RONALD RICKEY

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RONALD RICKEY Surrounded by fam-ily on Tuesday, June 4, 2002 in the Intensive Care Unit at the Vancouver General Hospital, a gentle and kind heart stopped beating. It is with heartfelt sorrow, we were witness to Rons unexpected and untimely passing. Following surgery, while still in hospital, he developed complications which led to life threatening circumstances beyond the miracles of modern medicine. Ron, when you died, the light went with you. We miss your courage, strength, optimism and humour. Ron was born in Toronto on June 15, 1946. Cut short much too soon, Ron led an illustrious and full life with still so many unfinished plans, projects, hobbies and travels yet to complete. As the oldest child of a military father, along with his family, Ron spent his early childhood travelling and living in various parts of Canada, from Ontario to Alberta. Ron leaves a long legacy of family and friends, all of whom were important to him and each in their own way touched his life. Mourning his passing are his children, Jason of Winnipeg and Allison of Coquitlam, BC. In Winnipeg, his mother Diana, sister Carolyn, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Sister-in-law Judy (Brad) Allum; children, Chris and Kelly. Brother-in-law Patrick Habiluk (Teresa) children, Jesse and Sari. His family in British Columbia, brother Rodger (Teresa) children, Amanda, Michael and Andrea of Port Moody; sister Catherine (Ross Ramsey) children, Tara and Jenny of North Vancouver; brother Robert (Laurie) of Vancouver; brother-in-law Thomas Santalab (Wynn) son Nicky of Vancouver and his childrens mother Carole Rickey of Coquitlam. His sister-in-law Sandy (Vic) Mayroda; children, Susan, Cathy and Paula, of Edmonton; sister-in-law Lil Santalab of Toronto. Also missing Ron are his beloved cats, Tinsel and Mandy. Ron was predeceased by Barbara, his second wife, in January 2001. By his father Alfred in 1984, nephew Corey Habiluk in 1985, and mother-in-law Kathleen Habiluk in 1987. Ron completed his education in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He attended St. Johns High School where he spent many years playing football as a fullback for the St. Johns Tigers, a sport he thoroughly enjoyed. In 1966, Ron graduated from M.I.T. with his diploma in Architectural Drafting and later from RRCC with his Business Administration diploma. From 1967 to 1969, Ron was employed with Newman Millwork. Ron returned to school at the University of Winnipeg in 1969 and graduated in October 1972, attaining a Bachelor of Arts, with a double major in history and economics. Ron met Carole in 1967 and they married in August 1969. In January 1972 their son Jason was born, and in May 1973 they were blessed with a daughter Allison. Their family was complete. Ron began his career in sales in April 1972 with Merrell Pharmaceuticals where he excelled, winning numerous sales and outstanding achievement awards, including the DSA Award from the International Sales and Marketing Executives presented in Toronto. Ron completed his APMR (Accredited Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Representative) in 1974. From 1980 to 1987 Ron worked for Monarch Beauty Supplies and achieved success in another area of sales. In September 1987, Ron took a position with Western Scientific. Ron moved to Vancouver in December 1989. He married Barb in July 2000. From 1990 to 1996 Ron held a variety of sales positions and from 1996 to the present he enjoyed being self-employed, owning and operating his business BRG Amusements as well as pursuing many other business ventures. Near and dear to Rons heart was his love of collecting. This began at an early age with his stamp collection. Ron dabbled in many other areas of collecting. His real passion and interest was in German military memorabilia from World War I and II. Rons military collecting interests took him to many parts of Canada, U.S. and Europe. He loved visiting museums and participating in military conventions around the world. He was a member of several military collecting clubs including the Military Collectors Club of Canada. Other memberships included the Canadian Legion, the North West Travelers Association, and the University of Winnipeg Alumni. In his travels Ron met and made many friends and fellow collectors world wide. An avid reader and music lover, Ron enjoyed history and was a crossword puzzle enthusiast. He loved to golf and was always in search of the ultimate golf course. He was a regular power walker. Ron had many talents, he enjoyed a variety of hobbies from wine making, barbecuing, board games and sports; travelling to many sporting events locally and throughout the country and U.S. Ron always challenged himself to learn new things. This was a virtue he strived to instill in his children, encouraging them to work hard, try new things, and explore life to its full potential. Ron exuded a "seize the moment attitude". Ron had a great sense of humour, he loved a good joke and never minded jokes played on him. He loved to kibitz. Ron thoroughly enjoyed his many trips to Las Vegas. His brothers and sisters have many fond memories of the family trips they shared with Ron over the years. Ron will be remembered for his love of life, family and friends, and he will be greatly missed. The family is deeply grateful to the compassionate, caring and dedicated staff of the Vancouver General Hospital, Intensive Care Unit, especially Dr. Mark Engfield. Thank you to "the ICU team", Dr. Ojay, nurses Heather, Laurie, Haley and social workers, Danielle and Colleen. God bless you all! A "celebration of Rons life" has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations to the EagleRidge Hospital Foundation in Rons memory would be appreciated. Donations can be sent to Hazel Postma, Foundation Executive Director, 475 Guildford Way, Port Moody, BC V3H 3W9. Memories are wonderful things They never wear out, never get lost And can never be given away To some you may be forgotten To others part of the past But to us, who loved you, and lost you Your memory will always last. We love you Ron. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Burquitlam Funeral Home, 625 North Rd., Coquitlam, BC.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 15, 2002