Ronald "Ron" Nicholas Roteliuk

It is with great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Ron Roteliuk, on Thursday, December 12th , 2024 at the age of 89 years.

Ron was predeceased by his beloved wife, Marilyn and will be lovingly remembered by his children, Ron (Leona), Ross (Michele), Jennifer (Allan) di Dio, Robert (Andrea); grandchildren Ron (Jessie) Roteliuk, Randi-Lee (Joel) Switzer, Jarek (Maggie) Roteliuk, Jordon (Brittany) Roteliuk, Carla Kwiatkowski, Krystal (Malcolm) Kenney, Tyrrell (Brooklyn) Kwiatkowski, Ben Lambert, Ross (Katrina) Roteliuk, Brock (Colleen) Roteliuk, Rachelle (Kale) Sissons, Mark di Dio, Kaylee (Nathan) Green, Robert Roteliuk, Brennan (Maikka) Davis and Paige (Donny) Garrioch; great-grandchildren Jayden, Emmit, Marley, Layna, Kade, Ryder, Dallas, Brogan, Lucas, Oaklynn, Josephine, Nova, Lennon, Cash, Harrison, Cain, Cohen, Heidi, Hollie, Holt and Lawson; sister Judi Peters, sisters-in-law; Dawna Waddell, Roberta Waddell, Debbie Waddell and predeceased sister-in-law Kellie Waddell; along with many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

Ron was born on February 21, 1935 in Regina, Saskatchewan to parents Nicholas and Evelyn Roteliuk. Ron (Dad, Gramps) and his younger sister Judi, grew up in Nipawin, Saskatchewan. Ron graduated high school in Nipawin and then attended the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon. After university, Ron worked in construction with Sask Steel and then started an architectural design firm and eventually ended up in the natural gas industry. While travelling across Canada, working on the pipeline, Ron landed in North Bay, Ontario, where he met the love of his life, Marilyn. In a few short months, Ron and Marilyn were happily married. Over the next five years, they welcomed four children; Ron, Ross, Jennifer and Robert into their family. In the following years, they moved several times through places such as Nipawin Sk., Yorkton Sk., Regina Sk., and Winnipeg Mb., Finally they settled in Portage la Prairie in 1973.

From 1972 to 2012, Ron had established himself as a competent adviser on economic and industrial affairs in Manitoba. He assumed the role of General Manager for Central Plains Incorporated. In this role, he promoted economic development for all the member municipalities in the prairie regions and industrial development for the city of Portage la Prairie. He was responsible for successfully attracting several major industries to the city of Portage, such as Phillips Cable, McCain Foods, Woodstone Foods and Simplot to name a few. After forty years of promoting the city of Portage, Dad finally retired at the age of seventy-eight.

In spite of Ron’s busy work schedule, he always had time to spend with the family. In the younger years, summer vacations were spent in the Detroit Lakes region with Ron and Marilyn’s good friends - the Cobbe and Riendeau families. Saturday was “Chiller Thriller” and “Pizza Place, pizza” night. Sundays were typically Family Day filled with trips to the Pan Am Pool, the planetarium, movies, bowling and cheering on the Saskatchewan Rough Riders. Dad enjoyed working in the yard, cooking, golfing and most of all family gatherings. In later years, Mom and Dad enjoyed playing cards together and could often be seen sitting together at the window, looking out upon Crescent Lake.

Dad and Mom took many trips and cruises to Hawaii, Cuba, Mexico and other warm weather destinations. One of their most memorable trips was to Hawaii with their good friends the Meldrums. Dad attended and enjoyed every graduation, every sporting event and every wedding. His family grew to include sixteen grandchildren and many, many great-grandchildren. Dad was lovingly known to his family as Gramps and as his family grew, he had a special place in his heart for everyone. Friends also felt his warmth and genuine affection.

Dad was a very kind man that had unconditional love for all in his family. Dad was always there with his support, compassion and love. No one ever left his presence without a hug and dad gave the best hugs.

Ron’s family would like to thank all the doctors and nursing staff at the Portage General Hospital, especially Dr. Nelson and Dr. Kinnear, as well as his heart specialist Dr. Kroeker for the care and compassion that they showed to Dad and to our entire family. We would also like to thank family and friends for their love and support during this very difficult time.

A private family service will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. The public can view the service via live stream, to register and view please click on the link below.

As an expression of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Ron’s memory to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 1379 Kenaston Boulevard Winnipeg, MB R3P 2T5.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com