RONALD JAMES FINGLER

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RONALD JAMES FINGLER June 20, 1935 - September 3, 2017 Ron was born in Winnipeg and passed away peacefully in White Rock, BC at the Peace Arch Hospice. Ron is survived by Maureen, his wife of 57 years, and their children Colin (Holly), Janice, Ian (Debra), Brian (Hyoun Jong) and Theresa. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren Connor, Patrick, Emma, Elizabeth, Jessica, Aiden and Sarah. Also surviving are sisters Wilma Joss and Jean Bedard, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Ron was predeceased by siblings Doris Smith, Harvey Fingler, Robert Fingler, and Bernice Cook. Ron enjoyed a life well-lived that mapped a route from rural Manitoba to Winnipeg, Ontario, Arizona, and British Columbia. His early years were spent between Selkirk and St. Vital in Manitoba. He and Maureen raised their family in Windsor Park. Ron and Maureen were early members of the Project Opikihiwawin, an organization formed to support families with adopted aboriginal children to maintain a link to their aboriginal heritage. After retiring with 37 years of service at Manitoba Telephone System, Ron teamed up with Maureen to own and operate a seasonal Dairy Queen on Sargent Avenue for 10 years. Although Ron never completed high school, he managed to complete all but two courses of his B.A. He enrolled as a mature student at the University of Winnipeg, when he was over 50 and still working, taking one course at a time for years - greatly impressing us all with his commitment to life-long learning. Ron was an excellent curler, a skilled bowler and a ruthless card player who enjoyed the socializing as much as the competition. He was renowned as the neighbourhood "Mr-Fix-it" - eager to help at any hour and in any weather. His passions also included boating, fishing, and exploring the outer reaches of his latest map. Ron always had a project on the go, often at the family cottage on the Lake of the Woods. He had an infectious enthusiasm that drew family and friends into working away on his latest scheme. No matter your age or abilities, he could always find a way for you to help. In 2009, Ron and Maureen relocated to Surrey, BC, which put them much closer to their children and grandchildren. Ron had long enjoyed the fellowship at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Winnipeg and was delighted to step into the welcoming community at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Surrey. Ron loved a good joke and had his own stock of original stories that we will cherish forever. A celebration of Ron's life will be held on Friday, September 15, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 2350 - 148th Street, Surrey, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ron may be made to the Surrey Urban Mission Society (SUMS), 10776 King George Blvd., Surrey, BC V3T 2X7. Messages of condolence may be placed at www.victoryfuneralcentre.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 09, 2017