RONALD WILLIAM BASARAB

Condolences & Memories (9 entries)

• I met Ron during the construction of the Bell MTS Centre. I learned only today that Ron has passed.I have the fondest memories of working with him on this iconic project. A down to earth, a real man. I will always treasure the association with him and can only guess at the loss to his loved ones. My deepest condolences to you all. - Posted by: Harry Loewen (Work Association) on: Apr 11, 2019

• In memory of Ron (Baz) Basarab. April 09, 2019 I noticed Ron the 1st day of University classes. He seemed rather brooding and unto himself. He had switched from Engineering and I think, wasn’t too sure about this “Architecture” crowd. He hardly spoke until about day 3, when from the back of the class, in response to a question, this deep “voice” boomed out…all turned to look…it was Ron. Early University is a formative time in one’s life and if you’re lucky, like some of us that year, you meet someone like “Baz”. And form friendships that endure for a lifetime. We shared the trials and tribulations and passion of learning about a profession we wanted to be part of. There were grinding deadlines and “all-nighters” to get group projects done. But there were also road trips to ski at Whistler or see Quebec City, partying at “sketch-camp”, fall weekends at Lake Ottermere, and lots of family celebrations. Mostly it has hard work, but always there was comradery. After graduation we moved on to live and work in different cities. Ron and I stayed in touch and crossed paths occasionally; most recently in 2009. In Winnipeg, meeting at NumberTEN to set up working in their Victoria office, I heard (from a distance) Ron’s voice in “conversation” with a contractor on the phone. Upon meeting, the hug (not a hand shake) I got, was no different from the hugs of 40 years earlier. That was Ron…a little rough on the exterior and a lot of heart on the interior. Like many of his friends, my memory bank holds a special place for Ron and those early years. May it always be so. “Here’s to a full life ‘lived’, gone too soon.….to be with the Angels”. Mark J Anthony (friend). - Posted by: Mark J. Anthony (Friend) on: Apr 10, 2019

• Ron and I met in Grade 10 at Transcona Collegiate. We quickly became best friends. We hunted, fished, hunted, camped and basically did everything together. We were each other's "best man" at our weddings. We camped out in a "lean to" at -35, slept in a quinzee on another winter trip. We paddled our canoe on a 2 week trip in Northern Manitoba were we saw no one for the entire 2 weeks. There were many other camping and fishing trips too numerous to mention. Ron designed our house at LOW in 2000 and we constantly think of him as we enjoy his wonderful work. Recently we planned a fishing trip for Spring 2019 at LOW to laugh and talk about our past adventures; sadly we will have to wait until we meet again. RIP buddy; Larry - Posted by: Larry Mackie (Friend) on: Apr 09, 2019

• After graduating, I was fortunate to work for Ron at Basarab Hammond. Thirty four years later I can sincerely say he was one of the best employers I ever had. Not only was he a talented designer, constructor and administrator, he also cared about the well being and development of his staff. He's gone too soon. - Posted by: James Hutchings (friend) on: Apr 08, 2019

• RIP Baz! It’s an unusual thing to say to a guy who in real life never did sit back and rest! He was high energy, creative and had no time for those who were not looking for new mountains to climb. Walked lots of miles with Baz and enjoyed every step. I will miss his banter and insight! He inspired a lot of us! - Posted by: Ted Bigelow (Friend) on: Apr 07, 2019

• We are so sorry to learn of Ron's passing. We worked together many years ago in our successful attempt to initiate changes to what we now call West Broadway. He was committed to cleaning up the area and he did see the vibrant community which it has now become. RIP Ron. Sincere condolences to his family and friends. - Posted by: Jim Haier (friend) on: Apr 07, 2019

• I was shocked and sadden to hear of Ron's passing. I met Ron in the early eighties and worked with him as a contractor (PRE-CON BUILDERS) on a number of hotel projects and the Winnipeg Rowing Clubs new building. He was a great Architect and a gem of a guy, with a heart of gold and a lust for life. I lost touch with Ron after I retired, but he has always held a special spot in my heart. You will be missed. Bob Keith - Posted by: ROBERT Keith (Friend) on: Apr 06, 2019

• Carole, Sloane ,Ben & Adam We were sorry to hear of Ron's passing. We will miss his booming voice at the lake and will think of him every time we see a kayak or canoe go by the cottage. Rest in peace - Posted by: Larry & Darlene Cox (Friend) on: Apr 06, 2019

• I met Ron first as a competitor of the Winnipeg RC while rowing for the St. Paul club in 1980. A great athlete, a passionate exporter of everything based on rowing and a friend to all that had the pleasure and experience to compete against his indomitable spirit. The rowing clubs of the NWIRA owe Ron much for preserving the priceless and exquisite silver championship cups that date back to the founding of the WRC in the 1880s. He loved the sport, he lived the sport and he honored its traditions steeped in the early entrepreneurial years of Winnipeg. A friend, an accomplished architect and a champion of rowing. May Ron Rest In Peace. - Posted by: John Cavanaugh (Rowing Competitor) on: Apr 03, 2019