Ronald Edmund Minaker
September 6, 1939 to December 9, 2016
On December 9, 2016 Ronald Edmund Minaker, aged 77 years, sadly passed away after a brief illness. Ron was predeceased by his wife Ann, brothers Russell and Gordon and son Paul. Ron is survived by his sons Ron (Sarah, Kevin), Perry (Susan, Samuel, Rebecca), Tim (Kirsten, Zachary, Brock), Paul’s children (Daina, T-Jay, Tanner (Marina), Hope and Jacob) Great grandchildren Domenik and Amelia, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Ron was born on Sept 6, 1939 in Rosser, Manitoba to Edna and Glen Minaker. Ron had three brothers - his twin Lloyd and older brothers, Gordon and Russell.
The family moved from their farm in Manitoba to Chilliwack and then to Kitimat in September 1956 to join Glen who had been working there since 1951.
Ron started working for Alcan in 1958 in the potrooms. He then moved to a wheel driver and was involved in the design of the new generation wheel breaker. He retired in this position in 1997. Upon his retirement, Ron bought his first computer and remained connected to the world, his family and friends ever since. He was often seen with yet another new gadget or with the latest cellphone or computer for himself and his house. The grandchildren loved to visit, as Grandpa could always show them something new. Ron was a big supporter of the BC Lions, Canucks, Seahawks and Blue Jays and enjoyed watching curling.
Ron was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, son and friend. He followed the grandchildren’s school and sports exploits with enthusiasm, often sharing the outcomes with other family and community members. Ron was a compassionate and kind hearted individual with a great sense of humor. He could often be seen clearing off the driveway of a widow or a neighbor before his own. No one ever asked him for help, he just knew it was the right thing to do and did it.He was a frequent visitor at 117 Liard where he will be dearly missed by Lloyd. We wish to thank all the people who supported our family through this dif?cult time, including the staff of Kitimat General Hospital, Mills Memorial Hospital and Lion’s Gate Hospital. To honour Ron’s wishes, a private family memorial will be held at a later date.
He Only Takes the Best
A heart of gold stopped beating,
Two shining eyes at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us
He only takes the best.
God knows you had to leave us,
but you didn’t go alone,
for part of us went with you
the day He took you home.
To some you are forgotten,
to others just part of the past,
but to us who loved and lost you,
the memory will always last.