Obituary of Ron Fontaine

Ron was born in Cranbrook, BC on June 22, 1948 to Laurent and Jeanne Fontaine. Raised in Liseiux, Saskatchewan. Schooled in Lisieux and then Notre Dame College in Wilcox Sask. With school behind him, Ron started his working career at 16 as a farm hand on a Dairy Farm milking 150 cows every morning (that is where he learned to be an early riser). At 19 he married Marybelle Mackenzie of Rockglen Sask, the mother of his sons Ken and Brian. They moved north to find work in Snow Lake, Manitoba and became an underground miner. Not liking the long winter he heard there was work on the Railway and moved to Revelstoke to work with his uncle for the CN as a Breakman. Being away from home wasn't good for the family so he took a career change and moved to Merritt, BC to help construct a new Hotel. From construction to Tire Man and then the manager of a New Tire Store saw him move to Princeton, BC and eventually to meet Wendy who needed a new set of tires, (quite the sales man). They met in 1978 and married in 1983. They continued to live in Princeton for 14 years and he worked as a Manager of a Kal Tire store. This is when Tami and Ricky joined their family. Ron was an active member of the Princeton Fire Department and Lions Club. He loved to get involved and help in community events. He was an avid skier, skidoo, and outdoorsman. In 1988 he took a trip to Chetwynd and Tumbler Ridge with a Good friend, He liked what he saw up here and in 1989 the opportunity to run the Esso Gas station and start his own business, Peace country Tire saw the family move to Chetwynd. After a year the Esso was sold and he became the Trucking Supervisor for Chief Construction in this area. With the loss of the contract he started working for Canfor as a millwright on weekends and also with Wendy, they took on being the caretakers of the Pine Valley Exhibition Park. He met many new friends taking on this position and enjoyed to camaraderie very much. During this time he became a team roper and this became a passion of his until a fall prevented him from riding for a year. He loved riding and working with the horses and the people who participated and rode at the barn. After all this time working and having all these career changes Ron finally decided to Retire. So at 60 he says he quit working and started to do the things he wanted to do. He bought a bobcat and started his own business again. But this time he said it was on his terms and when and who he wanted to work for. He made the choice to work or not and he loved this aspect of retirement. His family, siblings, grandchildren and friends (the coffee group at A& W) were the high lights of his days. He loved to listen and tell stories and solve the world problems with the group at Junes, the A & W or the Brookside. He loved to Dance with Wendy, play with Tryson in his Shop, rope, build, fabricate, create and generally help friends, acquaintances and anyone who asked for his help. His life in Chetwynd was full and enjoyable. Ron did what he wanted to do and was happy living in this community. He will be sadly missed by all who loved and new him. Ron passed away on Friday, September 10, 2010 in Chetwynd at the age of 62 years. A memorial service was held on Thursday, September 16, 2010 at 2:00 pm at the Chetwynd Baptist Church, Pastor Bill Evans Officiated, Interment will be in Lisieux Saskatchewan, at a later date. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Ron to the Chetywnd Seniors Housing. Box 1679, Chetwynd B.C. V0C 1J0. Attention: E. Wilfur, For Surerus Place Landscaping.