We Remember
HEICHERT, Ronald Ruben
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It is with sorrow and aching hearts we announce the passing of Ronald (Ron) Heichert on July 22nd, 2017, surrounded by his family. He lived a life full of family and many close friends that complimented his genuine caring for those he knew. Our husband, father, grandfather, and brother will be leaving a large void in our lives, and will be missed and forever remembered for the shining example of the very fine person he was.
Ron is survived by his wife Elly; sons Brian (Marilyn) and David; granddaughters Kristyn (Mirza) and Kelsey (Max); brothers Alvin (Sharon) and Reg (Charmaine); sister Loraine; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by parents Fred and Hulda, and brothers Don and Ken. Also predeceased by his grandson Steven Ronald Heichert.
Ron had a passion for music, and as a young man used to play and sing in Polson park, along with some radio time. We know this continued through life singing in church choirs, calling square dancing, and singing in variety groups.
He enlisted in the Canadian armed forces at a young age and was a career soldier. His time in the service consisted as a vehicle and armoured mechanic, helicopter AME, and eventually in administration before his retirement in 1974. Ron proudly served in the Korean Conflict and was recently decorated by the country of Korea for his help in ensuring their independence.
One of Ron’s first passions was square dancing with his wife, Elly, starting in Rivers Manitoba. While posted to Soest Germany, another posting created a vacancy for a caller and necessitated someone stepping up and filling the position for the Soest Belle’s and Beaux’s. As all who knew him, Ron stepped up and said, “I can do this.” From there he went on to call for many clubs. He finished his calling with the Westsyde Squares, The Peachland Swingers and Okanagan Valley Squares, spanning 19 years.
During his retirement years he enjoyed the camaraderie and game of curling, and was an active athlete throughout his life. Another spare time passion of Ron’s was singing and playing guitar with the Peachland Variety Singers. Ron also enjoyed RVing with Elly and close friends and put in many miles pulling the 5th wheel throughout Canada and the U.S.
His knowledge and help was instrumental in the construction and renovation of his son’s homes, with one still being completed, and his help will be missed.
He was proud of his two granddaughters and loved them dearly.
The family would like to thank CCU staff for their compassion and care, especially “Ron’s Angels” Kate and Arleen.
Service will be held on Saturday, July 29th, 2017 at 10:30 am at St George’s Anglican Church, 3690 Brown Rd., West Kelowna, BC. Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BC SPCA, www.spca.bc.ca.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Service
Saturday, July 29, 2017 at 10:30 am
Location
St. George's Anglican Church
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Service Information
Service Details
The service for HEICHERT, Ronald Ruben is scheduled for Saturday, July 29, 2017 at 10:30 am. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Elly and family,
My sincere condolences on the loss of Ron. He will be truly missed by his St. George’s family. So sorry to miss Ron’s funeral. I am away from BC until mid August.
Elly, We both remember the good times we had with you and Ron at many square dances. So sorry to hear of his passing.
Bea/Bill Foottit
Dear Elly and family I feel blessed to have known Ron even if it was for such a short time. He will be missed by many in the choir at St.Georges and missed by many others. His smile was infectious as well as his humour . May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
Blessings to you dear Elly, Vivien Warr
I am so sorry to hear about Ron’s passing. What a blessing he was to St George’s church with his guitar playing and music knowledge. I was very privileged to have played musical duets with him. He also co-wrote the words to a song Madeleine and I had started called “Chasing Dreams”. The last words of the song which Ron wrote were “God right at our side leads us on our way…..then calmly hand in hand we walk together chasing dreams”.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
My deepest condolences to Rons family. I am a music jammer who attended many jams with Ron. He was an avid and enthusiastic musician. He always had a huge smile on his face when he had been able to sing harmony to a song that was being done by any of the other participants. I always appreciated his participation and sweet soft singing at any event we attended. He will be deeply missed by his music community as well as his family and friends. Rest easy Ron.
Gerry Tonn
So sorry to hear of Rons passing
Nice you have such wonderful memories
Both of you gave many of us some great times
Ev
So sorry to hear of Rons passing
Nice you have such wonderful memories
Both of you gave many of us some great times
Ev Callaghan
Dear Brian, Marilyn & family,….
Brian, it is so very sad to hear about your dad,…our thoughts are with you all during this difficult time. Please give your mom a big hug from me.
Sharlene (Johnson)