With sadness we announce the sudden passing of Ronald "Ron" Clair Smithson of Rimbey, Alberta. Ron was born on June 27, 1936 at the Holy Cross Hospital in Calgary, and passed away in Rimbey on Thursday, April 6, 2023, at the age of 86 years.
Ron grew up in the Springdale District where his parents Randolph and Ivy operated the Springdale Store and Post Office. He attended the Riverview School in the Springdale area, and the Bluffton School, before enrolling at SAIT in Calgary where he studied diesel mechanics. Ron married June Prendergast of Calgary on May 16, 1964. Realizing his heart was in farming, rather than mechanics, Ron and June bought the Lakeman place north of Rimbey where they raised their two children, Warren and Heather.
Ron is survived by June; son Warren (Jodi); and daughter Heather (Tony) Groves. He is also survived by four cherished grandchildren Brooke (James), Keanna (Shane), Jayme (Aleah), and Ruben; his brother Lloyd; and his sister Hazel Parker; along with many nieces, nephews, and close friends. Ron was predeceased by his parents Randolph and Ivy; brothers Ted, Walter, and Ken; and his sister Gladys Jorgensen.
A Memorial Service in Celebration of Ron's Life will be held at the Liberty Hall on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at 1:00 p.m., with Reverend Ricky Williams officiating. Ron will be laid to rest in the Mount Auburn Cemetery, Rimbey at a later date. If desired, memorial donations in his memory may be made directly to the charity of one's choice. Condolence messages may be forwarded to the family by visiting: www.ofc-ltd.ca
Service and Cremation Arrangements for the late Ronald "Ron" Clair Smithson entrusted to the care of Oberhammer Funeral Chapels.
Oberhammer Funeral Chapels Ltd
