Ron was born to Bill and Edith Barnes in Empress, Alberta, February 7th, 1948. He took his schooling in Bindloss and helped his father on the family farm. Bill’s poor health meant that Ron shouldered much of the responsibilities of the farm at a young age. Ron married Joyce Marshall of Acadia Valley in 1967 in Medicine Hat. They lived on the farm at Bindloss until April 1968, when they moved to what would become Ron’s homeplace, the farm just west of Kirkcaldy. They enjoyed their wonderful neighbors so much. They often played pranks on one another and kept each other on their toes.
The unexpected passing of Joyce in 2011 left Ron deeply bereaved. Nevertheless, he found comfort and companionship with Virginia Haahr. They married in Medicine Hat in 2015. Ron & Virginia enjoyed retirement life together. They travelled, played cards and golfed together. They enjoyed taking a break from the chilly winters, travelling south to Lake Havasu City. Cruising up & down the boulevard in his prized Corvair convertible was a highlight for them both. As difficult as the last few years were, Virginia cared tirelessly for Ron and brought light to his life.
Ron was a hard-working farmer. Early mornings and late nights and often a noon hour snap nap. Ron was an avid sportsman. In his younger years, he was active in curling, ball, and the fish & games society. He really enjoyed camping at Dutch Creek & Lynx Creek. He’d never turn down a game of cards. A brand-new set of golf clubs for his 40th birthday unleashed a passion for a new game. Ron was an active community member throughout most of his years. He served his community with the Vulcan Lions Club and acted as a coach for several different sports teams. As the years went on, he loved to travel around catching as many events as he could of any of his grandchildren, shoot some pool, and of course get in as much golf as he could.
Ron passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 29th, 2024, in Vulcan at the age of 76. He is survived by his wife, Virginia; his children Jim (Jocelyn) Barnes of Ladysmith, BC and Rhonda (Darcy) Dugdale of Vulcan; his grandchildren Conor, Jordan, Hunter, Louis, Graham (Mya), Owen (Kiana), Elizabeth, Weston, & Isabella. Additionally, Ron embraced Virginia’s children; Bart (Sheryl), Shannon (Cory) & Jodi (Colin) and their children; Taylor, Rory (Kenzie), Macy (Dallas), Kaitlyn, Hailey, Madison, Gracie, Sam, & Lexi and great granddaughter Paisley.
Ron loved to socialize. On his travels near or far, he would often run into someone he knew. A conversation with a new face just meant he’d made a new friend. He is easily described as unforgettable, you only had to meet him once. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Though he may be gone, his memory will live on in the hearts of those he touched.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 11:30 am at the Vulcan Cultural & Recreation Centre (CRC) at 504 – 4 Ave. South, Vulcan, AB, Fr. Mariusz Sztuk Celebrant. Private Family Inurnment Vulcan Cemetery Columbarium.
Memorial donations may be made to the Vulcan County Health & Wellness Foundation, PO Box 28, Vulcan, AB, T0L 2B0 or to vchw.foundation@gmail.com.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.
My heart goes out to everyone who knew this wonderful man … Jim and Rhonda ….”god “the times we had together “remember “camping “fishing “playing cards “the ole blue dune buggy “so many memories “sooo much fun ….. I will miss your Mom & Dad for the rest of my life “and for sure all the memories “…..I think of your mom Joyce a lot….she was a great person “loved her so much ……miss her like crazy…… Hope you both are doing okay …. Thinking of you both take care love to all❤️❤️❤️ Ev Perley…
To all of Rons family
I want to extend my deepest sympathy to all of you. I just found his obituary and I know he will be missed. I have known Ron for almost 20 years as I was his TV guy. I also had the pleasure of golfing with him a few times over the years. He was always what I have to call vibrant and I always seemed to take longer to get any of the work done when I working for him. I enjoyed every minute.
May beautiful memories give you strength at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Virgina
We are saddened to hear of Ron’s passing. He was a friend to all who knew him and will be missed by everyone. Our sincere sympathy to Virginia and his family, you have lost a great man. May he Rest in Peace.
Dale and I were so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. Our sincerest sympathy to you, Virginia, and all of Ron’s family. He was a lovely man, and we always enjoyed seeing him
I am sad to hear of Ron’s passing. I met Ron in 1979-80 when the new curling rink was built. I curled with Ron for many years in men’s square draw and numerous bonspiels. He was a mentor to me and many others. Always had wisdom about curling , farming and life. In the past few years I would come across Ron and Virgina at many curling events as spectators and enjoyed their company immensely. My sincere sympathy to Virgina and Ron’s family.
My deepest condolences to you all, Jim and Rhonda and families. I have so many fond memories of your Dad, and of course Mom too, including the dune buggy adventures in Dutch Creek and camping in McGregor. The baseball tournaments and hours spent at the curling rink and on the farm bring back heart-warming memories and may your warmest memories comfort you all too. The best for me is that infectious smile, laughter, teasing and without a doubt the way his arm pulled you in to his side while his fist rubbed your shoulder. He will forever be fondly remembered. Sending comforting hugs your way.
Thinking of you at this sad time Virginia . We will miss Ron as he always had time for a friendly chat when our paths would cross. Sympathy to you and family
Mo Pickersgill
We are so very sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. He was such a nice man and all of our family enjoyed running into him and having a visit. I know he will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know him. Our sincere condolences to Virginia and all his family
Hugs and prayers from the Moon family
Deepest sympathies to the Barnes family on the loss of Ron. He was such a friendly guy who always had time to stop and chat, just to see how things were going. He will be deeply missed by his family and anyone who was fortunate enough to know him.
So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. I have many fond memories of him and his family. I was at the farm once and a rooster kept chasing me…Ron went outside and took care of that mean rooster. I have memories of watching the lunar landing at his home on a black and white TV. Ron will be missed and remembered!
Jim and Danielle Scheffelmaier
Deepest condolences to all the family, I have fond memories of Ron from school days in Bindloss to his time in Vulcan.
Deepest Sympathies to the Barnes family. I have fond memories of Ron on and off the curling ice, the golf course and wherever our paths crossed. May the hole in your hearts be forever filled with wonderful memories of the life he shared with you all.
We are so very sorry to hear of Ron’s passing and our deepest condolences to Virginia and all of Ron’s family. We will remember him by the many good times and upbeat greeting you would always receive with his query of ” how are you today” .
Felicia and Tom Irwin