Obituary of Ronald McIlwrick

IN LOVING MEMORY OF Ronald McIlwrick BORN ON January 16, 1936 DIED ON Wednesday, May 14, 2008 FUNERAL SERVICE ON Friday, May 16, 2008 10:00 a.m. St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Lloydminster EULOGY GIVEN BY MERLE AUDETTE & MONICA MCILWRICK This is a time to reflect, to be thankful and pleased that each and every one of us was privileged in having shared in some way in Ronnie's life. I am Merle Audette, a friend Ronnie and Alice's. Also my husband Ted is a first cousin to Alice so I suppose I am what many refer to as a "shirt tail cousin." Today I want to share with you some of the thoughts of his family and also my personal feelings about the life of Ronnie McIlwrick. Ronnie was born in Lashburn, Saskatchewan, on January 16, 1936 and raised in the Buzzard District. He came from a large family of five sisters and two brothers. He was predeceased by his father William, infant brother Lloyd and his sister Phyllis. He is survived by this Mother Doris McIlwrick. Mrs. McIlwrick is 92 years of age and she is still very active in her life. This is a remarkable person. He is also survived by his sisters Marian, Mae, June and Myrna. Last evening in our conversations about family Alice commented about Ronnie's special relationship with his sister Mae saying that "They were thicker than thieves." Mae's husband, passed away several years ago, but prior to his passing Ronnie and Gabe enjoyed being together for hunting and fishing expeditions. I am sure many of you know about Ronnie's love for playing cribbage. So Mae and Alice had to face Ronnie and Gabe in many a game. Ronnie is also survived by his younger brother Raymond McIlwrick who is married to Alice's sister Valerie. Ronnie and Raymond had a very close relationship and so did the two couples. They travelled and vacationed together on a number of occasions. As well Ronnie is also survived by one brother in law Fred Gagnon and wife Merna. Ronnie was an example of someone who had an outstanding work ethic. He basically worked hard all of his life up until he suffered a major stroke in September of 1996. At the age of 14 years he went to work for Nelson Lumber unloading box cars of cement and gyprock. Once he got his drivers license he continued working with Nelson Lumber delivering houses and lumber earning the stunning amount of 90 cents an hour which wouldn't even buy a litre of gas today. Ronnie always enjoyed driving a truck and the family remembers how thrilled he was when he was able to get his driver's license after his stroke. He loved his wheels and was able to drive up town, to go out of the city to look at the country side and he even ventured a number of trips to Meadow Lake to see Mae and Gabe. In 1955 Ronnie was out and about and met his life long love, Alice Gagnon. They were married in 1956. Even with this interruption in his life Ronnie's career continued. He went to work at Pat Operators and then to Willoughby Brothers Transport hauling crude oil. It was then that Ronnie broadened his aspirations to do well in the oilfields of Lloydminster and became the proud owner of the company. He broaden his horizons with a partnership with this brother Raymond and purchased Temor Trucking. Ronnie retired in 1992, but he still kept his fingers in the pie making sure that he kept everyone busy, in particular Kathy and Lorne Hickman who were on the farm. Ronnie loved the farm and use to say it was something he always wanted to do. During all of his business activities and working he and Alice had started a family. They have four beautiful, caring and thoughtful children. Ronnie is survived by his children their spouses, grandchildren and their spouses and future spouses and great grandchildren. Their oldest daughter Kathy who was born in 1957 and married Lorne Hickman, Sheila was born in 1958 and married Don Richards, Linda was born in 1960 and married Ken Pope and Ronnie Jr. was born in 1962 and married Monica. This family just kept growing with grandchildren and their spouses and great grandchildren. If you wanted to see Ronnie happy and smiling all you had to do was bring over those grandchildren and great grandchildren. His grandchildren, spouses and future spouses from the Hickman union are Chris married to Kristin; Adam married to Michelle, and Lisa to be married to Scott. In the Richard's union there is Brandy and Aaron with Aaron's future wife Amy; the Pope's have two children, Joseph and Jennifer with a future son-in-law Andrew. Monica and Ronnie Jr. have two children Meagan and Owen. There are four great grandchildren in the family. They are Liam and Alizay born to Chris and Kristin and Abigail and Brady David born to Adam and Michelle. Brady David arrived about two weeks ago. His arrival brought joy to the whole family, but it was Ronnie that was just so thrilled. As sick as he was, enduring so much pain he was able to hold his great grandson. He was so pleased about the event he had to tell everyone who came to visit about having the opportunity to hold Brady David. A Tribute to grandpa was given by Chris and Adam from all of Ron's grandchildren. Ronnie was a man of very few words and also a father of very few words. He expressed his love and commitment to his children through his actions and behavior. All his children said, "Dad was always so busy working, but he always took the time to take us on a summer vacation." He also loved to take them fishing, to spend time at Turtle Lake with them and