1956 – 2024
It is with deep sadness that the family of Ronnie Neil Thompson must announce his sudden passing at the Foothills Medical Centre, in Calgary, Alberta on June 5, 2024, due to organ shut down after open heart surgery.
He was just 67 years old. Ron was born on August 11, 1956 in Bengough, Saskatchewan. His father worked seismic which took them all over Alberta and Saskatchewan. Around 1958, his family settled permanently in Innisfail, Alberta where he lived the remainder of his life. His parents worked hard to provide a decent upbringing for their three sons. They gave them all plenty of attention, great home cooked meals and much support.
Growing up in a small town in those days meant safe outdoor unsupervised frolicking with neighbourhood kids until streetlights came on in the evening. A black and white television, board games and cheap Saturday Matinee movies provided simple entertainment and a bit of cultural enlightenment. Right after completing high school Ron joined his father Leonard in the workforce. They were employed by the Town of Innisfail whom they laboured for as Maintenance Crew members. Later Ron took on the Maintenance Foreman’s role.
After 30 or so years of dedicated work for the one and only employer he had, he retired early. He loved to tinker around in his garage workshop which included making recurve bows and arrows as he was a proficient large game bow hunter. He and his friends Dale Williamson and Rod Kelly had many a good hunt together. He was creative with plenty of natural born mechanical skills. He took pride in meticulously maintaining his large yard. Ron lived a simple, frugal lifestyle. He was a homebody who cooked up his own wild game meals and made back yard grown Saskatoon pies. He wasn’t interested in travelling to far off destinations or attending large social group gatherings. He was a confirmed bachelor - never married, no children. But his nephew and nieces enjoyed his company since he could make them laugh and have fun.
Though he didn’t involve himself much in community events, he was a most generous and caring individual towards immediate family members, as well as a select few close friends he trusted. He always assisted those in need, including his elderly widowed mother; then later family friends, Rachel and Bob Welwood. He spent a considerable amount of time helping his oldest brother with fall harvest. And he provided assistance to his best friends including Debbie Pocha and Ken and Coralie Adams. He regularly travelled to the Hines Creek area to keep in touch with extended family members on the Krahn side.
Ron will be deeply missed by all those who were close to him. He will be lovingly remembered by his two older brothers: Melvin (Mabel) and their daughter Danica from Killam; Gary (Peggy) from Olds and their daughter, Karilynn (Court) from Canmore; their son, Casey (Sarah) and their children Ivan and Libby from Olds as well as numerous family members.
He was predeceased by his parents Leonard (1990) and Martha (nee Krahn 2008).
His family wishes to thank S.T.A.R.S Air Ambulance and the dedicated and compassionate caregivers at the Foothills Cardiac ICU Unit #94 where he spent his final days.
A Celebration of Ron’s Life will be planned for late summer. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to STARS Foundation 570-1441 Aviation PK, NE Calgary, AB T2E 9Z9 or at https://stars.ca/ or the charity of choice.
Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., 4415 – 49 Street, Innisfail, Alberta. Phone: 403.227.0006
