Ronald (Ron) James Barrow

Ronald (Ron) James Barrow

January 1, 1935 - January 31, 2023

Peacefully, Ronald James Barrow passed away on the morning of Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at the age of 88 years at the Flin Flon Personal Care Home.

He is survived by his daughter Veronica (Terry Curran) Teneycke of Snow Lake, grandchildren Jon (Sarah) Bogue of Brandon with great-granchildren Trevor, Nicole, Roseilee and Ruby; Stephanie (Richard) Gartly of Balmerton, Ontario and Devon (Jacqueline) of Cranbrook, British Columbia; step-daughters Patti (Clarence/Cheap) Constant of The Pas, grandsons Ashton (Bridget) Constant of The Pas with great-grandchildren Braelynn and Brock, Avery (Erin) Constant of Souris with great-granddaughter Autumn; Sandi (Brad) Knight of Macdonald, grandchildren Brady Knight of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and Carlee (Sid) Knight of Kathmandu, Nepal as well as previous son-in-law and friend Les Teneycke.

He was predeceased by an infant sister, his parents James and Elizabeth Barrow, sister Bette Shemeluk, his first wife Grace Chabai and long-time partner Eileen Burr.

Ron was born in Birch River, Manitoba where he attended school. Over the years he worked in construction, trucked, farmed, drove school bus, was a timber-man with Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting, but he spent the majority of his life working for the Manitoba Department of Highways.

In October 1966 he married Grace Chabai and took on the role of father for her children Patti and Sandra. In 1968 Veronica was born and completed their family. They spent time in both Birch River and Snow Lake, finally settling in the latter in 1972. He and Grace divorced in 1982.

Ron then spent many years with partner Eileen Burr until her passing in 2013. He was lost without her and moved several times after she was gone, looking for ‘home’. He eventually chose The Pas and was there until the summer of 2022 when his dementia meant a move to the care home in Flin Flon was required.

Ron was happiest outdoors. He loved to hunt and fish, no matter the season. Life was not complete without a boat, snowmobile and 4-wheeler! Time at Tramping Lake with Eileen held a special place in his heart.

Curling was his sport of choice and he spent many years bonspieling across the province. He still proudly had the certificate from the time he scored an eight-ender. Ron also enjoyed golfing and shooting pool. When he was young, he played a lot of hockey, and by his accounts was quite a good player.

In later years, he began gardening with Eileen, proudly boasting over their tomato crop each year. He then added canning to his repertoire and continued to make pickles every fall up until 2 years ago. He was involved in countless committees over the years, and was one of the proudest and staunchest members of The Royal Canadian Legion. 

Some have described Ron as one-of-a-kind, and they’re not wrong! He could be the life of the party, tell great stories, was full of one-liners and like it or not, he would tell it like he saw it. Once he set his mind on something there was no changing it. Relationships could be complicated with him, but he did the best he could.

The bonus of moving to The Pas was being close to Patti and her family, especially her granchildren. Whenever he stopped in for a visit, usually unexpectedly, he would come to life when his great-grandchildren were there. It was clear how much they meant to him. We are thankful he still knew them right up until the end.

Those who met Ron, will never forget him and he will be missed by many, including members of Eileen’s family. Numerous nieces and nephews have expressed fond memories of ‘Uncle Ronnie’.

We would like to thank everyone who assisted with his transition to the Flin Flon Personal Care Home and the staff there for their kindness, compassion and care.

Cremation has taken place. A graveside service will be held at Crandell Cemetery in Birch River this summer at a yet to be determined date. 

Donations in memory of Ron may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba 10 -120 Donald Street. Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G2  204-943-6622 | 1-800-378-6699 https://alzheimer.mb.ca/