Obituary of Ron Heisler

July 5, 1947 – Mildred, Saskatchewan

March 24, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Ron Heisler passed away unexpectedly in Calgary, AB, at the age of 76 years.

Ron was born in Spiritwood, SK, and moved with his parents to Calgary, where he lived since 1950. After graduating from St. Mary’s Boys High School in 1966, he attended Mount Royal College and Carleton University in Ottawa, obtaining his Bachelor of Arts degree.  He later completed a Master of Arts degree in Counselling Psychology from Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA, in 1979.

After starting his career as a Juvenile Probation Officer with the City of Calgary Social Services in 1970, Ron spent the majority of his career, from 1973 until his retirement in 2012, with the Calgary Separate School Division as a Social Worker, School Guidance Counsellor, and Educator. Among Ron’s many professional accomplishments were his work as a founding member of the Canadian Association of School Social Workers and Attendance Counsellors (CASSWAC). He served as its president for eight years and was Conference Chairperson for the First Western Regional Conference of this association.

Outside of his professional life, Ron enjoyed many activities with friends and family. He particularly loved cross-country skiing and hiking in the mountains; travelling to more than 45 countries throughout North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa; researching his family genealogy; and his real passion – cooking. For over fourteen years, Ron ran a Bed and Breakfast out of his home and treated guests to gourmet breakfasts and recommendations of tourist attractions in and around Calgary.

Ron was a generous, caring, and thoughtful person throughout his life. He made his friends his family, and he will be most remembered for his long and supportive friendships, including many he made when he was a young child. Of these, he was predeceased by Barry Brooks (Victoria), Leo Girard (Calgary), and Cheryl Rhodes (Calgary).

In keeping with Ron’s favorite quote, “All that we love deeply becomes part of us” by Helen Keller, he leaves to mourn his passing, many friends who will carry him in their hearts and cherish beautiful memories of times spent together. These include Michael Stuart (Calgary), Margaret and John Larsen (Edmonton), Jim Payne (California), Jac Brown (Australia), Sr. Dorothy Levandosky (Winnipeg), Randy, Lisa, and Katrina Wong (Victoria), Judy Shantz (Calgary), Greg Flatten, and Cathy Siroishka (Canmore).

Ron was predeceased by his mother Helen (nee Weisbeck) and father Victor. He is survived by his niece Jessie (Sam Whittleton), his aunt Theresa Ducie (Saskatoon), and numerous cousins in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Cathedral (219 – 18th Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Parish Hall. Graveside Service to follow at Eden Brook Cemetery.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Ron’s family here.

In living memory of Ron Heisler, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.