Obituary for Ronald (Ron) Edmund Havens
Ronald (Ron) Edmund Havens
Peacefully with family by his side, Ron passed away at Grace Hospice on March 18, 2023 at the age of 69 years. Ron will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife Diane, children Cole (Allyssa) and Paul (Lynnsey); grandchildren River, Atticus and Sven. Also mourning is his mother Marie Anne Britton, sister Claudette St. Pierre, brother Robert (Annette), sisters-in-law Bev Reiss (Peter) and Lori Orford Maksymyk (Gary), brother-in-law Ken Orford (Sigrid) and his nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his mother and father-in-law, Ellie and Carl Orford and step-father, Gene Britton.
Ron was born September 5, 1953 in Duluth, Minnesota and grew up in Winnipeg. He attended Sacre Coeur (Sacred Heart), St. Paul’s and Daniel McIntyre high schools, and received further education at Red River Community College. While growing up, the Vietnam War dominated the news. Rightfully fearing the draft, Ron’s mom convinced him to renounce his American citizenship, embrace his “Canadianness”, which he did, and apply for Canadian citizenship. Ever curious of how things were going south of the border, Ron and his mom would stay up watching the political primary races and subsequent elections. This was in an age when sanity still prevailed somewhat in US politics. To hear Ron and his mom discuss politics would be a true lesson in civility and intelligent discourse. Ron’s enthusiasm for all things political never wavered and if anything, only grew stronger as the political scene continued to deteriorate stateside.
Ron worked as a customs broker at Border Brokers and then Livingston International, retiring in 2016 after many years of dedicated service and exemplary leadership. He was passionate about his work and could provide sage advice on all aspects of importation at a moment’s notice.
Ron had a lifetime thirst for knowledge and, as a result, was a voracious reader of newspapers, newsworthy magazines, pamphlets – pretty much anything that provided information. He was also an endless consumer of network news programming. A true historian, no ill-intentioned character on the public stage was spared Ron’s scrutiny, analysis, and ultimately well-deserved condemnation. Both the New York Times and Sports Illustrated missed an incredible opportunity in failing to recruit Ron for their Editorial Pages.
True to his nature of deep diving into anything he loved or had interest in, Ron cannot be described without mentioning his love of and involvement in sports. His passion for sports was boundless. This passion was demonstrated by Ron’s never-ending support and dedication to the North Winnipeg Nomads Football Club for almost 30 years. Beginning in 1990, when his son Paul joined the team, Ron started helping out around the clubhouse, joining the coaching staff the following year. Ron had the supreme satisfaction of coaching his son, Cole. In 1997, Ron joined the Board of Directors with the aim of making the Nomads more accessible to the community at large. The Nomads succeeded in this mission, and Ron was very proud to have contributed to this effort. He spent many years as Treasurer for the football club, but his biggest accomplishment was as the voice of the Nomads games with calls to patronize the canteen, player introductions, and play by play action for every scheduled game. As testament to Ron’s commitment to the football club and his passion for being the play-by-play guy, the Nomads dedicated their new media center in his honor, naming it the Ron Havens Media Center. This honor also allowed him to have a roof over his head rather than sitting on a rooftop while calling out the games. Ron spoke passionately and emotionally of his beloved Nomads’ contribution to the community and the impact it had on so many young people’s lives.
Ron’s love of televised sports was almost fever-pitched. Like others, Ron taped sports: soccer, tennis, basketball, hockey and football. But unlike most others, the manner in which he planned the tapings was a methodical talent! Ron perused daily sports’ schedules and prioritized which sport/game would be taped and at what time so that he was able to maximize the taping capabilities and storage space. The calendar planning was held in sacred scribblers! After the morning’s front to back reading of the Free Press, Ron would move on to news programming before settling in to watch his recorded games. No one dared speak to him about the games for fear of disclosing the outcomes.
There were three sports in which Ron was an active participant: Tennis, skiing, and kayaking. In the 1980’s, Ron enjoyed playing tennis as a member of the Winnipeg Lawn Tennis Club in Fort Garry. Also beginning in the 80’s after an introduction by his father-in-law, Ron took to both cross-country and downhill skiing. He felt fortunate to have accompanied his father-in-law on ski trips to the Rocky Mountains. The passion for skiing manifested into a shared family sport with many hours happily spent on nearby ski hills. In more recent years, Ron embraced the annual family kayak trip on Lake of the Woods. It was one of the highlights of his year, and he never, ever, failed to attend. He was equally enthusiastic about the preparation for and the weeks-long debrief after.
Ron had a few passionate hobbies. Self-taught, Ron became quite mastered at the art of stone and tile. Floors, backsplashes, walls, tables and hangings were all transformed by Ron’s deft touch, and a number of his friends and family members have benefitted from Ron’s talent and generosity with time and advice. He also had a penchant for wine and found a love for wine making. He made wine for family and friends throughout the years, slowly getting better and better until he finally nailed it!
