Gorzitza, Ronald “Ron” John, of Vulcan, passed away surrounded by his family, at the Vulcan Community Health Centre October 17, 2014 at the age of 84 years.
Ron was born August 21, 1930 in Coalhurst, Alberta. Ron is the second youngest child of 10 siblings. He was born to Emil and Elise Gorzitza on a farm in the Kipp, AB area. Ron’s siblings were/are: Honey (Hans) Schawalder, Lily Dobrazanski, Adolf (Lily) Gorzitza, William (Vera) Gorzitza, Walter (Laura) Gorzitza, George (Ann) Gorzitza, Alfred Gorzitza (deceased during World War II), infant siblings, Wilfred Henry and Minnie Elizabeth Gorzitza.
The family raised horses, cows, grew sugar beets, wheat and barley. As a child, Ron enjoyed playing baseball, hockey and basketball.
Ron met his wife, Barbara Flexhaug in Lethbridge, AB and married on June 3, 1955. Ron and Barb moved to Vulcan from Lethbridge in 1962 where Ron and Barb resided with their family. Barb passed away March 2002 and is sorely missed.
Ron’s work career consisted of working the family farm, hauling sugar beets, construction contractor, CPR truck driver, owner/operator of Don Ron Sales and Service, Custom combining throughout Alberta and northern USA, and Agent for Shell Bulk Plant. Until Ron retired, he operated as Agent for the UFA Bulk Service Station for 26 years, serving the Vulcan Community. Ron then passed the operations of UFA Bulk Service business to his son, Darren.
Ron was very involved in the Vulcan Community throughout his life. He was manager of the Junior “B” Hockey team, coached baseball, volunteered for the Vulcan Fire Department, served on Town Council, and was a member of the Vulcan Elks and Legion. Ron would always offer a helping hand within the community.
Ron had many interests and hobbies. He loved music, dancing, golfing, gardening, hunting and fishing, hockey, camping, playing cards and socializing with family and friends; with a rum and coke in hand!
For the past 6 years, Ron has resided in the Long Term Care Unit at the Vulcan Community Health Centre after suffering a stroke in 2008. Ron loved attending all the day trips that Long Term arranged which may have consisted of travelling to Claresholm for a wheelchair dance, Norberg or Mossleigh for lunch or just for a drive throughout the community. Ron had the opportunity to continue gardening and loved to show anyone who came to visit the garden. Ron was especially proud of the tomatoes he planted and cared for. Ron loved attending church services, bingo, crafts, baking: anything that he could be involved in or help with.
The Gorzitza family wishes to send heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all the staff and volunteers at the Vulcan Community Health Centre for all the support and care everyone has extended to Ron, Dad and Grandfather throughout the years.
Loving father of 5 children, Ron is survived by Wendy (Laurie) Gartley, Calgary, AB, Brenda (Clive) Joseph, Brooks, AB, Greg (Diane) Gorzitza, Claresholm, AB, Robert (Ann) Gorzitza, Stony Plain, AB, Darren (Shannon) Gorzitza, Vulcan, AB and son-in-law Jay Westman, Calgary, AB; 12 Grandchildren – Matthew (Marsha) Westman, Calgary, AB, Nicole (Chris) Jones, Calgary, AB, Ryan (Natalie) Joseph, Calgary, AB, Shane (Melanie) Joseph, Minnesota, USA, Justin (Vy) Gorzitza, Lethbridge, AB, Geoff (Ashley) Gorzitza, Edmonton, AB, Branden Gorzitza, Lethbridge, AB, Kimberly (Scott) Gorzitza, Stony Plain, AB, Cory Gorzitza, Stony Plain, AB, Shelbi (Cody) Fehr, Lethbridge, AB, Sydney Gorzitza, Lethbridge, AB, Kelsey Gorzitza, Vulcan, AB; 7 Great-grandchildren – Tyler, Carter, Hayden, Lydia, Adeline, Keegan and Kinsley, only surviving brother, George (Ann) Gorzitza of Lethbridge, AB, sister-in-law Eileen Flexhaug of Claresholm, AB, sister-in-law Laura Gorzitza of Vulcan, AB and numerous nieces and nephews. Ron was predeceased by his parents Emil and Elise Gorzitza, wife Barbara and eight siblings.
Funeral Service Friday, October 24, 2014 at 1:30 pm at Vulcan United Church (210 – 2 Ave. South), Sue MacDonald, D.M. officiating. Interment Vulcan Cemetery.
Tributes in Ron’s memory can be made to the Vulcan Health Care Long Term Care Unit, Box 299, Vulcan, AB T0L 2B0.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.
To Rob and Ann,
Though we haven’t been in touch for many years, please know that I’m thinking of you at this difficult time. Hugs to you.
Brenda (Pasolli) McCredie
I will miss Ron a great deal. Upon arriving for work each night, Ron would be waiting for me to sit with him to work on the jigsaw puzzles. That became a part of my nightly ritual, that I will miss very much. Ron was a pleasure to be around, always having a quip for me or the nursing staff. He always enjoyed watching the STARS helicopter landing and taking off. I thought of Ron as a father figure. Ron will be dearly missed by myself, the other residents as well as the staff. Thank you, Ron, for being a part of my life and making the Health Center a happier place to be.
I am so sad to hear the passing of Ron…I enjoyed and looked forward to the UNO games we played at the long term care when I was there to visit my mom (Tillie)…his sense of humour and friendship he had with all the residents including my mom, will will be missed…it won’t be the same without him.
My heart goes out to the family…Bonita