to take Ronnie Jr. hunting. The grandchildren enjoyed hunting and fishing with him and also playing golf. I wish I had more time to tell you all of the stories they told last evening about their positive relationship they had with their father. Ronnie is also survived by his loving, caring wife Alice of almost 52 years. This was a fun couple who loved to dance, visit with friends and family, travel, and to play cards to mention a few of their qualities. Unfortunately their life changed when Ronnie suffered his major stroke in 1996 and Alice dedicated her life to him and she was his personal care giver. Then there was more tragedy for Ronnie when his cancer reoccurred five years ago. The last five months Alice's commitment as his personal care provided intensified. She was with him at the hospital with on a daily bases which included many nights as well. Her calm, patient demeanor is amazing. My husband Ted refers to her as a "Saint." On behalf of all of your entire family and your friends we want to thank you Alice for what you have done for Ronnie. Some days were very tough, but you never ever quit. You are some lady. It is no wonder Ronnie couldn't get enough of you Alice. Ronnie will be truly missed. He will be remembered by each of us in a different way. In how he touched our lives - as a husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, cousin, friend, or former colleague. He was a great man and I think the verse that will be read by his daughter Kathy captures Ronnie "The Man." Tribute To Our Dad read by Kathy from: Kathy, Sheila, Linda and Ronnie When I think about a man Who has a deep and quiet soul Who works for what his family needs, Takes pleasure in his role…… When I think about a man Who's had big challenges to face, I think about my Dad, About his dignity and grace When I think about a man Who is in his daily life reveals So much strength and tenderness And depth in what he feels. When I think about a man Who always gives the best he can I think about my Dad My Lifelong Hero A Good Man Our Dad has left a legacy that will be with us forever. This legacy began when we were young and knew our place in this world was safe and secure. Dad never spoke of love but we were always confident in the fact that we came first in his life. He encouraged us to be the best person we could be by supporting us 100%. Because he didn't have the opportunity to complete has education there was never a doubt that he expected us to complete our grade 12 and to continue our education to secure out future. Even though he was successful in his business endeavors he always had that worry that he did not have any education to fall back on if something happened to the business or the economy. One of the things that we will remember and benefit from today were the things that Dad had a great passion for. He made it a point at the time to make it our passion. People who were a part of this will know what we speak of…crib, golfing, hunting, holidaying, dancing and family time at Turtle Lake to name a few. In his last few years, following his stroke his favorite pastime was being able to drive. His daily route after lunch was driving to the family farm in the Lone Rock area and ending up at Water Pure and Simple in Lashburn at exactly 3 o'clock for coffee, cinnamon buns and cookies with Jim and Mike. Dad was a no frills type of guy and held no airs even though he was named Oilman of the Year and business man of the month in Trade and Commerce magazine. We were amazed at how many people knew Dad or knew of him and it was because he always had time to say hello and have a visit. The only time in our lives that we took a back seat to anything is when our children, his grandchildren came along. His expectations of them were the same as they were for us but in his eyes they could do no wrong. As we took a back seat so did his grandchildren slightly to make room for his great grandchildren. Dad did not leave his legacy without Mom's help. They did it together. We are fortunate to have benefited from this. In honor of his memory we will continue to pass this legacy for generations to come. DAD'S LIFE WAS A LIFE WELL LIVED. We wish to thank many people. Dr. Snyman for all her time and caring and compassion. To Dr. Kerlis and Dr. Rogers. To the nurses on the third floor…our angels. To the hospital staff for all the spoiling and extras for dad. To McCaw's for their professionalism and compassion. To all the pallbearers. They were all 9 of dad's grandchildren. For the eulogy given by Merle Audette-a dear friend of the family and to Monica McIlwrick -daughter in law. Hard Job well done. To Murray Macdonnell for his special music. To Father Ron from North Battleford for his special words of kindness and a heart felt service. To Marlene Reisling and Donna Weston for the wonderful music at the service. To the home care nurses. To Father Lawrence and the lay people from the church for their hospital visits. To thc church ladies for the great lunch. To all family and friends who called, dropped by, dropped off food, flowers and condolences. In times like this we really rely and depend on friends and family. Thanks does not seem like enough. Thank you all Alice McIlwrick Kathy and Lorne Hickman and families Don and Sheila Richards and families Ken and Linda Pope and families Ron and Monica McIlwick and family Donations in memory of Ronald may be made to the Lloydminster Hospital Palliative Care or to a Charity of the Donor's Choice.