Obituary of Ron Dietrich

Ronald "Ron" Larry  Dietrich passed away at Pioneer House, Lloydminster, Alberta on August 17, 2023, just 3 weeks shy of his 98th birthday, at the age of 97 years.

Ron is survived by: his loving family: Harley Dietrich, Debbie (Shawn) Webster, Wynn Dietrich and Shari (Daryl) Wills; grandchildren, Carrie Dietrich (Pat Macdonald), Kayla Webster (Paul Crisostimo), Riley (Alycia) Webster, Kienan (Beth) Dietrich, Serena (Matt) Loveseth, Ali Dietrich, Kiana Wills and Emma Wills; great grandchildren, Damien and Reese Macdonald, Logan, Clara and Theo Loveseth, and Claire and Paige Webster; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Ron is predeceased by: his son, Laurie Dietrich; wife, Merle; parents, John and Anna Dietrich; granddaughter, Megan; siblings, Annie, Hilda, John and Frank.

The Celebration of Life for Ron will be conducted from the McCaw Funeral Chapel, Lloydminster, Alberta on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at 3:00.  For those unable to attend the service it will be live streamed at the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ron may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

Our Dad, Ronald Larry Dietrich was born on September 8, 1925 on a farm in Spring Valley, SK to John and Annie Dietrich.  He was the youngest of five children, 2 brothers and 2 sisters.  Dad’s mom passed away in 1930 when he was just 4 years old.  He was basically raised by his older siblings until each of them married and left home at which time, he was close to leaving home himself.  Dad had to leave school in Grade 6 as he had to work and earn a living.  He worked various manual labour jobs for various farmers in the area and has always shared funny stories from his experiences during those days.

In his early 20’s, Dad moved to Manitoba to where his oldest brother, Frankie and his family, lived.  It was during this time that he met our Mom, Merle, and they married in 1950. Their first son, Laurie, was born there in 1951. Within the next few years, they moved to Lloydminster where their second son, Harley, was born in 1955.  This is when Dad started working for Husky Oil for the next 12 years. During this time, daughter Debbie was born in 1958 and son Wynn in 1961.  Unfortunately, shift work got the better of him and he had to quit.  He then spent many years at various occupations that included owning a couple of grocery stores, one of which was in Vermilion in 1967 at which time daughter, Shari, was born.  He also worked at Pony Express, owned a gas station, and worked at another oil company until he landed on what he enjoyed most which was driving School Bus.  During this time, he also worked part time driving delivery truck for Buyer’s Transport for Dale Wills who would become a lifelong friend.  These two part time jobs would keep Dad busy until his retirement at 65.

After retirement, Dad took up full time golfing, curling, and hunting which he had enjoyed throughout his life.  Included in his busy retirement was having coffee twice a day with two different coffee groups, which he absolutely loved.  Dad had no trouble keeping busy during his retirement years.  He loved following many different sports on television, travelling at his leisure, picking berries, and gardening.  He took great pleasure in giving away much of his produce to anyone who would take it.  Dad was not a big traveller, but he did enjoy hopping in his car and driving to various provinces to see his siblings, his many nieces and nephews,  and he sure did love the family reunions.

Church and his relationship with God were very important to Dad.  His relationship with God began in the 60’s when he and Mom started attending the small Pentecostal Church on the North side of Lloydminster.  When the new church was built in the 70’s, it was most convenient as now all he had to do was walk down the block to attend.  Church gatherings were a favourite of Dad’s.  He especially enjoyed the pot luck meals.  Dad was never one to pass up an opportunity for a good meal and good company.  He enjoyed many a pot luck and luncheon held at churches in the area throughout his years.  During his later years when his mobility began to diminish, various friends and family would be sure to pick Dad up to take him to the church so he didn’t miss out on his pot luck meals and the fellowship that went with them.

The last few years of Dad’s life were progressively limited by declining hearing, eyesight, and mobility.  His joy was in visits, jokes, and telling stories.  Oh boy!! Could he tell stories!  These stories usually ended with a sly Ron grin and a hearty “heeeeee-hee-heeeeee-hee”.  We’re hoping that we’ll be able to share these Dad stories for many years to come.

One thing we know for sure, up in heaven…Dad is definitely being treated like million dollars!

CARD OF THANKS ~

Ron’s family would like to thank the entire Pioneer House staff for Dad’s care over the last few years and especially in this last week.  We know he felt you holding his hand, and heard you chatting and singing to him. 

The family would also like to thank all the friends and relatives who extended words of condolence through cards, tributes, phone calls, and social media.

Thank you to Pastor Tim Acey and McCaw Funeral Home for their kind words, care, and thoughtfulness.

Ron's memorial card can be viewed or downloaded from the link below.

https://assets.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:2202bd45-c530-4184-88ca-b0c33d4d49ff?view=published