Date of Birth: March 27, 1944
Date of Death: August 15, 2017
Ron Szaroz of Melville, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2017 at the age of 73 years.
Ron was born on the family farm March 27, 1944, to George and Elizabeth (Douhaniuk) Szaroz. He grew up with his brother Don, and then a few years later, his little brother Jerry came along.
Ron attended Olson country school for his early education years, and he loved to constantly tell how he had to walk uphill both ways every day to school in -45 degree temperatures, sometimes with holes in his shoes or no shoes, etc., etc. The stories varied and depended on what his kids were complaining about that day, whether it was school or riding the school bus. Ron continued his later education in Melville until he left school at age 17 to take over the family farm when his father passed away; he finished his grade 12 by correspondence. He loved to share how their neighbours all came together and helped them take off the crop that year.
In 1967, Ron met and married the love of his life, Ruth, and they raised two children, Lynn and Gary.
Ron loved his life on the farm, which included both grain and cattle farming, so most of his favourite pastimes were enjoyed in the winter. He enjoyed going ice fishing and snowmobiling, and there were also many get-togethers held regularly around the neighbourhood to play cards and musical instruments. Family members fondly recall the many games of dice and “99” played around the table and the infamous lawn dart tournaments in the summer. Ron also looked forward to his yearly fall trips with Ruth after harvest, going to the hot springs and to visit family.
Later in life, Ron’s passion for family continued from his children to his grandchildren and then to his great-granddaughter as well. There were many games of “go fish” with Jayda at the kitchen table and cries of “Papa! you’re cheating!!”
Ron and Ruth worked together and raised their family on the farm until their retirement when they moved to Melville.
Ron’s love for farming followed him, and he continued to work for other farmers in the area until his health failed him. Finally, after a long-fought, courageous battle with cancer, on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2017, he left this world the way he entered it, in his own home surrounded by his family.
Ron was predeceased by his father, George Szaroz, his mother, Elizabeth (Betty) Szaroz, and a sister in infancy, Mary.
He leaves to mourn his passing: his wife, Ruth; his daughter, Lynn (Rick) Gray, their children Kristin (great-granddaughter Jayda), Jacob and Tyson; his son, Gary (Coraleigh) Szaroz, their children Jersey, Indica and Nynde; brothers, Don (Joan) Szaroz and Jerry (Sheila) Szaroz; and numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of Ron’s life was held Friday, Aug. 18, 2017 at Matthews Funeral Home, Melville with Brenda Zelko presiding. Ron’s daughter Lynn, and granddaughter Kristin were shared memories of Ron and the following recorded music was played as a special tribute to Ron: “Dancing with the Angels” by Munk and Neagle, “I Drive Your Truck” by Lee Brice, “You Can Let Go” by Crystal Shawanda, and “Grandpa Told Me So” by Kenny Chesney. Interment took place in St. Henry’s Parish Cemetery on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2017 with the Rev. Fr. Mitch Burdzy, OMI officiating.
Arrangements are entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home, Melville.
