Obituary of Ronald George Kostelniuk

Ronald George Kostelniuk, beloved son, uncle, and friend, was born on March 2, 1947, in Winnipeg Beach, Manitoba. He peacefully departed from this world on October 25, 2024, at the age of 77, in Emerson, Manitoba. Ronald was a man who truly lived life on his own terms. He often reflected on his journey, stating that he always tried "to take the road less traveled." This adventurous spirit defined his life and shaped the countless memories he created with family and friends. One of the defining moments of Ronald's life occurred in 1972, during a pilgrimage to Yankee Stadium, a dream fulfilled for the die-hard New York Yankees fan. He recalled walking through the stadium gates as if he were ten feet tall, his heart brimming with excitement, especially after meeting his hero, Mickey Mantle. This memory encapsulated Ronald’s love for baseball and the joy he found in life's simple pleasures. Ronald was predeceased by his cherished family: his mother, Zena, in 2007; his father, Mike, in 1985; his brother, Norman (Jerry), in 2006; and his sister, Tara (Bert) Celsie, in 2007. He is survived by his loving niece, Sherry (Larry) Weir, and Belinda Chard, along with numerous nieces and nephews throughout Manitoba, including Debbie and John in Morris, Jason (Jennifer) Badock, Ron, Darryl, and Tamara Wood and Carol in Calgary. He leaves behind his brother, Ken (Casey) Franks, as well as Harold Hryniuk and their families. A special mention goes to his long-time friends Lawrence Russin and Cory, Sandy in Emerson, who were an integral part of his life. Ronald's life was deeply enriched by his interests and hobbies. After moving to Manitoba, he embraced his new surroundings and found joy in playing crib at local gatherings in Emerson and Ridgeville. He cherished spending quality time with family, especially while delving into his family's genealogical history, tracing both his mother’s lineage back to 1842 and his father's side to 1851. Ronald was passionate about documenting memories, often taking photographs of gravestones at Winnipeg Beach, a testament to his dedication to remembering his ancestors. In addition to his love for family and history, Ronald found joy in listening to hockey and baseball games on the radio—not the television—savoring the thrill of the game through the vivid imagination of radio commentary. He enjoyed the simple pleasures of picking berries and regularly stopping by the Chinese Restaurant in Emerson for coffee, often driving around in his beloved old car, relishing the freedom of the open road. Ronald was the last of his lineage on his father's side, with only his cousin, Jim (Margaret) Kosteliuk residing in British Columbia, making his connection to family history all the more poignant. As we remember Ronald, it is clear that he was a good person, well-loved by all who knew him. His warmth, kindness, and engaging spirit will be missed profoundly by his family, friends, and the many lives he touched throughout his journey. In closing, Ronald wished for everyone to embrace life fully, encouraging peace and self-acceptance. “I came, I saw, I conquered. Goodbye, everybody.” His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who loved him and the memories he created.