E. RONALD (RON) MCKELVY E.

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E. RONALD (RON) MCKELVY E. Ronald Ron McKelvy passed away on Monday, June l6, 2008, at Brandon Regional Health Centre Palliative Care unit, at the age of 82 following an 11-year battle with kidney disease. Formerly of Neepawa, health issues necessitated our move to Brandon in 2001. He is survived by his wife Alma of 56 years, sons Gregg (Wallis) of Winnipeg, Grant (Val), grandchildren Nicole and Derek of Neepawa, sister Una Kuran, nephew Dale (Diane), sister-in-law Margaret McKelvy, niece Susan (Michael) Paelinck, special cousin Audrey Smith and many great nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law Ladena Mabely, Gladys Davidson, Verla MacDonald, Fern (Joe) Irwin, brothers-in-law Raymond (Vivian) Smith, Glen Hall and their families. He was predeceased by his parents Rowland and Aimie, brother Vernon, nephew Bob (Donna) McKelvy, brother-in-law Ray Kuran, sisters-in-law Gertie (Cecil) Boyd, Emily (John) White, Florence Hall, Margaret Mattern, brothers-in-law Fred (Grace), Arnold (Morfydd) Smith, Jack Hodgkinson, Gerry Mabley, Jim Davidson and Dick MacDonald. Ron was born April 28, l926, on the family farm at Katrime later moving to MacGregor where he finished his schooling and worked with his father and brother in their restaurant. He came to Neepawa in l950, married Alma Smith in l951 and operated a café there for five years. They had two sons. In l957 Ron rented Sportsman's Park just outside Clear Lake (Wasagaming), soon purchased it and spent the remainder of his life building a family oriented tourist complex. Family operated, the business spanned three generations. When his grandchildren came along it gave him a new interest and he kept them involved. Nicole and Derek were very dear to him. He looked forward each spring to the summers' activities at the park and the people returning. Two ventures that were his was the Flea Market Saturday and Sunday each week and many will remember the dances at the Barn with good band music and a sing-a-long with Marj at the piano every Saturday night for many years. He was happy here and we are left with an abundance of experience and many special memories. We remember the happy Christmas and New Year holidays spent at our beautiful log cottage at Sportsman's Park. Ron was introduced to Barbershop singing and in l96l became a charter member of the Neepawa chapter of SPEBSQSA. His life was enriched from then on by his active involvement in the craft. He travelled near and far to attend shows, competitions and any barbershop related functions and cherished friendships made along the way. He remained active in the society until a few years ago. As was his wish a Barbershop quartet sang Danny Boy at his memorial service. A fitting farewell. Ron loved a party be it a special occasion with family and friends or on the spur of the moment. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor, quick wit and hearty laugh. Cremation took place and on Friday, June 20, 2008, a private family interment was held at Riverside Cemetery, Neepawa, followed by a memorial service from the Neepawa United Church with Rev. Geo. Cargo officiating. White's Funeral Home Neepawa in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 05, 2008