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Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
RONALD ARTHUR WIEBE
“When you come to a fork in the road, take it.” Yogi Berra
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Ronald Arthur Wiebe.
Ron is survived by his wife Elza of 55 years and their son Darren. Ron and Elza were predeceased by their daughter Paula in 2019.
Ron came from a relatively large family with ten siblings. After graduating from high school in 1961, he left home and ventured into Winnipeg looking for employment. After walking the streets for two weeks, he was offered a job at James Richardson & Sons in their commodity division. He took the offer which led to a 35 year career with Richardson Greenshields until it was sold to the Royal Bank of Canada in 1996. Ron worked for RBC Dominion Securities for five years capping off a 40 year career and retiring in 2001.
During those first 35 years, Ron was employed by the various companies owned by the Richardson family ultimately becoming a Director and Manager of their commodity department. He focused largely on risk management for canola crushers, trading houses of the imported product and line elevator companies and exporters. He built quite a reputation and would be known as “Mr. Canola” with his yellow trading jacket on the floor of the Winnipeg Commodity Exchange.
Ron was an active member at the Commodity Exchange serving as a board member for many years as well as on numerous committees notwithstanding metric conversion and relocation. Ron also served as President of the Winnipeg Clearing Association succeeding Mr. W. B. Parrish who was his mentor.
Ron was a sports enthusiast playing baseball and hockey at a young age. He was a member of the Carleton Club where he took up squash at the urging of coach Charlie Ives. Ron excelled and nearly made the “A” category. After his squash playing days, Ron joined the Taylor Tennis Club where his desire to win did not diminish.
Ron was an NFL fan with a particular interest in the Minnesota Vikings. He could be heard singing the praises of Bud Grant. Ron was also an avid Winnipeg Blue Bombers fan relishing the Grey Cup wins in the late 1950s and early 1960s. He was fortunate enough to attend three Super Bowls, the last of which was Super Bowl XXXVI with Darren.
Ron and Elza built a home on Lake of the Woods which was their pride and joy. They particularly enjoyed wood burning saunas at the water’s edge in all four seasons. The chainsaw was Ron’s constant companion, and he was the master of his maul. He took pride in assessing and procuring different wood types specific for the sauna stove and the home fireplace.
Ron and Elza’s retirement winters were usually spent in Hawaii and predominantly Maui. They enjoyed returning to the island year after year to reconnect with many friends.
Ron was stoic and positive until the end. His presence was a gift, and his memory will continue to inspire those who knew and loved him.
We thank Ron’s healthcare providers, particularly those at Cardiac Sciences Manitoba at the St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg.
A tribute will be held on August 13, 2025, between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the Neil Bardal Funeral Home, 3030 Notre Dame Avenue in Winnipeg. Light refreshments will be served.
Cremation has taken place.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your favourite charity.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 26, 2025
Condolences & Memories (2 entries)
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Dear Elza; We were heartbroken to hear of Ron's passing. Our memories of our times together at the Lake, or in Maui, or just having dinner in town with you guys, are some of our fondest. You both took us under your wings and made us feel so welcomed when we first moved into the cabin next to yours, almost 25 years ago. Ron was particularly helpful to Pat in his apprenticeship on the management and maintenance of the cabin, bush and felled trees - skills Pat will appreciate forever! Their common interests, from tennis, the stock market, a good Cab Sav, and being married to pretty, fun-loving women, allowed for the development of a lasting friendship. Then there's the humor - Ron was THE master long joke storyteller - Kneasles! We'll certainly raise a of glass of his favorite wine (he had a few) to toast his memory, fondly remembering him for his kindness, warmth and sense of humor - always. Once you're ready, Elza, let's do that together! Love Ila and Pat - Posted by: Pat Garrity and Ila Patterson (Lily Pad Neighbors) on: Aug 13, 2025
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Elza, We enjoyed our time spending significant time with you and Ron in Maui. Ron can pride himself for forever ending the game “Marco Polo” at our pool, which all of the adults at the pool greatly appreciated. I also can remember when Ron and another guest on the premises got into an argument one evening whether the BBQ lid should be open or closed. No fisticuffs occurred, but I remember Ron won the argument as expected and the other guy walked away in a huff. We always enjoyed our morning coffee chats about politics, economics, etc. Ron didn’t have a lot of degrees after his name, but was one of the most intelligent persons that I ever had the pleasure of knowing. Elza, you will have many memories to help you get through this difficult time, probably some good, some not so good, but we can all feel better for having known Ron Wiebe in our lifetime. Wishing you and Darren all the best. Jim and Lillian - Posted by: James Casey (Friend) on: Jul 26, 2025