February 13, 1968 - March 27, 2021
We were blessed with Ron for too short a time, he will live on through the love of his life, Karleen, son Ryan, mother Pat (George), father Joe, mother-in-law Carol (Gerald), sister Colleen (Garnet), niece Alex and nephew Hayden.
He will be missed and remembered by his uncles Jim (Adeline) Lemiski, Kenneth Hill, aunts Lil Lemiski, Jeanie Tymchuk, Arlene Lemiski, step brothers Reginald Ellwood (Stephanie), Archie Ellwood (Cindy), Dwayne Nicholson (Kim), step sisters Cindy Johnson (Art), Debbie Rauschenberger (Rich), Lisa Beaubien (George), Sylvia Horner (Dean), brother-in-laws Brent Schmidt, Dean Schmidt (Jamie) and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Ron was born on February 13th, 1968 in Edmonton, Alberta. In 1978, Ron moved to Prince George and four year later moved to Terrace with his family. Ron graduated from high school in 1986, obtained his class 1 drivers license and worked at Big River Distributors for numerous years. He then moved to J&F Distributors, where he remained a dedicated employee until he was no longer to work due to COVID-19.
At a young age Ron developed a passion for hockey, creating a special bond with his father, son Ryan and more recently with his step father George. He was the textbook definition of hockey DAD - from coaching kids to hauling equipment to tournaments, to cheering in the stands like the proud parent he was.
He could be heard from the stands yelling "stick on the ice LEMISKI"! He always made sure the hockey Moms had coffee when preparing meals for the players. Ron checked a big item off his bucket list when Karleen and Ryan took him to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2018 for his 50th birthday.
Ron was a man accurately described as humble, honourable, kind and generous, silently strong, never expecting praise or any mention of it. He was a devoted family man, strong community member and had a wicked sense of humour, most memorable demonstration of that would be when he dressed up in Daisy Duke shorts and roller bladed on the stage in front of an audience of 700 to raise money to help the seriously ill in our community.
2006 brought Ron his greatest pleasure, his son Ryan, then in 2007, Ron married his "Snow Princess" and as a family, they enjoyed years of adventure, milestones and happiness.
Remembering when Ryan was born and they were taking him away to get cleaned up, Ron wanted to put a sock on him, just to make sure he got the same baby back. Ron may not have always communicated or showed it, but he held his FAMILY, all his family in the highest of regards.
Ron was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 11 and with his Mom's guidance and support, he was able to rise above his illness, continue to play hockey, not take life for granted and showed empathy for others. These traits saw Ron through his on-going challenges with diabetes, kidney failure, cancer and with a positive outlook and courage, he was able to find acceptance that his time with us was coming to an end.
Ron will be remembered for his genuine love of Christmas, he could tell you how many days until Christmas in February or November.... if he had his way, the Christmas tree would go up when the Halloween candy was gone. He is also responsible for coining the saying "RONNY LOOKING" which spread like wildfire to the homes of his friends and family.
Ron's sister Colleen remembers him as her FIRST best friend and Alex and Hayden remember him for his threat of "Military Camp" when coming to visit.
Ron holds a special spot in the hearts of all the Schmidts, Mitchells and extended families, even when Ron was at his sickest there was always a hello grandma (Carol), hello Gerald, a wave to Dean and a how are you doing Brent.... when asked how are you doing?... Ron's answer was always the same.... I'm alright....
Ron's every mark of affection, gesture of friendship, compassion, love for life and laughter will live on through us.
It's now our responsibility to keep Ron's legacy alive by carrying him with us as we move through life. And maybe more importantly right now, when our grief becomes heavy, let our hearts be soothed by our shared memories of our beloved Ron Lemiski.
Please join us to Remember Ron in a balloon RELEASE on May 16th, 2021 at 2 pm. Balloons will be available at Canadian Tire starting May 15th and 16th, please see Cheryl Irwin. Write your message to Ron on the balloon or insert into the balloon. As we release our balloons at 2 pm pacific time, find comfort in the knowledge that even though we can't all be together to grieve our loss, we are connected through the LOVE we have for Ron.
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Terrace Community Foundation's already established Lemiski & Schmidt Families Fund.
Visit http://www.terracecommunityfoundation.com click donate on the right hand side, find our fund and donate. Please use rklemiski@gmail.com to send an e-card of acknowledgement. Checks can be mailed to TCF 3100 Kalum Street Terrace, BC V8G 4L1.
The Lemiski, Ellwood, Schmidt, Eyjolfson and Mitchell families would like to thank everyone who helped with Ron's care through this final chapter of his life well lived. Your compassion, knowledge, kindness and strength will always be remembered. We truly live in a wonderful community.
Forever remembered.