RONALD J.L. TEMPEST

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RONALD J.L. TEMPEST It is with great sadness that the family of Ronald J.L. Tempest announce his passing on February 17, 2004, after a courageous battle with cancer. Ron was born on April 16, 1934, at the Misericordia Hospital in Winnipeg. His earliest years were spent in Winnipegs West End, but in 1940, the family moved to the Crescentwood area, where he lived until he moved to Europe in 1960. He attended Grosvenor, Robert H.Smith and Kelvin Schools. He graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1956, and subsequently received a Masters degree in Journalism from The University of Minnesota. He returned to Winnipeg and worked at the St. James Leader and the Winnipeg Tribune. He decided to tour Europe for a year in 1960, but he fell in love with Italy, and stayed in Rome until 1974, employed for most of that time by Radio Free Europe. When the Cold War eased, and RFE disbanded, Ron returned to Canada, and chose to live in Toronto, working for Broadcast News, a division of Canadian Press, until he retired in 1992. After Italy and Journalism, Rons passion was for music. While still in University he played piano for a group of local singers called The Rhythmen, who performed at various Winnipeg functions. He never strayed far from his piano, and in his retirement played at local bars in Toronto, as well as doing concerts at Seniors homes. Ron was predeceased by his parents, Aileen and Alf Tempest. He is survived by his sister, Elaine (John) Williams; three nieces, Leslie (Gary) OShaughnessy, Laurel Carpenter, and Lynne Williams; five great nieces and nephews, many cousins, and as well, countless dear friends in Winnipeg, Italy and Toronto. According to Rons wishes, cremation has taken place, and there will be no formal ceremony; however, a "Celebration of Life" is being planned in Toronto sometime in March.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 21, 2004