Ronald Leslie McIntosh of Hazlet, SK passed away at Pasqua Hospital in Regina on March 26, 2013. The Celebration of Life Service was held at Hazlet Community Hall on April 1, 2013 with Marie Barr, LPM officiating. The pianist was Terry Lou Bailey. The Christ Candle was lit by Natasha Bouvier, Kendra Johnstone, and Sasha Flaig. Roberta Essex read a poem she wrote for Ron. The Hazlet Lions Club formed an Honor Guard. Ushers were Robin Shiels and Terry Smith. Pallbearers were Nathan Brin, Byron Johnstone, Stefan Bouvier, Justin Flaig, Justin Louma, and Kade McIntosh. The Interment Service was at Bestville Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Hazlet Regional Park or the Canadian Cancer Society.
Ron is survived by his wife, Cathy Knudsen, and children, Zachary and Allyson McIntosh; siblings: Brenda (Daniel) Brin, Brian McIntosh (Heather McEachern), Ann (Dave) Kuzmak, Diane (Randy) Flaig, and nieces and nephews. He was also loved by the Knudsen family, including John and Dorothy Knudsen, Bonnie Knudsen (Rob Miller), Allan (Anita) Knudsen, and families. Ron was predeceased by his parents, Morrison and Myrtle McIntosh.
Ron was born at Swift Current Hospital on July 21, 1954. He grew up on a farm in the sandhills where he loved to explore, ride bikes, swim and hunt with his brother and cousins. He attended Happy Valley School and went onto Hazlet School where he graduated. Ron enjoyed a motorcycle trip across the USA and Canada with friends. Ron worked in a copper mine in Stewart, BC and on the oil rigs in Alberta. Ron farmed with his dad and brother for almost forty years. For several years he had cattle, and more recently a few bison for fun. His favorite part of farming was driving the tractor in the field where he could appreciate the wide open spaces and wildlife.
Ron married Cathy Knudsen in 1991 and together they had two children, Zachary born in 1995 and Allyson born in 1997. Ron was a very involved Dad taking his kids to the farm, watching their activities and attending school functions. He shared his love of the outdoors and animals with them. Ron loved black Labrador dogs, and the family took Buddy with them on family holidays and camping. Ron and Allyson decided to raise a bison calf and spent hours together feeding and training Buffy. A drive with Dad always brought a bright smile to Allyson’s face. Ron loved taking Allyson and Zachary fishing. Ron and Zachary shared a love for outdoors and hunting, and had many stories of hunting gophers, geese and deer together. As Zachary grew older he became a great help to Ron on the farm. The family enjoyed travelling, including trips to Thailand, Hawaii and Panama.
Ron was an active volunteer in the community, including twenty-five years of service with Hazlet Lions Club, Hazlet Regional Park Board, Hazlet Hall Board, Hazlet School Council, Hazlet Elks Baseball Executive and a Trinity United Church trustee. He shared his interest in outdoors, birds, wildlife and camping with many youth in Hazlet when he was a Leader for Hazlet Scouts.
Wherever he went Ron loved to visit with people and he made many friends. He loved to talk about weather patterns, farming, news of the area, sports and phone technology. He had a great sense of humour and had lots of laughs with friends and family.