Obituary of Ron Romanchuk

August 10, 1943 - Lethbridge, Alberta

March 26, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and good friend to many.  Surrounded by his loving family, Ronald “Ron or Ronnie” Romanchuk passed away unexpectedly at the age of 79 years on Sunday, March 26, 2023.

In his early years, Ron attended school in Turin, AB; Burdett, AB; and, Bow Island, AB. As a young adult, he ventured out on his own and accepted a land-surveying job in Northern Alberta, where his appreciation for the outdoors began.

Ron then moved back to the Lethbridge area and started his career that spanned over thirty-five years for various Caterpillar dealerships: Street, Robins & Morrow, R. Angus, and Finning. He retired from the heavy equipment industry in 1999.  After a brief rest, he then began a new, but similar adventure, with Shaw GMC.  For the last chapter of his working career, Ron found a new passion working as security at the Calgary Zoo. He enjoyed interacting with the staff, visitors, and all the exhibit animals; his most favourite being the red pandas.

Papa Ron had a gentle and kind nature, and the numerous dogs and cats that visited his house were always treated with love and respect.  Papa was a helper, always willing to pitch in where he saw a need, whether it be a neighbour, co-worker, friend, or stranger, he was there to lend a helping hand. His wife and children have fond memories of him playing catch with his old mitt, even when it hurt; towing a broken car across two provinces, despite him being on vacation; and bottle feeding four babies at once while patiently minding a busy toddler.

Ron loved the outdoors and was always up for new camping adventures in Southern AB, Southern SK, or B.C.  A few favourite spots with great stories include Duck Lake, Wasa, Cypress Hills/Elkwater, Kokanee Springs, Anglemont in the Shuswap, and Gooseberry. Ron also had many fond memories while spending time with family in SK. He embraced opportunities to visit destinations like the West Coast including Haidi Gwaii, Hawaii, and many states in the USA to visit extended family.  He enjoyed hiking, fishing, golfing, playing pool, darts, curling, water skiing, and a good game of bocce ball. One of his most favourite adventures was when he was given an opportunity to sail through the sky in a glider for his 78th birthday, checking off one of his long-time dreams and desires. 

Family dinners, birthday and holiday celebrations, card games, and board games are some of the favourite memories his family have of him.  He will be deeply missed.

He is survived by the love of his life and best friend of 57+ years, Diane Shirley Romanchuk (nee Moser). He is also survived by his three loving children Darren (Marliese) Romanchuk, Karen (JP) Jepp, and Brenda (Shad) Watts, and his ever precious ten grandchildren – Jacob, William, Steven Romanchuk; Simon, Autumn, Brooke, Calissa, and Dahlia Jepp; Maximus and Lillianna Watts.  He was affectionately known as Papa Ron. 

Ron is also survived by his two brothers Larry (Lillian) Romanchuk, James (Maureen) Romanchuk, sister Wendy Romanchuk (Dave Garner), brother-in-law Daryl Calder, and numerous and cherished nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents Fred and Myrtle Romanchuk (nee Sorgard) and sisters Karolyn Calder (nee Romanchuk) and Darlene Romanchuk. Ron will also be mourned by the extended Moser family. 

Ron valiantly fought Multiple Myeloma for 18 years. Big thank-you’s to Dr. N. Bahlis, Dr. P. Neri, and the extraordinary cancer team for the many years of compassionate and supportive care at the Hematology and Oncology Unit at the University of Calgary Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute and the Tom Baker Cancer Center.

A special thank you to the team at the Foothills Emergency Department and the on-call Hematologist for their dedicated and compassionate care to make Papa comfortable in his last few hours.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Southern Alberta Myeloma Patients Society, PO Box 8165 Station A, Calgary, AB T2H 0H7, https://www.southernalbertamyeloma.ca/donate.

A private family service has been held for Ron in accordance with his wishes. Celebration of Life held at a later date.

Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Ronald Romanchuk, 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.