Obituary of Ronald Joseph Popein

November 10, 1933 - Yorkton, Saskatchewan

January 9, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

After a very short illness, Ron passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at the Southwood Hospice in Calgary, AB, with family by his side. He was predeceased by his loving wife and life-long partner of 68 years, Walterean (Wally), and children Donald and Laurel.  He is survived by children Gary (Monika) and Tim (Carolyn); grandchildren Andrew, Jennifer, Kimberly, Devon, Cameron, and Jeremy; and his great-grandchildren Kade, Lincoln, and Riley.

Ron was born on November 10, 1933, in Yorkton, SK, to John and Angela Popein, with siblings Lawrence (Joyce), Joyce (Don) Blackburn, Donald, and Edward (Eleanor). Ron met Wally at Sunday School in Yorkton; they were married and moved to Swift Current, where they spent the majority of his life.

Ron had a long career with Safeway, working in the meat department, though he was blessed to have spent more time enjoying his retirement than he did working. He had many passions over his lifetime, from playing and being a referee in the local hockey arenas to participating in bowling leagues, being an active member of the Knights of Columbus, and enjoying and sharing his love of fishing, hunting, puttering in the garden, and the great outdoors with anyone and everyone he could.

After Wally taught Ron to clean a fish, there were many afternoons at the house in Swift Current cleaning fish on the old round table in the backyard. So much laughter was had there, and the tales continued as he continued to clean fish in Alberta, where he spent the last two years of his life with Tim and Carolyn. Ron loved going to the cabin, playing in the outdoors, and soaking in the wood-fired hot tub.

He loved feeding the birds and spent many hours marveling at the different ones coming and going from the bird feeders. Ron would never pass up an opportunity to laugh, and he enjoyed good tales over and over. And meeting new people was a chance to share his stories with more people. He knew many neighbors as he roamed around the streets, chatting with people and creating community.

Ron’s one true love was Wally. They shared 68 wonderful years together, and he was heartbroken when she passed. The love and laughter between the two of them was incredible. There were photos of her all around him, stories shared, and traditions continued with steak and lobster for birthdays and anniversaries. His strength and belief in family and relationships was also incredible, and he shared any chance he had with those he cared for.

A Funeral Service will occur at a later date in Swift Current, SK, where both Ron and Wally will be laid to rest. In memory of Ron, have a chat with a friend, laugh some, pet any critters around, and talk about the weather. Ron would like that. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Ron's family here.

In living memory of Ronald Popein, 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.