Ronald Sam Joseph McTavish

Ron was Reta’s first-born and over the years, he would welcome siblings, Louise Ann, Lorraine Marie, Patricia Doreen (Dodie), Delma Jane (Janie) and Robert George (Bob). During his early and teenage years, Ron was known as ‘Sam’ and family members lovingly continue to use this nickname.

Ron took on responsibilities early in life, driving his dad around the countryside as early as 8 years old and being in charge of his sisters while his mom worked. He would tie them together with a tether of rope, then tie that to his belt so he could go fishing down by the river, keeping them safe. At twelve, he became the man of the house, taking on even more chores. He took great pride in being the Sunday supper cook, mostly because then he didn’t have to do the dishes, I think. The skills he learned at home stood him in great stead throughout his life and were stepping stones to the successful person he became. Even though Ron’s young life was seldom free of conflict, his sense of humor protected the sensitive person at the core of his being.

Ron struggled with school classes but maintained the skill to be a lifelong learner, willingly learning to work with his hands and using his inane grasp of common sense. He had the hands of an artist and loved to draw, especially animals.

After leaving school, Ron tried several career paths, including a butcher at the local Co-op, working for the town and local farmers, machinery production and he even pursued education towards his natural artistic talents. Ron’s childhood friends and companions were a constant source of entertainment, and though not always good, life was never boring.

During the eighth grade, Ron got to know, Cathy Jaffray, a country girl who had moved into town. After much courting, they tied the knot on October 13, 1973. They had become best friends and were constant companions. Their son, Branden, was born in Minnedosa and shortly afterwards Ron moved his small family to The Pas, Manitoba, where they lived for two years. During this time, Ron drove gravel truck for the town and then took on one of his most eye-opening career choices, driving taxi. In this northern community, he witnessed a side of life that he realized was not where he wanted to live and raise a family.

The decision was made to move his small family to Black Diamond, Alberta, closer to his mom and sisters. While living in Black Diamond, a daughter, Cathron (Roni) was born, arriving just hours after his youngest (and only) brother. Life was busy but the small community didn’t suit what Ron had planned for his family, so after just two years the family moved to Westlock, Alberta; a town that reminded Ron of his hometown of Minnedosa and offered opportunities for a good way of life and the chance to work with his father-in-law, the best Dad he would ever have and his mentor.

Ron quickly learned the basics of carpentry and after mastering the technique of measuring twice and cutting once, he never looked back. He was employed by the Westlock School Division for 23 years in the maintenance department and he often joked that it was karma that he was fixing all the things that he had damaged during his school years, but he loved this job and made many friends. A second daughter, Karisa, came into the world during this satisfying time and arrived just as Ron was finishing construction on the family’s first home in Clyde, AB.

During the twenty-one years Ron and his family lived in Clyde, Ron was involved in many community activities. He belonged to the volunteer fire department for 17 years, 4 as the fire chief. He was instrumental in purchasing and equipping the first truck to go to accident scenes, which was called the ‘Jaws of Life Truck’. Ron was head master of the local Scout group and was very involved in his children’s sporting endeavors, coaching little league as well as the ladies softball team. Ron played on the slow pitch team and was a crack shock at the annual turkey shoots that were held. Ron witnessed the graduation of his children from high school and has often spoke of how they have all done him proud.

In 1997, Ron stood proudly beside his wife when she graduated from NAIT but within 3 years, would suffer from his first heart attack. Very quickly afterwards, he would lose his two oldest sisters, Louise to brain aneurysms and Lorraine to cancer, during which time Ron remained off work from his own health issues.

As Cathy was working in Edmonton, and they had become empty nesters, the decision was made to move into the city and rented where they could. Ron quickly found employment for maintenance with a group home company, before moving on to work with Metis Urban Housing, until he retired in October of 2013. He and Cathy had settled into their 2nd home, where they could have room for family to stay. Again, Ron’s skills are house building were put into practice, as he renovated their home top to bottom.

Ron lost two of the most influential people in his life in 2009 and 2008, his mom, Reta, and his mentor, father-in-law.

While Ron had retired from work outside the home, he became the ‘house grandpa’ watching over his grandsons while their dad worked away from home. He took this job on with great pride, knowing that he had been granted a great privilege to help shape these young boys.

Ron loved to teach the boys some of the necessities of life but more than that he cherished the chance to tease and show all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren how much they were loved. He would give sage advice and toss in some light-hearted comment to take the sting off.

Ron was predeceased by his mother, father, two sisters, a niece, several aunts and uncles, his father-in-law and a sister-in-law.

He leaves to mourn his best friend and wife Cathy, son Branden (Mason, Bailey & Evan), daughters Cathron (Glenn) Meyn (Shawn, Jaime & Peyton; Chantel & Issac; and Kassidy) and Karisa (Terri Ann & Denis), along with his siblings, Dodie, Janie and Bobby/Cindy and many nieces, nephews, aunties, uncles, cousins and extended families.

A celebration of Ron’s life will be held at Memories Funeral Home, 13403, St. Albert Trail in Edmonton on Tuesday, August 29, 2017 at 2:00pm.

Donations may be made in Ron’s name to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.