Obituary of Ron Unrau

On May 17th, 2016, Ronald John Unrau passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family and close friends. Ron faced his five-year challenge with ALS with unwavering courage and dignity. He will be forever remembered by his loving wife Peggy Lenton-Unrau, his children Kevin Unrau-Westgate (Viktoria), Tanya Weslak (Darin), Damian (Andrea), Rohan (Elsie), Fiona Bugera (Ivan), Kimberly Graydon, Shawn Graydon (Janice), 15 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his mother Margaret, and his siblings Edward (Sandy), Carol Bergen (Henry), Wesley (Marilyn), Alvin, Gerald, Rita McFarlane (Dale) and numerous nieces and nephews. Ron was predeceased by his father, Jake Unrau. A celebration of Ron’s life will be held at the Morris Multiplex on Monday, May 23rd at 2:00 pm. A private family inurnment will be held prior to the service. Ron was born to Jake and Margaret Unrau on November 7, 1947 and grew up as the oldest of 5 brothers and 2 sisters on their farm in Rosenfeld,MB. He later moved to Lowe Farm, MB where he spent the majority of his life before settling in Morris, MB. Learning to work the land as a child, he found his calling in farming and loved doing it for his entire life, always confident in his knowledge and abilities but never hesitant to ask questions and expand his knowledge. He took great joy and pride working for many years along side his friend and confidant Wilfred "Butch" Harder, finishing his last year of farming on a bumper crop. Never one to sit still, Ron would farm during the summer and drove long-haul truck many winters, where he enjoyed seeing a large part of North America and meeting new people. He was instilled with a fierce work ethic and desire to help those around him at a young age which persisted with him till his final days. Whenever a situation arose that required help, Ron could be counted on to provide whatever was needed, often without needing to be asked. He loved playing an active role in the community and helping those around him wherever he could, spending many years as a member of the Lowe Farm Fire department, Lowe Farm Recreation Board, and Morris United Church Property Committee. Most summers, he could be found on the Morris Stampede grounds, doing a multitude of jobs from hauling soil to working the Cabaret, helping to get the Stampede up and running and keep it running smoothly. Ron loved dancing and all forms of music, relishing his time performing in various Church musical groups including Prairie Chaff and the Variables. Ron cherished time spent with family and friends and was always ready to go visit friends, chat in the coffee shop, or have people over. Thankfully, he was able to continue these activities even in the later stages of his ALS, looking forward to his "Senate Committee" meetings during the summer where he could be seen happily driving his wheelchair around town to visit with friends. Having his large family over for various holidays and get togethers were always a highlight for him. Ron's family wishes to extend a most sincere thank you to all his friends and the entire community for their support in the fund raising event held to purchase a special van to help with his mobility, allowing him to maintain his independence and connections with family and friends, as well as the unwavering companionship extended to Ron throughout his life. A special thank you is extended to : Dr. Ann Loewen Ron's Home Care Staff The ALS society of Manitoba Lifeline Northland Health Care Products Grace Hospital Staff; and Morris Hospital Staff If so desired, memorial donations may be made to the A.L.S. Society of Manitoba, 2A-1717 Dublin Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3H 0H2, www.als.mb.ca. " The best portion of a good man's life: his little, nameless unremembered acts of kindness and love." William Wordsworth Ron, the grain's in the bin, the fall work's done, you've earned a rest...