Dear Elke, Natalie, Derek, Cindy, and Families: We were so very saddened to learn of RJ's passing and just want you all to know how much we loved him and will always cherish the time we spent together at the racetrack. In 1988 when we moved to Alberta we were blessed with his friendship, knowledge, and guidance. We forever think of him in our many racing situations. We particularly loved his sense of humour, his big robust voice and laugh, and his crazy antics. Never a dull moment when we were around him. We'd like to thank all of you for the numerous times you had us over to your home for pheasant dinners after the big hunting trips. You are all very dear to us after all these years apart and we still think of you so often. Take care and be strong, peace and love from both of us always.

Elke, my condolences to you and your family, I was sad to hear of Ron’s passing. Ron was one of the first people from the “Resch side” that I met when Darren and I started dating. At family gatherings Ron was always so welcoming with his funny stories and warm demeanor, I was always thankful to see him there. He was genuine in celebrating our marriage, and a ton of fun at the wedding party!

Ron will always be in our hearts, as will you, Elke, and your family. Much love, Leah Resch

I send deep sympathy and condolences to you, Elke, and all of the Brock family. I have known your family since 1957 because I was a classmate and team mate of Valerie's (volleyball, basketball and track) at Branton Junior High and Crescent Heights High School so we heard a lot about you, Ron and his activities! I was so sad to learn of Valerie's passing as well. She was a terrific athletic and friend--great at a different kind of racing!!! I do hope that all of you will find great comfort in your wonderful memories of times with family and friends. Be well and strong! Stay in the game! Fran Van Sant Cormack (CHHS '60)

Ronnie, Ronnie….after all the exciting times with you and Elke over the years, it is still hard to realize that you grew up with my cousin, Dale, and spent so much time at my Grandma’s house! And that we most likely played a little hockey with you as well, not knowing that Jen and Derek would bring us together much later in life!

You were always so much fun to be around, whether watching the many Derby’s (where you always knew the winning horses and jockeys) or enjoying you work your magic around the BBQ . A highlight was introducing us to Cabo San Lucas…the beach, the pools and the (Elke-inspired) Corner Bar, and out to Rosie’s for many, many tacos. The premier event was the making of your signature salsa…with me as your sous-chef! So delicious…so fun!

Thank you for being such a great father to our son-in-law, Derek, and a great father-in-law to our daughter, Jen.

Rest easy my friend.

Collin Heath

Hey Ron, my friend, I miss your smile and your smirk!

So many fun times! Ron was an awesome food critic! No one was a better judge of Nola’s cookies! His favorite… our double chocolate oatmeal! And no one was better at cooking on the barbeque! The meat was always perfect, he made certain by testing the first (and the last) to make sure! However, a sommelier Ron was not! Like Collin and I and Elke, he preferred the cheap stuff!

Remembering back to 2000, Jen and Derek’s first chili cook off at their Citadel abode … 12 Chili’s to test! Ron kept us all in the judging mode ‘cleansing our palettes’ with a squirt of tequila from his water pistol. This helped keep the stomach pain in remission.

And of course there was no one more fun and more knowledgeable to watch the Kentucky Derby with than RON! If you were betting to win … you just picked the horses he did.

Ron, a gambler at heart, loved to win so I was a great person for him to play cards with … because lucky at cards I am not! One time recently when Collin and I were playing with Ron and Elke, I won … not sure it was a smart thing to do … he reminded me and relayed the win to everyone around us for days after. I loved it!

The pizza nights, pasta making, wine testing, dancing, all around the Heath lodge kitchen and forno oven with Ron and Elke and the kids were so much fun! Ron and his cigar always had us laughing! He said the best pizza in Calgary was made at the lodge. No doubt the pizzas were delicious but it was the company that made it amazing.

Ron, your laugh was magnetic! It will be missed! Hugs to all the Brocks as they continue to always remember their Grampa, Dad, Husband and Friend!

Much love,

Michelle

A long time friend. His passing is sad. Condolences to the Ella and family.

Derrill and Marion Barrett Certainly sorry to hear about Ronnies passing. We had great times over the years and will miss his wit and sense of homour., Hope the family is doing well ,

Although we truly feel a sense of sadness, we also feel a glimmer of relief and calm acceptance while remembering the many past years of companionship with the Brock Family.

We enjoyed many social outings together. They consisted of weekends in Invermere, trips to Banff, Post Hotel and special times spent on the beaches of San Jose del Cabo and in the Arizona sun. Other favourite occasions were when Ron and Elke served up their specialty of ribs, sauerkraut and mashed potatoes.

Our boys were in awe of Ron. His hearty laugh, the unlit cigar and his big personality, all trademarks! Simply put, they liked him and enjoyed the banter! His passing is like the end of an era for us all. Yes! He was a “legend in his own mind” and in the minds of many others as well.

Ron’s attributes were many but his real-life success was being a loving husband to Elke, a father invested in his children’s well being and a champion grandfather.

Our sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to each and everyone of you.

That endearing, one-of-a-kind personality and iconic cigar will be missed. I once found myself on a flight from Calgary to LA with Ron, sitting in the row directly in front of him. We chatted through a crack in the seat the whole way and when we landed he exclaimed "survived another one!" to his seat mate and practically the whole plane. To this day, I think of that whenever I touch down anywhere. I also fondly recall a Spanish lesson he gave me in Cabo—which was to simply add the letter "o" to the end of any English word. (Example at the time being "bean" which became "beano"...or "beanos.") He was kidding of course, but we all jokingly made that logic work for the rest of the trip. I was also envious of his ability to cultivate what could only be called the best suntan known to man. All memories associated with the Brock family are great ones; Ron being central in each. I am lucky to have known him! My sincere condolences to Elke, Natalie, Cindy, Derek and their extended families.

Sincere condolences to all the family,RJ had a larger than life personality and smile you couldn’t resist people just liked to be around him he’ll be missed by many

Elke and family,

Extending sincere condolences to the Brock family at this incredibly sad time.

Nancy and Don McGregor

Condolences to Elke, Natalie, Cindy, Derek and families on your great loss.

Elle, sorry to hear about your loss. A great picture of Ron, it reminds me of his outgoing positive attitude. He was a fun guy to be around. Larry & Jan Arbour

Ellie, so very sorry to hear of Ron’s passing, sincere sympathy to you and your family.

Len & Kay

Sincerest condolences to Ronnie's family...he was a great guy and though it's many years since I worked for him, I won't forget my days at the track here in Alberta and in Phoenix....

Sincere condolences from the Leavitt family.

Elke I am so sorry to hear of Ron's passing. My sincere condolences to you and your family.

Doris Magnusson

Elkie & Family:

On behalf of the entire Sosick family we extend our sincere condolences. Ronnie will be missed.

Cindy, your Dad personified everything that we think of when imagining a ‘legend’. I’m so sorry for your loss and send my warmest condolences to you and Carson and your family. Wishing you peace and happy memories.

To Cindy and family - my sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved father. May your treasured memories of your dad sustain you in this sad time. It is so hard to lose such a cherished loved one - sending you hugs and heartfelt thoughts from afar. Your Aussie friend and teaching colleague, Larraine Biggs

Deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of RJ. Ron was a wonderful guy, always smiling, laughing and joking. Almost always while holding his trademark cigar. His big booming voice and his big laugh were always heard in the barn during training hours in the morning. We had a lot of laughs with Ron and spent a lot of time at the race track, where he was very well-known, accomplished and a Great horse trainer. He will be missed by all of those he knew, guys like him don’t come around that often.