Ronald Cyril Kelly

Ron was born and raised in Unity, SK. They moved from the farm to Unity where the family got into the dry cleaning business. As soon as he got his driver’s license, Ron took on the job of pick-up and delivery of clothes to the various towns in the surrounding area. He also worked at Ridley’s Shop Rite after school and on weekends, filling shelves and delivering groceries. He was never into sports that much but liked to work, and his parents counted on him to help.

He really enjoyed the German dishes his aunt Anna used to make-borscht, pluma moos, and perogies with a very good white sauce. But then I think there aren’t many foods he didn’t enjoy over the years.

Ron and I met through Hi-C, a youth program at the church, and married in June 1966. He worked at the Salt Plant for a short time but eventually was introduced to meat cutting at the Shop Rite. Tim and Sherida were both born in Unity and many weekends were spent helping out at the farm. We moved to Wetaskiwin in 1969 where Ron commuted to Edmonton. He continued to train as a meat cutter for Safeway for 3 months, until a new Safeway opened up in Wetaskiwin. Stacey arrived in February of 1974. We lived there for 5 years and made many friends and enjoyed many weekends with Ron’s siblings and his parents. Ron was a strong tower for his family.

In 1975 we made the move back to the farm, to help Mom and Dad, and gradually worked our way into the business. For many years Ron worked alongside Grandpa Wismer, learning the ‘ins and out’ of farming. It didn’t take long to realize that farming was tough and so he set up the meat shop on the farm to supplement the income, and so it was for most of his career. As time went on, Tim wanted to come back to the farm, so Kelly Meats was expanded to include a kill floor, a larger cooler and freezer, a smokehouse and for a brief time, a store in Unity. This was a source of pride and accomplishment for Ron. He really enjoyed the business and was able to teach his family many of the values he held dear through his work. He loved to visit with people and the meat shop gave him that opportunity on a daily basis; he was always the front man: answering phones and greeting customers, simply because he enjoyed it and it came naturally to him. He also cared for and appreciated his staff, training them to do things the ‘right way’ (his way). It was hard work and long hours; coffee breaks would often run a little long to allow everyone a breather, enjoy a visit and some treats from Karen’s kitchen. At the same time, the farm was busy as well and steadily grew over the years. Ron loved the land and enjoyed operating the equipment, particularly Green equipment. Many of the children and grandchildren have fond memories of riding in Grandpa’s combine and him teach them how to operate the machinery. Picking rocks was always a good ‘starter’ job; you were expected to actually stop and pick the rocks, not just drive around and listen to the radio. Harrowing was another one where you learned to finish the job properly, headlands to complete, rock piles to maneuver, every acre covered. Tim and Carlotta were very well equipped to manage and operate the business, and Ron was very happy to operate the seeder in the spring and combine in the fall.

Over the years, Ron took an active role in church and community events. He served on the school board for a number of years as well as the church board at the Good Shepherd Church. He enjoyed the sport of curling, ran with Tim for hockey. Fishing trips, ski trips, skidoo runs, dancing, and 4-H drew our family, neighbors and friends together to learn, to work and to socialize. So many good times with so many good people!

The church was always a focal point for Ron and for our family and friends. In the trying times our brothers and sisters in Christ held us up in prayer and supported us whether we were in Cut Knife, Yuma, or Mexico, and we encouraged and supported them in return. Ron spoke in his testimony “Today I think back on my life and I believe the Lord always had His hand on my shoulder and protected me and also directed my steps in life.”

Ron and I started going south in about 2001. We fully intended to travel and see the sights, but Ron was drawn to the agriculture in the area and wonderful people we met there. He enjoyed golfing and when he got his motorbike, there was so much freedom and opportunity to ride. Driving on 4 wheels became humdrum, so he bought a Honda Goldwing and became a biker. He somehow convinced me to hop on the back and tour around with him, this new adventure introducing us to many new friends. The first year we took the bike down, we met a biker at church- Lauren Heintzman. He and his wife became dear friends. They introduced us to the CMA, first becoming members in Arizona with the Desert Sun Riders. Upon moving to North Battleford in the spring of 2014, Saskatoon was the closest ride group. Since the Battleford’s Light Brigade was formed, Ron helped to both build it up and to be a light in the community. The church we attended in Yuma was a very mission orientated church. He made many trips to an orphanage about 40 miles south of the Mexican border. Lauren and Ron changed out a stove there and brought in food, personal items and gave children rides on their bikes. The two of them often worked together at the church. Many times we spent the day at their home with friends, snacks and laughter echoing throughout.

Life a Los Quinto’s Oasis Park was always lively. Neighbors and friends to ride with, socialize with or just to hang out with at happy hour.

So many friends in so many places! Even at the clinic in Mexico where we went for alternative treatment. How much easier these natural treatments are on your body-no harsh chemicals-and I firmly believe they were working, but Ron’s cancer became very aggressive when we returned home. All the family were able to come and visit him. Stacey, Sherida and Tim have been such a great help. They helped care for him at home, and even in the hospital were faithful to keep him comfortable. May God bless each one of you and your children. It’s one thing to care for others, but it’s hard to watch your loved one walk that road.

We lived, we loved, and we laughed. For 50 years Ron and I shared our lives. I’m gonna miss you Big Guy! We all will!