Ronald Drabyk

1960 ~ 2012

 We have suffered a devastating loss – Ron passed away suddenly on the morning of May 21. Ron is sadly missed by the loves of his life, his wife Anita (nee Schewe) and his daughter Lian. He is survived by his parents Peter and Olga Drabyk, siblings Norman, Bev (Ross), Rick, Roger (Alexis) and Teresa (Regan). He is also survived by Anita’s parents, Edmund and Winnifred Schewe, and Anita’s brothers and sisters, Susan (Bruce), Barb (Craig), Andy (Michelle), Joanne (Wayne) and Grant (Cheryl). Uncle Ron will be remembered and cherished by nephews and nieces, Kevin (Jody), Christine, Samantha, Cassidy, Stacy, Sydney, Melissa, Tyler, Emma, Halle, Laudon, Cohen, Mackenzie and Stella and great-niece Evelyn. Ron was predeceased by his brother Arnie and his nephew Bronson. He will also be remembered by his Auntie Frances and numerous cousins.

Ron was born and raised in Winnipeg.  He graduated from the Computer Technology Program at Red River Community College and soon started work at Atomic Energy of Canada Limited in Pinawa. After spending many years commuting from Winnipeg to Pinawa, he decided to make Pinawa his permanent home. It was there he met Anita and they were married on May 22, 1993.  Ron made many life-long friends through his work and in the community. With major layoffs pending at Pinawa, Ron and Anita jumped at the chance to transfer to China to work for AECL near Shanghai. While there, they continued their international adoption process and were delighted to welcome Lian Zhou Jing to the family.

After returning to Canada, Ron and his family settled into their home in Pinawa and became very involved in all aspects of the community. Ron joined the staff of Whiteshell Technologies and NEHA. He continued to do what he does best – he kept the computers and local networks running for the School District of Whiteshell, Acsion, TANCO, and the Pinawa Library.  Many a frustrated computer user knew they could call on Ron to ‘save the day’.

In October 2010, Ron took on a task that was dear to his heart – he was elected a councillor for the Local Government District of Pinawa.  He thoroughly enjoyed learning more about Pinawa and helping to build a thriving community for generations to come. He spent many volunteer hours involved with the Curling Club, the Golf Course, and especially the Pinawa Minor Hockey Association.

Lian’s activities kept Ron busy and she’s going to miss those happy times spent with her Dad.  He expressed his creative side through his paintings, cartooning, photography, and sculpting.  Ron was a man of many talents.

Thanks to the TANCO employees, local emergency services, and the Star Ambulance staff who tried so hard to save him.

Memorial donations may be made to the Pinawa Foundation, Pinawa Orville Acres Arena, or a charity of your choice.

A celebration of Ron’s life was held Sunday, May 27, 2012 at the Pinawa Community Centre, Vanier Avenue, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. followed by interment of ashes at the Pinawa Cemetery.

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com

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