1960 ~ 2012
We have suffered a devastating loss – Ron passed away suddenly on the morning of May 21. Ron is sadly missed by the loves of his life, his wife Anita (nee Schewe) and his daughter Lian. He is survived by his parents Peter and Olga Drabyk, siblings Norman, Bev (Ross), Rick, Roger (Alexis) and Teresa (Regan). He is also survived by Anita’s parents, Edmund and Winnifred Schewe, and Anita’s brothers and sisters, Susan (Bruce), Barb (Craig), Andy (Michelle), Joanne (Wayne) and Grant (Cheryl). Uncle Ron will be remembered and cherished by nephews and nieces, Kevin (Jody), Christine, Samantha, Cassidy, Stacy, Sydney, Melissa, Tyler, Emma, Halle, Laudon, Cohen, Mackenzie and Stella and great-niece Evelyn. Ron was predeceased by his brother Arnie and his nephew Bronson. He will also be remembered by his Auntie Frances and numerous cousins.
Ron was born and raised in Winnipeg. He graduated from the Computer Technology Program at Red River Community College and soon started work at Atomic Energy of Canada Limited in Pinawa. After spending many years commuting from Winnipeg to Pinawa, he decided to make Pinawa his permanent home. It was there he met Anita and they were married on May 22, 1993. Ron made many life-long friends through his work and in the community. With major layoffs pending at Pinawa, Ron and Anita jumped at the chance to transfer to China to work for AECL near Shanghai. While there, they continued their international adoption process and were delighted to welcome Lian Zhou Jing to the family.
After returning to Canada, Ron and his family settled into their home in Pinawa and became very involved in all aspects of the community. Ron joined the staff of Whiteshell Technologies and NEHA. He continued to do what he does best – he kept the computers and local networks running for the School District of Whiteshell, Acsion, TANCO, and the Pinawa Library. Many a frustrated computer user knew they could call on Ron to ‘save the day’.
In October 2010, Ron took on a task that was dear to his heart – he was elected a councillor for the Local Government District of Pinawa. He thoroughly enjoyed learning more about Pinawa and helping to build a thriving community for generations to come. He spent many volunteer hours involved with the Curling Club, the Golf Course, and especially the Pinawa Minor Hockey Association.
Lian’s activities kept Ron busy and she’s going to miss those happy times spent with her Dad. He expressed his creative side through his paintings, cartooning, photography, and sculpting. Ron was a man of many talents.
Thanks to the TANCO employees, local emergency services, and the Star Ambulance staff who tried so hard to save him.
Memorial donations may be made to the Pinawa Foundation, Pinawa Orville Acres Arena, or a charity of your choice.
A celebration of Ron’s life was held Sunday, May 27, 2012 at the Pinawa Community Centre, Vanier Avenue, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. followed by interment of ashes at the Pinawa Cemetery.
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Louise Daymond
There is a huge void in our community that will possibly never be filled completely. No matter the task at hand, Ron always interjected a wee bit of humour and a smile. He will be missed. Deepest condolences to Anita, Lian and their extended family.
The Human Family
Our heartfelt condolences Anita and Lian. Thinking of you as you mourn the loss of Ron.
Tammy, Paul, Robbie, Chantal & Hope
John and Sharon Vandenberg
We are so saddened by the news of Ron’s passing. We have such fond memories of him and will cherish them. Our thoughts and prayers are with Anita and Lian and all his family.
Nathalie Slavik and family
So so sorry for your loss… We are thinking of you in these sad days.
Jacquelyn Landry
I will miss Ron as he continued to help us get our Learn to Skate Program back in Pinawa. He accommodated and put me on the schedule wherever I could be and it was so nice to have his encouragement. He will truly be missed and I can only offer you my thoughts and prayers during this time of sadness. I hope you will always remember him fondly and feel his love forever.
Jerry Sarapu
I am very sorry to hear this. My sympathies to Anita & Lian.
Bill Summers
Anita and Lian – Words alone cannot express my sympathy on the untimely death of your beloved husband, and father.
No doubt the outpouring of sympathy you have received since his parting has been of some consolation. Hopefully it will serve as a reminder to you of how well-loved and liked he was.
Thinking of you
Roberta Clark-Chabluk
Dear Anita
I was so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing, I hope your wonderful memories of him will help ease this difficult time ahead. I will always remember having lunch with him and our group at AECL and working with him down in the basement of building 300. He had a great sense of humor.
Valerie Ross
Anita, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you.
Rodney & Mona Strecker
Dear Anita,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You, Lian & your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Hilliard Family
Anita and Lian:
We were shocked and saddened to hear the news of Ron’s passing. Our hearts go out to you. Ron truly was the hardest working person in Pinawa. His efforts on behalf of the arena alone, and his support of Pinawa Minor Hockey, were outstanding. I can still imagine him coming into the snack bar with a box of supplies or picking through the spare equipment to ensure a child had the gear to play hockey. He was a true gem, and will be missed.
Tom, Janet, Skye, Liam, Alex, Zenna and Simon
Janet Dugle
Dear Anita and Lian, I am so sorry for your and our loss. You are in my thoughts. Ron was such a wonderful, caring man and we will all miss him.
Love & hugs from Janet
Lena Shambrock
Dear Anita,
So very sorry to hear of your loss. You and Lian are in our thoughts and prayers.
Luke Kandia
Dear Anita and Lian, So sorry for your loss. I used to carpool with Ron as well as work with him with all the other techies in Building 300. He was the first person to introduce me to golf, drive me to work in a blinding snow blizzard and take me under his wing when I started working at AECL. He was truly an amazing and funny guy and willing to do anything for you. Have lots of fond memories that I’ll cherish forever. Condolences.