Wow...I have found myself thinking of Ron over the years as we lost touch after my year of teaching in Sparwood in 2001/2002. We were really good friends and he was so helpful for me as a brand new teacher.  We loved the same music and got together at the pub on Fridays. I've looked on Facebook off and on but had no luck finding him. Today I just decided to Google his name and this is what I found. I wish I would have known about this at the time and feel horrible we lost touch. To his family...he truly was a great educator and there for me as a friend. I'll cherish the good memories and look forward to seeing him in heaven! 

I worked with Ron in 1978 at Sparwood Secondary School. I lost touch with him after I left in 1979. Tonight, on the other side of the globe, I started thinking about Ron and wondered how he was doing after 35 years. I entered his name in Google and got to this website. I feel so sad because I have very fond and vivid memories of the times he, Bob White and I spent together over a few beers.  He was so knowledgeable, so talented and so funny at the same time! Thank you, Ron for the good times! May you rest in peace!   I send my condolences to hi loved ones.  
Robert de la Cruz
Manila Philippines

Our death is not an end if we can live on in our children and the younger generation. For they are us, our bodies are only wilted leaves on the tree of life. ~Albert Einstein
Mr. Basarab will live on in all the children he taught.
Sean Vogelaar

I still remember being in grade 4 and having him bring Cleopatra to visit our classroom. He was a goofy fun teacher who definitely made an impact on many lives. I will remember him fondly . RIP Mr. Basarab

Very sorry to hear of Ron's passing. I always enjoyed visiting with him at parent teacher interviews and the many many times we visited at the Overwaitea store during the past 25 years.

Ron, you will be missed greatly by all.  I hope you are smiling down on all the wonderful comments you are receiving from your students and colleagues.  I am sure some will make you laugh.  Ah that sense of humour you have, a British wit with Russian roots!  I fondly remember the days around the pool at your Lowry Lane house.  The teasing you gave me, I was mortified at the time but now look back on it as a gift.  You are a unique & special man Ronnie.  Soar above the clouds and be with Mum & Dad.  
Liz, Mike, Cath, Randy, Dana & Phil & Max, my heart goes out to you and have peace in the memories.

Love Sharon

Mr Basarab was a really nice man and a really good teacher

I remember my friends and I coming to class every day with a totally random and obscure history question trying to stump Mr. Basarab and he'd always manage to nail it. He was a great man and a great teacher. Always quick with a joke, hiding behind his desk and jumping out yelling German shooting toy guns. He always seemed like he was having fun. I truly hope he's still having fun. He'll live on in our memories.

Your teachings in English 12 was a big part of my success in university. Thanks for getting me through James Joyce. Then later on, working with you at SSS was such a pleasure. Your puns and 'groaner' jokes always made me laugh and it was always a treat to see what tie you would wear each day! Condolences to the family. R.I.P. Mr. Basarab.

R.I.P Mr Basarab.. you were an awesome teacher and an amazing man..Thanks for the great years...Thoughts and prayers go out to the family....

Condolences to the Basarab family. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family at this time. I will miss your cards and jokes but I will always have great memories of our chats  and of our friendship throughout the years.    Bruna   (Sparwood, BC)

Mr. Basarab was a great, inspirational teacher.  He had a big impact on my life and career path.  He saw the world in quirky, insightful ways, and made his classroom come alive with his stories, his passion, and his humor. Every time I hear or see the works of Chaucer, Shakespeare, Milton, Orwell, or Oscar Wilde, I will always think of Mr. Basarab, and my time at SSS in his English, English Literature, Western Civ, and Journalism classes. Rest in Peace, and may we see you again, probably walking your dogs in Heaven, greeting us with a cheesy, one-liner that's so bad it's funny. Adieu mon ami.

I was sorry to hear of Ron's passing.  He has taught at Sparwood Secondary School for many years and  has always been such a presence there.  A dedicated teacher and a gentleman.  My condolences.

I had the greatest respect for you Ron!  You were a great teacher,  and you were always so great to me when I subbed at the high school !  You always put a happy smile on face with your kind words!  You will be missed!

So sorry to hear of Mr. Basarab's passing. It was a long time ago but I fondly remember him as my English teacher. Awesome guy! He will be missed very much! Rest in peace Ron. Thoughts and prayers for his family.

Condolences to Mr. Basarab's family. I had the pleasure of having him as an English teacher in Sparwood and there was not a class that was not filled with a laugh or two, possibly more.  Thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. Rest in Peace Mr. Basarab and thank you for the memories.

So sorry to hear hear of Ron's passing.  I fondly recall Ron as my teacher when he first came to Sparwood, his sense of humour and love of words always stayed with me.  Later he taught my children, and in recent years we would chat whenever we met around town, he had so many rich stories to share usually still with that humorous edge. My thoughts are with you all.

So sad to hear of Mr. Basarab's sudden passing.  My deepest condolences to his family and friends.  I have nothing but fond memories of him within the classroom.  He always aimed to make you smile and to share some laughter.  May the heavens smile upon you...xo

Ron Basarab's association with Sparwood Secondary will endure for a long time. May you rest in peace friend.

Lilio and Trudy Colonello- Sparwood BC

Deepest condolences to the family.  I recall many in-depth conversations with Ron, usually at the Post Office, as he loved to have an exchange about world affairs. His broad knowledge base always impressed me. 
Sincerely,
Lois Halko, Sparwood, BC

I have fond memories from his classroom many moons ago. He will be missed

As a former high school student, I have great memories of Mr. Basarab.  He had a special kind of tongue-in-cheek sense of humour and I am thankful to have known him.  Deepest sympathies to his family and friends.

Sad to hear of Ron's passing.  Spent a few nights contemplating life with his colleagues - they were memorable! Joe & Carol Paniec

My deepest condolences to the family.  I was a student of his in the 90s in Sparwood and always looked forward to his classes.  He had a unique way about him that made English literature even more interesting.  And who could forget his sense of humour!  RIP Mr. Basarab, I can just see you having a conversation with Shakespeare!

We were very sad to hear of Ron's passing.  Ron was a good friend. We taught with him in Sparwood during the 80's.  Condolences to family and friends.

So sorry our friend and colleague has shuffled off his mortal coil. He was a wonderful man and teacher and will surely be missed. Our condolences go out to his family, both human and canine. Love, Doug and Chris Chala (Sparwood)

to Ron's family -
please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of your brother.  our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

OBITUARY

Ronald Patrick Wayne Basarab

October 23, 1954 – October 22, 2014

Boal Chapel and Memorial Gardens

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services