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EDWARD RONALD (RON) AFTANAS Obituary pic

EDWARD RONALD (RON) AFTANAS

Born: Nov 26, 1931

Date of Passing: May 26, 2022

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EDWARD RONALD (RON) AFTANAS
November 26, 1931 - May 26, 2022


Ron Aftanas passed away after a brief illness at Concordia Hospital on May 26, 2022.
Left to mourn are Lavinia (Livvy), his wife of 67 years, sons, Brian and Alan, his grandchildren, Katherine, Jennifer, Kevin and Laurie, their partners, his great-granddaughter Avery, two brothers, Marion and Bernard (Bernie), three sisters-in-law, many nieces and nephews and many friends. He was predeceased by his sister Emily Kardash.
Ron was born on November 26, 1931, in the North End of Winnipeg to Ukrainian immigrants. He graduated from Saint John's High School in 1948. He worked first at Winnipeg Hydro and then for the City of Winnipeg government, retiring in 1991 as the General Manager of the Staff Training and Development Department. Ron's role at Winnipeg Hydro included being a union negotiator for CUPE. This experience gave him a lifelong empathy for the people who worked for him after he moved to the management side of the negotiations table. He was a much-loved supervisor.
Ron's life was one of generosity to his family, friends, church, and dozens of charities. He and Livvy treasured the closeness and importance of family, hosting annual family events such as their enormous annual meatless Christmas Eve banquets, Grey Cup Parties, and champagne celebrations. He volunteered at soup kitchens, was president of his cottage owner association, chaired and emceed the CUPE Awards program among other things. As a respected leader and talented negotiator, he navigated cottage owner association land deals, licensing agreements and fire and police services programs. These things he did all the way into his late 80s.
Central to his life was his attendance and involvement with his Church. He honoured his Ukrainian heritage. In early years he was president of the Youth Club at the Sts. Vladimir and Olga Cathedral. As their earnest Youth Club president, he recruited Lavinia to fill in for an absent player on the Bowling League. They married in 1955. In later years, he was a respected leader who oversaw many committees and programs at Holy Eucharist Parish.
In the early 1960s Ron and Livvy purchased a cottage on a lake a little east of Kenora, Ontario. The cottage was Ron's focus for weekends and vacation. He relished raising his sons there and, later, enjoying his grandchildren. He was an avid fisherman and once held the Provincial record for the season's largest Jack Fish. His grandchildren looked forward to going fishing with him, which he encouraged enthusiastically and taught them his secret "Here, Fishy, Fishy" technique which seemed to work magic.
In addition to the cottage, Ron and Livvy were avid travellers visiting Europe, Asia and elsewhere. They also took at least 15 cruises together. Ron was an avid runner long before the word "jogger" was invented. He told fascinating stories of running through the streets in China in the early 1980s. He ran into his 70s.
Funeral services will be held at Holy Eucharist Church on Saturday, June 11 at 10:00 a.m. The service will be live streamed from their https://holyeucharist.ca website. A reception will follow at the Holy Eucharist Parish Centre. All are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, the church has envelopes to donate to support Ukrainian refugees. Alternatively, donations via the "Catholic Near East Welfare Association Canada" are welcome. Both formats of donation are tax deductible.


KORBAN FUNERAL CHAPEL
(204) 956 - 2193
Condolences may be sent to
www.korbanchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 04, 2022

Condolences & Memories (12 entries)

  • Ron was wonderful to work with in the Personnel Department in the late 1970's. It was with a heavy heart that I learnt of his passing. Please accept my deepest sympathies. Margaret Keller - Posted by: Margaret Keller (co-worker) on: Jun 13, 2022

  • Uncle Ron was a good and generous man who will live on as an example for us all. - Posted by: Ken, Grace, Katrina and Jonathan Kardash (Nephew) on: Jun 11, 2022

  • Our condolences to all the family, Ron was a member of our social club, Sons of Ukrainian Pioneers (S.O.U.P.). The club met once a month for lunch and socializing. - Posted by: Walter Antoniw (Friend) on: Jun 11, 2022

  • Sincere condolences to Livy and family. I had the honour to work for Ron as a training officer and he was not only a mentor but a kind and gentle soul. Loved the basement parties in your home and the fishing trips we enjoyed. Rest in peace Ron join you for a jog one day in another world. - Posted by: Harold Falk (co-worker) on: Jun 09, 2022

  • My condolences to all the family. I started my first job in 1971 at Winnipeg hydro Stores and Ron was my Senior Clerk. He was great to work with and was always so personable. RIP Ron. - Posted by: Tanis Goretzki (Work ) on: Jun 08, 2022

  • We first met at the City's training division in Assiniboine Park in the mid 70s. Later we sat across the table during labour negotiations. We last met in 2019 at a City retirees association annual meeting. Ron was always a pleasure to work with and an inspiration for his dedication to helping his fellow workers. - Posted by: Glen Ash (fellow worker City of Winnipeg) on: Jun 04, 2022

  • My condolences to the Aftanas family. Ron was a very special person. - Posted by: Ron Carman (Acquaintance through Bernie) on: Jun 04, 2022

  • Livvy and family I had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to work for Ron as a training officer. Rom was a huge influence and inspiration on me and my future career mgt. style. To this day I cherish my memories of our staff Christmas parties at your home and annual fishing weekend at your cottage. Rest in peace Ron. - Posted by: Jim Beaque (Former employee) on: Jun 04, 2022

  • Ron was a well liked and respected civic employee. He was a proud Honourary Life Member of CUPE Local 500. I always enjoyed seeing Ron at our annual dinner. He was a gentleman and wonderful trade unionist. My sincere condolences to the entire family. Paul Moist Past President, CUPE Local 500 - Posted by: Paul Moist (Friend) on: Jun 04, 2022

  • Deeply saddened to learn that Ron has passed away. I met Ron & Livvy about 15 years ago when I worked at the Cancer Society and Livvy was a volunteer canvasser. I was grateful to stay connected with your mom & dad throughout the years as I transitioned to the HSC Foundation! I always appreciated Ron's affable personality and enjoyed our conversations as he shared the family updates! Reading this lovely tribute, I understand why he was so well suited as a leader! To Livvy & the Aftanas family wishing you all peace and comfort in the days ahead. Already deeply missed....Lynda Ruban - Posted by: Lynda Ruban (staff at Health Sciences Centre Foundation) on: Jun 04, 2022

  • Dear Livvy and family, our hearts go out to you on your loss. We came to know you at the parish and especially you, Livvy, at the seniors' card club. We hope for all of you, peace will come early and your reflections of the wonderful man he was, will bring a smile to your faces, and a warmth in your hearts. Vichnaya Pamyat! - Posted by: Len and Vicki Lazaruk (Holy Eucharist Parish Members) on: Jun 04, 2022

  • Livvy, my condolences to you and your family. I hope you do remember me with the CanSurmount Program of the Canadian Cancer Society, many years ago. Eva Haddad - Posted by: Eva M Haddad (Acquaintance) on: Jun 04, 2022

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