RON (ROLAND) ARTHUR BRAZIER

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RON (ROLAND) ARTHUR BRAZIER

"I'm on the last train to Yuma" was Dad's metaphor for declining health. On January 25, 2021, our much loved husband, father, father-in-law, papa and great-grandfather disembarked at his final destination.
Born in Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan on November 9, 1928, Dad was a lifelong Roughrider fan, even though the family moved to Winnipeg in 1933.
Dad loved to share stories of his youth in Winnipeg - of devious childhood pranks, his years as a cadet (he was a crack shot with a rifle), and his superior hockey skills. As a teenager, he declined a spot on a farm team, but his incredible talent was still on display years later as we watched him soar on the ice of Lake Winnipeg.
At a young age, Dad joined his father at MacDonald Brothers (later Bristol Aerospace) working his way up over 44 years to become Superintendent of Aircraft Overhaul.
Dad met Agnes Russin in 1950 at a dance at the Y. He was quickly smitten with her beauty and intelligence. Married on September 15, 1951, the family grew to include three girls. In 1961, after deciding against a move to the US, they settled in St. Charles. Knox Street saw the addition of Misty, the cat, another female, making the ratio five to one! The white brick wallpaper in the kitchen witnessed hours of uproarious debate at Dad's insistence that the world is "round on the round side and flat on the flat side".
Family summers were spent at the beach, where Dad played with his girls in the water causing squeals of pure girly delight. The year Patricia Beach flooded, Dad woke to find his cigarettes floating beside his cot. That was the end of tent camping. In 1966 a trailer was purchased and Spruce Sands was the family getaway spot. Bonfires, beans and beer with friends made for memorable nights. In 1971, paradise was found in an unspoiled lot at Valhalla Beach. Mom and Dad worked tirelessly - sweating, bleeding and sometimes dissenting. The backbreaking work of clearing the land and building the 'cottage' began an all-consuming affair of the heart that lasted for over 30 years.
When Dad retired in 1991, Valhalla became the full time home base. Continued expansion and amateur construction never ceased. These were the days of massive bonfires, the 'tippie' canoe and many games. Handcrafted birdhouses and feeders attracted so many birds. And as the grandchildren grew, there were rides on the mower, straw bale forts, piles of fallen leaves, the basketball court, "Zim Zam" (at which Dad excelled!), horseshoes, and more bonfires.
Our homes saw many strays, human and animal. Sometimes gruff, Dad was inevitably kind. But if given a choice between people and animals, he would choose critters every time. Dad embraced the menagerie of cats and dogs that came with family members and those that visited from the neighbourhood. He had a special way with all of them. But it was Kela, their adopted German Shephard that he adored most. There aren't words to describe how much she was loved and later missed.
Following heart surgery, it was tough to keep up with Valhalla's maintenance needs. In his vernacular, Dad was 'exhaustipated', and they were forced to make the agonizing decision to move back into the city.
Since 2019, Dad lived at Meadowood Manor Personal Care Home. The family is deeply grateful for the love, humour and caring of the staff who saw through our beloved 'grumpy old man' to the lovable character inside. He said what he thought, without guile or filters.
Dad is survived by his wife of 69 years, Agnes, daughters, Linda Lamoureux (Ken), Leslie (Rob) and Louise (Les), grandchildren, Corey Smit, Cassandra Dawes (Nigel), Jonathan Lamoureux (Mithila) and Daniel Lamoureux; great-grandchildren, Chase Smit, Riley Smit, Benson Dawes; and sister Connie Lacey of Chilliwack, BC. He was predeceased by his parents, Alice Anne Brazier (nee Paradis) and Joseph Arthur Brazier.
"I want to look in the mirror at the end of my life and know that I did right by my girls", he said. Dad, you did right by all your girls. The family celebrates the love he had for all of us, and we for him.
In keeping with his wishes, a private family gathering will be held when circumstances allow.
If you would like to remember Dad, you are invited to make a donation to the Winnipeg Humane Society or a local pet rescue organization. Alternatively, you might plant a tree in his name. He would like that.

Condolences may be left on his tribute wall at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com.

Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk
in care of arrangements

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 06, 2021