children’s best interest. Ron was a hard worker and incredibly motivated to start his own business. In 1980, he began his 40-year journey as owner/operator of Economy Stucco Repairs Ltd.
 
In 1988, Ron was selected to volunteer at the Calgary Olympics. His role was Transportation-Operations for the Olympic judges. Ron ended up being their unofficial tour guide and took them all to his favorite pizza restaurant (Greco) so they could taste ‘the best pizza in the world’. He was honored to be part of the Olympics and often shared his story of standing in the tower to watch Eddie the Eagle jump.

In 2008, Ron’s life path changed and he decided to relocate to McLeods, New Brunswick. Ron wanted to be closer to his mother Yvonne. He looked forward to spending time with his mother, sister (Josee) and brother-in-law (Malcolm). Josee and Malcolm were incredibly supportive to Ron over the years. They offered him unconditional support and kindness. For this, Ron’s children are forever grateful. When Ron returned to New Brunswick, he was so excited to reconnect with extended family and friends. He became a regular at the Campbellton Legion and spent many hours on the dance floor. Ron enjoyed meeting new people and spoke about his special connection with 3 brothers and their families (Bruce, Rene, Kevin). Ron was happy to receive their calls and appreciated how they supported one another. Above all, Ron valued loyalty. He often shared stories about the special moments made with dear friends. 

In 2014, Ron learned of his Cancer diagnosis. He was a fighter and actively searched for doctors and treatment options while facing 6 different cancers over the next 6 years. He had an amazing attitude about life and an abundance of optimism. Ron’s courage and mindset (in addition to his amazing doctors) helped extend his time with us. A special thank you to Dr. Normand Gervais and nursing staff at the Regional Hospital Du Grand-Portage (Riviere-du-Loup, QC). 

In 2016, Ron made the decision to return to Calgary to be closer to family. Ron and his son Ryan worked closely together to make sure Economy Stucco Repairs remained successful. They were there for one another to offer support, security and stability. Their relationship grew and evolved over the years. They were not just known as son/dad. They had also been roommates, co-workers and close friends.

Ron wasn’t going to let cancer stop him. He had a passion for travel and loved the challenge to meet (or beat) his driving time across Canada. Between (and during) treatments, Ron continued to book vacations and always looked for ways to visit long-time friends Pierre, Diane, Art, Gaetan and Sylvio. It was also during this time that Ron and Claudette began to develop a loving friendship. Although they had 3 provinces between them, the two spent time getting to know one another by phone and meeting up on vacation. The family would like to acknowledge Dr. Cynthia Card for her continued care and support (especially as Ron kept planning his many adventures). 

Jennifer and Ron had a special father-daughter relationship. He was always reminding her “you will always be my little girl”. Ever since they met (she was 9 years old), he called her Jenny. That changed through the teenage years, when they playfully referred to each other as ‘big geek’ and ‘little geek’. Laughing and poking fun at each other was their way. Jennifer and Ron share special memories of travel, mini golf, bowling and park picnics.

Ron was a loving grandfather to Jakob and Nolan. To his grandchildren, he was ‘Papa’. He referred to each grandchild as ‘little buddy’. Over 16 years, Papa made every effort to spend time and celebrate their lives. They will always have incredible memories of fishing, picnics, plane rides and train rides. 

Ron will be most remembered for his passion about his trade (specializing in stucco repairs), excitement to travel (his happy place was on the road) and his curiosity to search (and share) the daily weather reports. Above all, he loved connecting with his family and friends. 

Ron is survived by his daughter Jennifer Howard (Chris, Jakob, Nolan) of Calgary, AB; son Ryan Smith of Calgary, AB; sister Josee Levesque (Malcolm Ward) of Calgary, AB; brother Rejean Levesque of Calgary, AB; brother Simon Levesque of Calgary, AB; niece Melissa Foster (Darren, Madison) of Airdrie, AB; nephew Patrick Levesque (Mylah) of Calgary, AB; nephew Jason Levesque (Alana, Kevin, Stephan, Samual) of Calgary, AB; nephew Matthew Ward of Calgary, AB; niece Sarah Ward-Baken (Neil, Ava) of Calgary, AB; as well as numerous cousins and special friends.

Ron was predeceased by his father Adrien Levesque, mother Yvonne Levesque, brother Laurent Levesque, brother Jean-Claude Levesque, sister Claudine Levesque, and the family dog Jessie Levesque. 

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Ronald’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200 – 325 Manning Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 Telephone: (403) 205-3966, email donorservices@cancer.ab.ca.  

In living memory of Ronald Levesque, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.