Surrounded by his family, Ron Poirier (aka Dad/Uncle Ron-Dad, Papa) peacefully passed away on Friday March 14th at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital. He is survived by his loving wife Mary Ann (nee Szajewski). They would have celebrated 64 years of marriage at the end of April.
He was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Anna Poirier, and sisters Joan and her husband George Harkins and Betty Poirier, and parents-in-law, John and Bertha Szajewski.
Ron was extremely proud of his whole family: Karen Kretz (Tom), Norine Schram (Dave), Glen (Denise) Poirier and Patrick Harkins (Laurie) and niece Pam Nelson (Red).
He was much-loved Papa to Andrew Kretz (Dini), Marcus Kretz (Julia Peden), Casey Kretz (Angela), Michael Kretz (Emily), Zach Schram (Lauren) and Erika Schram, Kaitlyn Hannah (Drew) and Jenna Poirier, Josh Harkins (Nicole) and Katie Schmidt (Alex).
Ron was blessed with nine great grandchildren who have been such a source of joy: Colby and Lena Schram; Summer and Max, Edison, Charlie and Evelyn Kretz, Micah Harkins and Oliver Schmidt.
His easy-going nature will also be missed by extended family and friends too numerous to mention.
A lifelong Kenora and Central area resident, Ron’s childhood home was near the end of First Street. He and Mary Ann later built a house right next door, filling it with 63 years of love and treasured family moments. The backyard and Laurenson’s Creek greenspace became a playground for their children and grandchildren. Ron treasured the close-knit community of neighbors on First Street and was pleased to make new connections after moving to the other side of Central Park to Gardiner Block.
Having spent his entire life in Kenora, Ron possessed an impressive memory for names, places, events, and landmarks. He always enjoyed sharing his memories and history of the region with others. He had the opportunity to share his knowledge and experiences of spending his life as part of the Central Park community during the 2024 Common Grounds presentation.
Ron was an exemplary community minded citizen. He volunteered throughout the years including fundraising and supporting Central Community Club, board member for the Notre Dame Credit Union, he was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and a driver for Pinecrest Club Day Away. Ron was a lifetime, faithful and active member of Notre Dame Church.
Throughout his life, Ron held a wide range of jobs and appreciated the value of each one. His mantra, “all in a day’s work,” reflected his mindset and strong work ethic. His fondest memories of work were of the people and friendships he developed.
Camp at Norway Lake in Reddit was a haven enjoyed by the whole family. Many hours were spent there fishing, going on quad rides, swimming, exploring in the paddle boat, picking blueberries and playing games.
In his retirement, Ron discovered a passion for golfing. Many of his grandchildren fondly recall playing rounds with Papa at Beauty Bay and enjoying rides in his golf cart. When reviewing his golf game he consistently said he had ‘some good shots and some bad shots’.
His favourite winter pastime was being part of senior men’s curling at the Keewatin Curling Rink. He was also part of several coffee klatches at the Knight’s of Columbus Hall/Jubilee Church, McDonalds, and A&W, always enjoying the swapping of Kenora stories and news about town.
Ron embraced technology, keeping tabs on weather, the travels of his family, and maintained/reestablished connections with friends, old and new.
Ron could never end any family goodbye, from a short visit to a phone conversation without getting a little choked up when saying, “Good bye- I love you.’ It was classic Papa.
Good bye … we love you too.
Thank you to Dr. Bowerman, doctors, nurses and support staff at both Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre, Lake of the Woods District Hospital, and Kenora Home Support for their excellent care and compassion. The family is so appreciative of how well he was cared for over these past few months.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Ron’s memory to the Lake of the Woods Hospital Foundation www.lwdhf.com, Canadian Cancer Society, or charity of your choice.
Funeral service will be held at Notre Dame Church on Wednesday, March 19. 2025, at 11:00 a.m. officiated by Reverend Father Rudy Manaloto.