YERON (RON) LEON CHORNEYKO

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YERON (RON) LEON CHORNEYKO Peacefully, with family by his side, Yeron (Ron) Leon Chorneyko passed away Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at the age of 80. Ron was born July 17, 1930 in Beauvalon, Alberta. His early years were spent in Northeastern Alberta. In 1939, the family moved to Arran, Saskatchewan. He left the farm in 1948 and worked as a labourer in jobs such as lumberjack, salesperson, construction and waiting. During the war years of 1944 to 1945, Ron went to Ontario on the summer hay exchange program. In 1950 he joined the army and served in the Signal Corps and then the Canadian Intelligence Corps, where he worked in MI-8 in Ottawa and the National Security Agency in Fort Meade, Maryland. He left the army in 1960, attended the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Calgary. A born educator he began his career as a teacher, guidance counselor, principal, and finally a Superintendent of schools with Northern and Indian Affairs in Manitoba. Ron was especially interested in Accelerated Learning ideas and his commitment to learning benefitted many students, teachers and families throughout his career. He retired in 1990. Ron married Anne Dudar in 1961. Together they raised three amazing and beautiful children, Dennis, Michael-Dean and Cheryl. They were blessed with a wonderful life for 27 years, until Anne's passing in 1988. Following this loss, Ron was fortunate to find a remarkable companion and wife in Helene Fortier. They wed in 1994. At that time, he was blessed with inheriting three more wonderful children, Denise, Bob and Suzie. Ron was a great listener and was often looked to for advice. He will be remembered for his generosity, storytelling and his companionship. His interests included reading, Jay Leno's monologue, health and wellness, travel and perogie making. Ron made friends with a great group in Dauphin who he enjoyed coffee and conversations with . He was always there if and when you needed him. Ron was a man of commitment and integrity. His grandchildren were his greatest pride and he shared in their interests; Matthew's love of hockey and sports; as well as Emily, Anna, Grace and Catherine's dance. He shared Josh's interest in military stories and enjoyed talking politics, weather and travel with Christian. He was proud of Shane's dramatic talents and his work ethic. Ron's eldest granddaughter, Ashley, was a special blessing with her good natured and loving personality. He was predeceased by his parents, Emily and Michael Chorneyko; his brother Oleh; and his beloved first wife Anne. He is survived by his wife Helene, his children and grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and a great many friends. Ron was an all around great man, well liked, generous and kind; a tough disciplinarian who became a gentle sage. Prayers have been held, and a Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Donations in Ron's memory can be made to Camp Arrowhead, 77 Highgate Course, St. Charles, IL, U.S.A 60174. Service information to appear in Saturday, June 18, 2011 publication. THOMSON IN THE PARK 925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 30, 2011