WESLEY ARDRON

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WESLEY ARDRON

Wesley Lloyd Ardron passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 14, 2025, at Dinsdale Personal Care Home.

Wes was born on September 12, 1933, in Douglas, Manitoba, to Ernest and Gladys Ardron. He was the youngest of thirteen children, with five older brothers and seven older sisters. He is survived by his sister Thelma Wiggins and brother-in-law Gordy Gerry.

On December 15, 1951, Wes married the love of his life, Marie Ada “Buddy” Kozina. Together they shared 73 years of marriage and built a life filled with love, laughter, and family. They welcomed three children; Nancy, Michele, and Todd (Vicki). Their family grew to include seven grandchildren; Bj (Diane), Bob (Ashleigh), Bryce (Christina), Nikki (Rodger), Scott, Dustin (Kaylee), and Tanner (Kenzie) and twelve great-grandchildren; Avery, Kelsey, Kennedy, Claire, Hunter, Madison, Jaxson, Reese, Nash, Danikka, Marson, and Maxton. There are also numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

Wes and Buddy were happiest when surrounded by family and friends. Holidays, especially Christmas Eve, were a highlight, filled with food and drinks. In later years, Sunday Suppers at the Ardron home became a cherished tradition, bringing together whoever was in town.

Summers were spent at the lake, first Oak Lake, then Sandy Lake, where Wes could always be found in the boat, pulling kids on tubes and waterskis. Winters were spent at the rink, curling at the Riverview Curling Club.

Hockey was one of Wes’s greatest passions, as a player, coach, manager, and fan. As a young man, he earned a spot on the Wheat Kings roster, though he never had the chance to play. He went on to coach many Brandon Minor Hockey teams, taking many to provincial championship, and managed the Brandon Spectrum Sportsman and Old Timers hockey teams.

He was a loyal Wheat Kings fan, holding season tickets for many years, and even traveled to Montreal to watch the Memorial Cup. Wes received awards from both the City of Brandon and the Canadian Minor Hockey Association for his outstanding service to the sport.

Wes’s devotion to hockey was only rivaled by his loyalty to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Buddy, a Montreal Canadiens fan, kept their marriage lively with a spirited rivalry that lasted a lifetime.

Wes was hardworking and dedicated. He began his plumbing apprenticeship in 1953 with Brandon Plumbing and Heating, earned his certificate in 1958, and became a part-owner of the business in 1971. He retired in 1995 at the age of 61.

Beyond work, Wes was deeply involved in his community. He receiving an award in 2020 for 50 years of service in UCT. He also won the Ben Wiebe Award from the Brandon Chamber of Commerce and organized both the plumbers’ curling bonspiel and golf tournaments. Wes was involved with Green Acres community centre for many years.

Wes and Buddy loved to travel, taking trips to Vancouver and Edmonton to visit family, vacations to Las Vegas and Disneyland, and cruises through the Caribbean and Mediterranean. He also helped organize multiple Ardron family reunions, creating cherished memories for generations.

Wes also had a soft spot for his dogs; Skates, Kirby the schnauzer, and later Pippy the schnoodle, who remained by his side until 2020.

Wes lived a full and meaningful life - a life of family, friendship, hockey, hard work and love. His legacy is found in the traditions he built, the lessons he taught, and the laughter he shared.

Here’s to a life well lived: Sunday suppers, Christmas gatherings, cards at the lake, a warm plate of pizza, and a good glass of rye and water.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all the staff at Dinsdale Personal Care Home for the wonderful care that Wes received.

A private family service as already taken place.

Condolences: www.brockiedonovan.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Aug 30, 2025