RONALD ALBERT LIGHT

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RONALD ALBERT LIGHT On June 18, 2016, the day of Ron's 62nd Anniversary to his beloved Ina, he passed away peacefully at the Victoria Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Ron was born on January 19, 1934 in Winnipeg and joined his precious sister, Patricia, in the family home on Logan Avenue. Although born during the depression, when his dad, Alf, often only worked one day a week, Ron never recalled needing a thing. His mother, Gwen, could stretch a dollar, and fortunately, received some financial help from her family in England. A Weston boy, through and through, he loved hockey with a passion. He adored and admired his favourite coaches Bill Leask and Maxie Pilous. The highlight for Ron was in 1950 when he won the Midget Scoring Award. To this day, he considers Ab MacDonald a very special friend. Ron and Ina made a home in Transcona where their children could walk to all three schools, and Mom and Dad were always close by. Christmas eve open houses, anticipated for weeks, were legendary. Although his career as a CPR carman brought him pleasure, it was people who mattered. Curling was a passion in the Light home, and continues to be. For Ron, it was his support of Ina in her dedication, both on and off the ice, which made him a 'Volunteer Extraordinaire'. At the Heather Curling Club playing with friends, was what mattered most. Son Garth's winning of the Manitoba Juniors and even the subsequent loss in the Canadian tie-breakers was a huge highlight. Watching grandson Derek's mixed curling team representing Canada at the first Winter Youth Olympic Games in Austria was a dream come true. Ron's buttons were bursting as they won the first medal (bronze) ever for Canada in the games. Weston's gold medal at the 2015 Canada Winter Games was the icing on the cake for Ron. However, the most important event was the Fort Rouge spring bonspiel where he happily sponsored the family team...in Ina's name...every April. Grand Beach and his cottage on Point Road was a love affair for decades. Even this May, he opened the cottage with Garth, greeting neighbours who are always around to support one another. This has carried on during his illness. You know who you are! His children and grandchildren were always the stars that shone brightest. Garth, with Tom, and even Weston once, took him on trips to the USA to watch his favourite sports...the Kentucky Derby, NHL, Pro Football, Major League Baseball and endless college games. Garth constantly tried to treat, and Ron lost many a battle to grab the bill. Like many grandparents, he firmly believed that grandchildren were to be loved and spoiled unconditionally. Tom, being the first, brought Ron so much happiness with his humour and thoughtfulness; and Tom, he was still looking for that blue heron by the lagoon bridge this May. Ron loved your choice of Tanya Quintana and the chance to learn the culture of Chile. Todd's impact on the Light family has been enormous. The dedication and unending love he receives is nothing in comparison with what we get back daily. Cerebral Palsy, celebrated with love, is perhaps the greatest gift Ron and Ina ever received. To both Val Light and Mylene Demarais, Ron's love for you both knows no end. Laurie, the peacemaker, offered unending gifts of hospitality and love on countless visits to Whitby. Together with Gary, you spoiled us during Easter and Thanksgiving visits. Patrick and Natalie Boulay! Patrick's bond was forever unique as your Papa never got to see enough of you. And sweetheart, Natalie, you were his perfect princess. He loved you to the moon and back! What a bonus to have Cynthia join our family when daughter, Laurie, married Gary Downs. Together with husband, Greg, they blessed us on June 14 with our first great-grandchild, Benjamin Novel Thompson. Abbey and Linda Temple, as a huge part of the Whitby family, always enriched our visits. Canasta, anyone? And now the Oryniaks! Daughter Lisa and husband Darren brought amazing happiness to Ron. With early retirement, we loved to babysit and again experience the childhood joy of firsts such as catching frogs at Grand Beach or watching Barney. Julie was his first perfect princess granddaughter, and he was delighted you found your prince in Derek Stout. He approves! Middle child, Derek, meant he could again drive a grandchild to his favourite places...hockey rinks and curling clubs. He always came home with detailed 'Derek' stories. Kaitlin Rempel is the newest sweetheart in the family, and he loved her unconditionally. Every family should have a Weston! Ron's youngest grandchild introduced us to new areas to explore, whether discussing scientific discoveries or planning on how to become a millionaire...it has never been boring. At Ron's request, no formal funeral will be held, but private celebrations with Rae and Jerrys sandwiches are a must...one of Ron's last 'orders'. Thank-yous are extended to his favourite doctor, Barbara Biahla who was determined to find a cure, and to Dr. Glezerson, his oncologist/urologist who did everything possible until his stroke. The amazing staff on the 2nd floor at Victoria Hospital - our sincere thanks for your incredible care those last 17 days plus the hugs and accommodations for family. Our thanks to Wheeler Funeral Home, for making our job so easy. And finally, to all our friends, you know we would be unable to bear our grief without the unconditional support you continue to offer us every day. We know that Ron, George Proctor and Ed Hird have that perfect spot in heaven to watch sports. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cerebral Palsy Association of Manitoba.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 25, 2016