Ronald J. Blouin

After a courageous and dignified fight against an aggressive cancer, Ron passed away in Regina on November 21st, 2010, at the age of 67. In the last stages of Ron's Life he was tenderly cared for by his loving wife Joan Bolen.

Predeceased by his father Rene Blouin and sisters Jeanine and Lorraine (Loiselle). Ron is survived by his wife, Joan Bolen; sons Jude [Maria Kettel-Blouin] Blouin of Saskatoon, Francois [Lisa Rapchuk] of Ft. Qu'Appelle, and Gaetan [Corrine Knudsen] Blouin of Saskatoon; step-sons Bradley [Crystall] Fogal of Okotoks, AB, Jason [Wendy] Fogal of Vancouver, BC., Jordan [Sarah Atchison] of Victoria,BC; grandchildren, Renee Quiring of Ottawa, Damien and Eric Blouin of Saskatoon and step-grandchildren, Stephani and Staci Kettel and Chris Rapchuk of Saskatoon, and Dana, Ashley and Taylor Kolenich of Ancaster; step-grandchildren Connor, Darek, Spencer and Kiera Fogal of Okotoks, AB, Benjamin and Scott Fogal of Vancouver, BC; mother Rose Blouin of Winnipeg; sister Doris [Julien Lachance] Blouin Lachance and brother Denis [Angela] Blouin of Winnipeg and brother-in-law Ron Loiselle of Gravelbourg; nieces, Guylaine Loiselle of Regina, Chantal [Scott] Gibson of Glasgow, Scotland, and Natalie Blouin of Winnipeg and Brigitte [Robert Mior] of Prince George; nephews, Jean-Claude Lachance, Dominic Blouin and Dr. Joel Loiselle of Winnipeg; and great-nephews Tristan Willman and Xavier Loiselle of Winnipeg and Jordan Mior of Prince George; and great-nieces Genevieve Loiselle of Winnipeg and Angelina Mior of Prince George.

Acknowledgment to Suzanne Blouin [Gauthier] – first wife and mother of Ron's 3 sons. Many memories were created with the extended Gauthier family.

A journey in the life of a wonderful man...

Born in St. Lazarre, Manitoba on July 25th, 1943. At a young age Ron's family moved to Gravelbourg, SK and was schooled at College Mathieu where he excelled both academically and in athletics. He will always be remembered for his passion for hockey, football, baseball and Track & Field. Upon obtaining his High School Diploma, Ron went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Ottawa. During his summer months Ron worked on drilling rigs, in the Estevan area in order to pay for his University education.

As a recent University graduate Ron was offered a position teaching at Gravelbourg Elementary School and 2 years later at the College Mathieu. It was here that Ron's enthusiasm for coaching sports and his uncanny ability to generate the most from his students and athletes came to light. He played a significant role in developing many athletic programs at the College Mathieu and in developing and shaping the talents for many young, eager and driven students.

Ron and Suzanne were married on November 3rd 1967 and had 3 boys together; Jude, Francois and Gaetan. He was a mentor, guide and later became a best friend. Ron was involved with every aspect of his children’s development. From being a Scout’s leader to coaching or managing sports teams, Ron was there for his children the same way he was for so many.

To broaden his horizons and to see the world, Ron’s resume included more than 30 years experience in the insurance industry. He developed his own financial planning business, building agencies for 2 of Canada’s major insurer’s as marketing and training director for one of the largest insurance companies in Canada, and as a regional director for a brokerage firm. Ron was a member of Advocis, Certified Financial Planners and Chartered Financial Consultants associations. Ron served his industry by contributing to CLHIA (Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association) responsible for introducing and implementing the AMTC (Agency Management Training Course) nationally: LIMRA (Life insurance Marketing Research Association, headquartered in the US), developing planning and goal setting tools for world markets: and by serving on local councils of LUA (Life Underwriters Association), now known as Advocis (Canadian Association of Financial Advisors).

Along his journey he developed and maintained tremendous friendships with all those who worked with or knew Ron in his personal life.

Away from work, Ron was devoted to family, his love of music and playing guitar. He was also involved in the community in many ways. While in Edmonton, Ron was a Big Brother. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and achieved his 4th Degree Knighthood. He was able to share that moment with his father Rene and mother Rose.

The Habs (Montreal Canadians Hockey Club) were also a huge part of his life. He shared that passion for the Habs with not only his children and other family members, but all of his associates. Many memories were created watching and listening to Hockey Night In Canada on CBC or later on RDS. A bag of popcorn or and handful of spits was all that was needed to create an electrifying night in front of the TV screen.

Ron also loved running. This became a passion of his while in his late forties. He ran several marathons with his most memorable one being the New York Marathon in 2000! He traveled throughout his lifetime and was able to visit 49 different countries... but his favorite destination was Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where he spent his last winter with his wife Joan.

From a very young age, Ron loved music. As a child he would accompany his father Rene, uncle George Blouin and other family members to house parties while learning to master the guitar. He later played in a band and continued to learn the guitar throughout his lifetime. He especially enjoyed listening to and playing Blues and Jazz. While in retirement and vacationing in Mexico, Ron would grab his guitar and walk from his condo to the nearby park to take lessons from a nearby local talent.

Ron was a family man first and foremost. His life revolved around family and the ones he loved. His memory will live on forever through his teachings, love and compassion for his neighbors, family and friends. Ron was many things... a son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather, athlete, musician, educator, businessman, motivator and so on... but more importantly, Ron had a large circle of friends and he will be missed by many.

Ron was a man of principles and integrity… in his personal file he kept the following quote:

“May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, enough hope to make you happy.

The happiest of people don’t necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. Happiness lies ahead for those who cry, those who hurt, those who have searched, and those who tried… for they can appreciate the importance of people who have touched their lives.”

Thanks dad for everything that you have been to us and to all who had the pleasure to have known you. You will forever be missed. We can only hope to carry the torch as high and as far as you have. You were a great motivator, guide, coach and confidant but most of all you were our closest friend. We are forever grateful.

Please share with us your memories of Ron. He was our father and we knew him very intimately, however his world was much larger than that. Your personal experiences enable us to appreciate him so much more.

Thanks very much,

The Blouin Boys

Funeral services will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Lebret (located 6 miles east of Ft. Qu'Appelle) on Saturday, November 27th at 2:00 PM.