Ronald George Kessler

Ron Kessler passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, surrounded by his family. Ron was born April 18, 1934 on a farm in southern Saskatchewan, near the town of Pangman. He was third in a family of seven children.

Ron is survived by Gail, his wife of 64 years; three children: Gerry (Theresa) of Pacifica, California, Diane of Keedysville, Maryland and Tim (Pam) Kessler of Calgary; six grandchildren: Connor (Becca), Chris and Kierra (Charles) Kessler of Pacifica, Charlie and Amelia Kessler, and Alec Steele (Kristine) and great-grandson Declan Steele of Calgary. He is also survived by sisters Peg Kessler of Regina, SK, Linda Kessler of Kingston, ON, brother Gene (Pat) Kessler of Pangman, SK, sister-in-law Arlene (Pete) Block of Saskatoon, SK, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Ron was predeceased by three brothers: Charlie, Jack and Keith Kessler.

He graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon in 1958, then moved to Alberta where he worked in the oilpatch. His early working years were with the Oil & Gas Conservation Board in various Alberta towns (Medicine Hat, Camrose, Stettler) and eventually in Calgary for the rest of his career with Triad Oil and British Petroleum. The only exception was one memorable year spent in London, England with BP.

Ron enjoyed sports, gardening, woodworking and travelling. He had a firm belief in volunteering – if you belonged to a group, you needed to contribute to the group’s activities. He actively participated in his children’s various pursuits growing up. He was a board member and volunteer on all the groups he and Gail belonged to, including Square Dancing, Chinook Country Historical Society, and Friendship Force. He also volunteered for the Varsity Community Centre, the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign at Christmas, and for the past 5 years of his life he delivered for Meals on Wheels.

Ron and Gail travelled to many countries of the world with the Friendship Force, staying in the homes of FF members, and also hosting FF members from other countries visiting Calgary. They also enjoyed travelling as a couple or with family members.

Although Alberta was home for most of his life, he never forgot his Saskatchewan roots. He always looked forward to the annual get-together of the Kessler family in July. He was proud to support the Pangman Historical Museum and its associated ice cream shop, named after him (Ronny’s on Railway).

If friends so desire, a gift in memory of Ron may be made to the Salvation Army, Calgary Food Bank, or Calgary Meals on Wheels.

Come share memories of Ron at an informal celebration of his life to be held Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the Varsity Community Association, 4303 Varsity Drive NW, Calgary