RONALD HENRY CANNON

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

RONALD HENRY CANNON June 10, 1930 June 19, 2007 It is with great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Ron Cannon at Portage District General Hospital. Ron is survived by a loving family: his wife Dosia (nee Rey); three sons Doug, Pat (Diane) and Jack; two daughters Terry Sheedy and Susan Cannon; grandchildren Joel, Jared, Jacquelyn, Erin, Daniel, Brendan, Owen and stepgranddaughter Alison; siblings Barry (Shirley) and Gloria Caine and their families; and sisters-in-law Claudette Pagé and Lorraine (Dave) Samolesky and their families. He was predeceased by his parents Wilbert and Elizabeth, parents-in-law Alexis and Oliva Rey and brothers-in-law Bernie Pagé and Paul Rey. Ron was born in Willen, Manitoba and was educated during his early years within the Hillside School District. He left the farm ultimately for Portage la Prairie to work in the Creamery. This is where he met Mom and they were married in 1952. Later he received his training for a psych nurse and worked at the Manitoba Developmental Centre as an activity instructor. He was an active member and later became an employee of MGEU in 1974 until his retirement. He was then made a Life Member of MGEU. As an active MGEU member he was instrumental in launching court action to end the discrimination against Nurses Aids working at MDC which resulted in a sizable monetary settlement to women working there. He was a Regional Vice-President, Chair of the Board of Directors and Vice-Chairman of the Organizational Task Force that was established by the MGEU to look at restructuring the Association. Ron was a healthy mix of stubborn, honest, to the point and with an overall disdain of all politicians. During the summer Dad's outdoor passion was gardening with Tomatoes and Grapes being a couple of his bumper crops. The rest of his free time was spent playing cards, reading and cycling. Until 2004, Dad and Mom enjoyed the warmth of Mazatlan, Mexico in January and February for close to two decades; subsequent years the warmth of Windsor Park Estates. A Celebration of Ron's life will be held on Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at the Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church, 1125 Saskatchewan Ave. East, Portage la Prairie. A private interment (family only please) will follow at Hillside Cemetery. Flowers are gratefully declined due to allergies to fragrance. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Ron's memory to Portage District General Hospital Foundation, 524 5th Street SE, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3A8 or a charity of your choice. A tree will be planted and cared for in memory of Ron by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. 857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 22, 2007