Ronald Guy Radford

In Loving Memory of

Ronald Guy Radford

1947 – 2013

Ronald Guy Radford passed away suddenly on Tuesday, December 10th, 2013, at his home on the farm in the Shell River Municipality of Manitoba.

Ronald Radford was born December 4th, 1947, in Roblin, Manitoba, the 4th child of Arthur and Ruth (nee Burrell) Radford.  Ron lived on the family farm in the San Clara area for most of his life.  He attended grade 1-8 at Walker School in San Clara, in the days when going to school with the horse and buggy was normal.  After grade 8 it was off to Roblin on the school bus.

Ron helped on the family farm after school, and worked in the bush for extra money.  After high school, he worked in the mines at Flin Flon, Thompson, and Esterhazy, but his heart was on the farm.  In 1968, he married Dena Cockerill and built a home on the farm.  He had two children, Dean and Rhonda. Ron divorced and later married Freida Langan, who brought to their union a daughter, Tracy.

Ron had a great love of music.  He played guitar, and enjoyed singing and entertaining his many friends. He had a way with poems and words that caused much laughter.

Ron loved hunting, fishing, and being outdoors.  He shared that love of nature with his children.  After retiring from farm labour, Ron worked part-time for the Shell River Municipality, retiring fully this summer and he was enjoying his retirement.

Ron was predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Ruth Radford; daughter, Rhonda; and brother Herbert.

He is survived by his wife, Freida; son, Dean; step daughter, Tracy Taffinder; granddaughters, Morgan and Peyton; sisters, Evelyn (Bob) Cockerill of Surrey, B.C. and Bonnie Jean (Vic) Vlaj of Campbell River, B.C.; brother Daniel (Vivian) Radford of San Clara; former wife and friend, Dena Radford; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many friends.

Ron’s Funeral Service was held Saturday, December 21, 2013 at 1:00 PM from Knox United Church in Roblin with Mrs. Grace Skomorowski officiating. The organist, Mrs. Beth Hojnocki, led the congregation in singing “Shall We Gather At The River”. Connie and Alvin Henry sang “Why Me Lord” and “Go Rest High On That Mountain”. The soloist, Mrs. Ruth Angus sang “Amazing Grace “ and “In The Bulb There Is A Flower”. Selected music was “Why Me Lord”. Curtis Radford delivered the Eulogy and Christa Radford read a poem. Honourary Bearers were Daniel Radford, Bud Paul, Charlie Corrigal, Dale McDuffy, Dennis Carriere, Donald Lenderbeck, Ed Vipond, Elmer Burwash, Laddie Henry, Lyle Dixon, Roman Malashewski, Rudy Quall, and all others in attendance at the Funeral that called Ron, “friend”.

Following the Funeral Service, a Reception hosted by the United Church Lunch Committee, was held In the Church Hall.

To An Old Friend

When we have lived our little lives and wandered

all their byways through,

When we’ve seen all that we shall see and finished

all that we must do,

When we shall take one backward look off yonder

where our journey ends,

I pray that you shall be as glad as I shall be that

we were friends.

Time was we started out to find treasures and

the joys of life,

We sought them in the land of gold through

many days of bitter strife.

When we were young we yearned for fame; in

search of joy we went afar,

Only to learn how very cold and distant all the

strangers are.

When we have met all we shall meet and know

what destiny has planned,

I shall rejoice in that last hour that I have known

your friendly hand;

I shall go singing down the way off yonder as

my sun descends

As one who’s had a happy life, made glorious by

the best of friends

NAIRN-CHYZ FUNERAL HOME

Entrusted with Arrangements

Roblin’s Only Locally Owned

and Family Operated Funeral Home

(204) 937-2111

nairn-chyzfuneralhome.com