It is with great sadness and much love the family of Ron Brown announces his sudden passing on December 31, 2023 in Edmonton. Ron was born September 21, 1950 in Dauphin, Manitoba. Ron lived life on his own terms, one that was meaningful and fulfilled. He had a strong work ethic and always put his family first. He was ambitious yet humble, kind-hearted and unpretentious. He was a remarkable and loved man and we are blessed with the memories we have.
Working for the Dauphin Herald while in high school sparked a life-long interest in print. Ron’s talent, hard-work, and dedication led him to build a successful business in the print industry. At seventeen, he left Dauphin and moved to Edmonton. Soon after, he began working for Custom Printers honing his skills for 10 years.
In the new year of 1970, Ron was visiting Dauphin when a friend suggested he look up Barb Antoshko in Edmonton. Like Ron, Barb was also from Dauphin. Upon returning to Edmonton, he knocked on Barb’s door unannounced. They had a “lovely visit” before he invited her to a Valentine’s Dance. That was the beginning of a love story that saw them married 52 years, and blessed with two sons, Chad and Derek, and 4 grandchildren he cherished, Junalee, Caia, Harrison, and Evie.
Having an entrepreneurial spirit, Ron left Custom Printers in 1981 to start his own business, Brown Printing. A year later he joined with Herb Lutz to form Heron Printing which became incorporated in 1982. In 2007, Heron Printing became a family-owned business with Ron and his two sons. Ron loved going to work every day and especially loved working side by side with his sons. He was very proud to see how they grew the business into the success it is today, including the creation of a new online print company, Impactica.
Ron was known for his kindness and generosity. He was always available to his family and was a mentor to his employees, often helping them in times of need. Over the years, he graciously donated to various non-profit organizations, including Wellspring Edmonton for the past 15 years. In November 2023, the Edmonton Community Foundation presented Ron and Impactica a philanthropy award for his contributions to the community.
Ron enjoyed fishing and camping at Isoegun Lake with his sons and grandchildren. He loved warm summer nights sitting on his patio while watching his grandkids swim in the backyard pool. He relished family barbecues, going out for lunch with his sons regularly, gathering together for holidays and eating Turkey dinners. Ron enjoyed spending time in Canmore and in the past few years in Vernon, BC where each morning included sipping coffee with Barb while sitting under the large shade tree with the view of Swan Lake and ending the day under the same tree watching the sunset.
The most important thing to Ron was family. He spent countless hours with his sons both at work and outside of work. Drill or hammer in hand, he helped with every renovation project at his sons and daughter in law’s homes over the years. He picked up his grandkids whenever they needed a ride and watched their volleyball and soccer games, dance and gymnastics competitions. At family gatherings, he always made sure his daughters-in-law wine glasses were filled and the fridge was stocked with special drinks for his sons and grandkids. It was a small gesture, but to Ron it was about gathering around to talk and share stories while enjoying one’s favorite drinks. It was about creating space for conversation and celebrating moments of being together. To Ron, a drink in hand meant tell me about your day, I am here to listen.
Ron will be dearly missed by his loving wife of 52 years, Barb Brown, his sons Chad and Derek, his daughters in law Janelle and Vannessa, and his grandchildren Junalee, Caia, Harry, and Evie, his twin sister Bonnie (Cliff) Coombs, his stepbrother, Raymond Nadon, sister-in-law Hope (John) Peterson, brother-in-law Don (Lennie) Antoshko and numerous nephews and nieces.
Ron was predeceased by his parents, Bill and Ina Brown, his sister Lorraine Ryz, and his dogs Ariel and Tarbaby.
A small family gathering took place to celebrate Ron’s life on Sunday, January 7, 2024. As per Ron’s wishes his ashes will be spread near Isoegun Lake.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ron’s honour directly to the Canadian Cancer Society at www.cancer.ca.
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Ron’s passing. I have many great childhood memories of Ron, and spending time with your family. My thoughts are with all of you.
Jeff
We are sending heartfelt condolences to the Brown family. Ron and Barb are our dearest life long friends, and every detail in the beautiful tribute to him is exactly how we will always remember him. Your family is richly blessed to have known such love and dedication to each and every one of you. He will be missed by anyone who had the pleasure and honor to know him. Rest easy Ron…. We will miss you💔 Linda (Chunick) Mymko and Miles Kereliuk
Your lives and your obvious love for Ron is beautiful and I’m sure he will be greatly missed. I also grew up in Dauphin and knew both Ron and Barb. Ron was always a great guy and he couldn’t have found a better life partner. I know your pain is great but hopefully the support of family and friends will help you all to go forward. Ron will still be guiding you from above. Grieve in your own way in your own time. It is not an easy journey but rely on your family and friends for strength. In our prayers and thoughts of condolence.
I’m so sorry to hear of Ron‘s passing. What a wonderful tribute to a man. Well loved. Sounds like you have so many wonderful memories to keep in your heart.
So saddened to hear of Ron’s passing. What a beautiful tribute to a great man. Thinking of you and your family at this time
Our sincere condolences to Barb & family; a wonderful tribute to a life well lived, he will be greatly missed.
Barb & Dave Hollyoake
Sorry for the loss of Ron
Dear Barb and family,
Please accept heartfelt condolences. My mom and Ina were cousins (Joyce McLaughlin) and I grew up on 5 th SW Dphn, and spent time at Herb and Aryline’s in Edmonton over the years. So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. Cherish all of your wonderful memories.
Laurie Williams (nee Neault)
Our deapest sympathy to Barb and sons Chad & Derek we are sorry to here of Rons passing.
So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. Remember the good times, the shared love and moments in time. Hugs
Barb,Derek and Chad and family so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers .
I was so sorry to hear of Ronnies passing. Although it has been a while it was always a pleasure to visit. My children have fond memories of visiting at your house and send their condolence’s also.
Ron and Barb were always so welcoming when we visited. I will keep those memories in my heart when I think of you both.