Yewchuk, Ronald
September 28, 1948 – July 17, 2016
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ronald James Yewchuk on Sunday, July 17, 2016 at the age of 67. Born in Brooks, Alberta on September 28, 1948, Ron was the second of Steve and Mary Yewchuk’s four children. Ronnie’s younger years were spent on the family farm east of Patricia in the small hamlet, Imperial Colony. A strong athlete, Ron will be remembered for his love of sports excelling at everything from football to baseball.
Ron’s first job in town was with Fowler’s Men’s Wear where he met “his” Shirley who was working as a nurse with the Brooks Health Center. They were married May 11, 1974 in Coronach, Saskatchewan. Shortly after their marriage, Ron took a position with PanCanadian, a company he was proud to work for, as a field operator and later a foreman. Ron and Shirley built a life together in Brooks raising two girls, Laurel and Carla. After retiring from PanCanadian, Ron took a position with Newalta as a sales manager. Most recently, Ron ran for and won a seat on Brooks City Council. Working as a councillor for the improvement of his hometown was a position he undertook with great pride and responsibility. Ron was, to his last day, a tireless volunteer, advocate, and proud citizen of Brooks. He volunteered on numerous boards including the Urban Planning Commission, the Recreation Board, Communities in Bloom, and was a proud member of the Brooks Oilmen’s Association. Always generous, Ron donated to many causes but was particularly fond of the Brooks Golf Course, the Brooks Campus of Medicine Hat College and the Brooks Relay for Life. He truly loved and cared for every person he met, sincerely inquiring about their families and their lives. He loved to travel, was an avid golfer and gardener. Ron is survived by his adoring daughters Laurel (Sean) of Brooks, Carla (Andrew) of Toronto and his four beloved grandsons, Patrick, Andrew, Aldara and Edward. He is also survived by his brothers Robert (Donna), Myles (Nancy), his sister Kathy Rodwell (Wayne) and many nieces and nephews. Ron was predeceased by his wife Shirley, his mother Mary and his father Steve. The family wishes to thank the Brooks Health Center for the excellent care Ron received. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 22nd at 11:00 AM from the Heritage Inn and Suites, Brooks. In memory of Ron, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to the Brooks and District Health Foundation, Bag 300, Brooks, Alberta T1R 1B3.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to:
SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM, BROOKS, ALBERTA
Condolences may be forwarded through www.sfh.ca
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