Ron Orr passed away peacefully in Veteran, Alberta on Monday, January 26, 2015 at the age of 73.

Ron was known as a unique person and honest to a fault. He was a family man who would give his last dollar if someone was in need. Ron loved solving problems and applied his skills to mechanics, construction, appliances and life itself. He maintained a crazy sense of humor no matter what life threw at him. Ron lived with Ankylosing Spondylitis and Ulcerative Colitis most of his adult life. Yet he rarely complained nor missed a day of work.

Ron was born in Unity, Saskatchewan on June 28th, 1941 to Lyle and Dorothy Orr. He grew up on the farm with his 4 siblings. Ron attended the Blue Bell single room school until it burned down and the kids were then bussed into town. Farm life was rigorous and often called him out of school. As a result he began working fulltime after completing Grade 11.

With his Journeyman’s papers from the Musker Engineering Institute, Ron moved with his wife Elaine (Johnson) to Cranbrook, BC in 1962. There he pursued his career in Autobody repair and his daughter, Leslie, was born. In 1963 they relocated to Invermere, BC where both his sons, Curtis & Derek were born. Ron and family lived in the Windermere Valley until the kids were done school. During that time he owned and Operated Ron’s AutoBody. First at the bridge in Athalmer until it flooded out and then up near the crossroads. After the nest emptied, Ron followed career opportunities to Calgary as H&H Care Vehicle Adaptation Foreman transforming vans for handicap. To Westlock as Dawson Ford Body Shop Manager, to Red Deer as Southside Plymouth Chrysler Body Shop Manager & Red Deer Forklift Paint Specialist, and finally to Veteran where he retired, but continued working for Big Country Waste Management Commission as transfer station operator in Veteran and Esther.

Ron loved hunting, camping, fishing, western dancing and auctioneering. He enjoyed visiting his children and grandchildren and helping them with home and automobile projects. Described by some as eccentric, he lived life on his own terms and just like the good old days, his handshake was his word.

Ron is survived by his 3 children Leslie Howard of Alberta, Curtis Orr (& Debra) of Arizona and Derek Orr (& Lori Forget) of Ontario. Also, by his 5 grandchildren Jamie & Cameron Howard of Alberta, Austin & Alia Orr of Arizona and Blair Orr of Ontario.

Ron’s family is grateful to all those who offered him kindness and friendship during his lifetime. A small family service was held at West Spray Lakes, Canmore AB at 11:30 am Wednesday on August 12, 2015, at the last campsite ½ ways down the far side of the 2nd lake just before the gate closing the road off.

We created an altar of sorts on the beach out of pine, juniper and fir branches with a few wild flowers. (See pics in photo section) We played his favorite songs, How Great Thou Art, Angel Band, and God on The Mountain. As the music played we floated the urn and scattered pink rose petals on the water, each remembering him quietly in our own way. The urn was made for water burials. It was beautifully done with embossed roses and the inscription “We knew not loves true depth, until his soul was set free”.

We did a toast with picnic champagne glasses and O’Doul’s Amber alcohol free beer, his drink of choice! Next we built a stone heart memorial at water’s edge where the urn went in. If you look close there is an ‘R’ inside of it.

Then we gathered above the lake in the trees for a picnic lunch while playing 50’s and 60’s country tunes that used to play in his old auto shop all the time. It was clear, sunny, and breezy. It was perfect as could be and a wonderful way to recall Ron-Dad-Grandpa’s final resting place.

In lieu of flowers please donate, in memory of Ron, to Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada (Telephone: 1-800-387-1479, http://www.crohnsandcolitis.ca) or by clicking on the "Place a Donation" tab above. The family invite you to share photos, memories and stories of Ron here on his Book of Memories. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.