Obituary of Ronald Horwood

July 17, 1933 - Calgary, Alberta

July 23, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Ronald “Ron” Horwood passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at the age of 91 years.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife, Alison. He married Alison Mae Kempt on March 22, 1958, and his love for her never waivered over their 66 years of marriage. He is survived by his children, Donald Dean Horwood (Lori) of Strathmore, AB, Brenda Lynne Lays (Graham) of Blind Bay, BC, and Kathryn Anne Chu (Kevin) of Port Moody, BC. Ron was a proud grandpa to four grandchildren, Sarah Anderson, Brian Horwood, Elizabeth Wrightson, and Isaac Chu; and a great-grandfather to Juniper and Scotia Wrightson of Victoria, BC.

He is also survived by his half-siblings, Janet (Len) Hendricks, and Maureen Lynes, both of Calgary, AB, and Rob (Jackie) Horwood of Delta, BC. Uncle Ron was a favorite amongst his numerous nieces and nephews.

Ron was predeceased by his mother and stepfather, Audrey and Frank Gale; his father and stepmother, Ernest and Mary Horwood; brother-in-law Jim Lynes, and his half-brother John Horwood.

Ron was born on July 17, 1933, in Calgary, AB, to Audrey Lucy (nee Sambell) and Ernest Henry Horwood. As a lifelong Calgarian, Ron lived in Tuxedo Park, Sunnyside, Haysboro, Coach Hill, and Riverbend. In his youth, Ron and his cousins Don and Gerry Ross grew up as close as brothers. Ron played hockey, track, and soccer while he attended Colonel Walker School and then Crescent Heights High School. He was a hard-working boy, delivering meat for the local butcher at age fourteen and working for the Royal Mail Service unloading boxcars during high school. He worked for CP Rail stoking fires in steam locomotives between Calgary and Field. In 1958, Ron joined Calgary Transit, working there for 35 years. Ron was much loved by both his fellow employees and his passengers during his time as a driver and later as an inspector. He was a proud member of Transit Union Local 583 until his retirement in 1993.

Ron remained fit and active throughout his life, still doing daily exercises until his injury in May 2024. He was an Elder with St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church for 42 years. In retirement, Ron was a valued member of the Heritage Seniors at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, where he enjoyed friendships, fitness, sports, and monthly luncheons. He enjoyed biking, his walking group, skating, and attending gatherings with fellow retirees of ATU Local 583. Ron and Alison participated in the 2003 Alberta Senior Games and the Calgary 55-plus Games, winning medals in carpet bowling and bocce. Alison and Ron travelled extensively in their retirement and enjoyed meeting new friends, connecting with family, and seeing the world. He was an active member of the ‘Rain or Shine’ RV club and enjoyed summer camping throughout western Canada. He enjoyed activities at the clubhouse at DreamView Village Riverbend, including weekly crib games with his neighbours. Ron could always be counted on to step up and volunteer to ensure any group he joined was successful.

Ron will be remembered for his smile, his kindness, and his sense of humor. He always took his time with people, never rushing. His genuine sincerity with people left a lasting impression on those lucky enough to meet him. His greatest joy was his family, and he will be greatly missed. He reminded us to just be the best we could be and to be kind.

Thank you to the Palliative Care physicians at Foothills Hospital and the nurses and staff of Unit 54 at FMC, who provided kind and loving care during the final days of his life. We also thank Rev. Peter Coutts for his support and prayers, and to Rev. Laurie McKay and Mark Rowe of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church for their kindnesses.

Funeral Services will be held at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (703 Heritage Drive S.W., Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Church Hall.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Ron’s name may be made directly to the St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, 703 Heritage Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2V 2W4, Telephone: (403) 255-0001, www.standrewscalgary.ca/give, or to a charity of your choice.

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

In living memory of Ron Horwood, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Heritage, 1708 – 16th Avenue NW, Calgary, AB, T2M 0L7, Telephone: 403-299-0100.