Ron was a dedicated dog owner and until his illness, never failed to take “the girls”, Nugget and Storm, to the dog park and run them into the ground with Frisbee tossing. They may not have been impressed by his bringing along a lawn chair and a book, but being dogs, they had little say. They loved these outings and missed them terribly when Ron couldn’t take them anymore.
Above all else, Ron’s ultimate passion was his family. Ron married his love, Diane, on November 1, 1975, and his devotion to her was limitless, right to the very end. They were beyond thrilled to welcome their first child, Paul, in 1979 and in 1984, were blessed with their second son, Cole. Ron loved his sons immensely and was very proud of them. His wish has always been for his boys to have a good life and to be happy in what they do. Ron and Diane were blessed in recent years with grandchildren. First, Sven and Atticus entered their lives along with their mother Lynnsey. Then, a little over a year ago, another grandson, River, was born to Lynnsey and Paul. Ron cherished the brief time he had with River, and was thrilled at the knowledge that Diane has grandkids to love and care for. The proximity with which Cole, Allyssa and their dog, Buster live to Diane and Ron’s home has been a real gift. This has allowed for frequent visits, and in recent months, the ability for Cole to provide needed and appreciated assistance. Ron was happy that his sons have such wonderful partners to share their lives with and to help them through this difficult time.
As per Ron’s instructions, we will do our best to continue with family traditions and the gatherings he was happy to attend, even though his absence will be deeply felt.
Ron’s journey was difficult, but ultimately bittersweet for all involved. His diagnosis and illness led to much reflection, reminiscence and ultimate acceptance that life is fleeting, and best enjoyed with family and friends.
Diane and family would like to extend thanks to the physicians of Cancer Care MB and the Palliative Care Program who cared for Ron since his cancer diagnosis. Sincere gratitude is extended to Brian and Karen of Home Care who, with appreciated smiles and good humor, cared for Ron at home until his admission to hospital. There are many health care angels who worked with such kindness to make as best possible Ron’s final days while he was in Riverview Health Centre’s Palliative Care Unit and then at Grace Hospice.
Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life has been arranged for May 06, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Friends Funeral Service, 2146 Main Street, Winnipeg.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to Grace Hospice through Grace Hospital Foundation or to Cancer Care Manitoba.
Peacefully with family by his side, Ron passed away at Grace Hospice on March 18, 2023 at the age of 69 years. Ron will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife Diane, children Cole (Allyssa) and Paul (Lynnsey); grandchildren River, Atticus and Sven. Also mourning is his mother Marie Anne Britton, sister Claudette St. Pierre, brother Robert (Annette), sisters-in-law Bev Reiss (Peter) and Lori Orford Maksymyk (Gary), brother-in-law Ken Orford (Sigrid) and his nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his mother and father-in-law, Ellie and Carl Orford and step-father, Gene Britton.
Ron was born September 5, 1953 in Duluth, Minnesota and grew up in Winnipeg. He attended Sacre Coeur (Sacred Heart), St. Paul’s and Daniel McIntyre high schools, and received further education at Red River Community College. While growing up, the Vietnam War dominated the news. Rightfully fearing the draft, Ron’s mom convinced him to renounce his American citizenship, embrace his “Canadianness”, which he did, and apply for Canadian citizenship. Ever curious of how things were going south of the border, Ron and his mom would stay up watching the political primary races and subsequent elections. This was in an age when sanity still prevailed somewhat in US politics. To hear Ron and his mom discuss politics would be a true lesson in civility and intelligent discourse. Ron’s enthusiasm for all things political never wavered and if anything, only grew stronger as the political scene continued to deteriorate stateside.
Ron worked as a customs broker at Border Brokers and then Livingston International, retiring in 2016 after many years of dedicated service and exemplary leadership. He was passionate about his work and could provide sage advice on all aspects of importation at a moment’s notice.
Ron had a lifetime thirst for knowledge and, as a result, was a voracious reader of newspapers, newsworthy magazines, pamphlets – pretty much anything that provided information. He was also an endless consumer of network news programming. A true historian, no ill-intentioned character on the public stage was spared Ron’s scrutiny, analysis, and ultimately well-deserved condemnation. Both the New York Times and Sports Illustrated missed an incredible opportunity in failing to recruit Ron for their Editorial Pages.
True to his nature of deep diving into anything he loved or had interest in, Ron cannot be described without mentioning his love of and involvement in sports. His passion for sports was boundless. This passion was demonstrated by Ron’s never-ending support and dedication to the North Winnipeg Nomads Football Club for almost 30 years. Beginning in 1990, when his son Paul joined the team, Ron started helping out around the clubhouse, joining the coaching staff the following year. Ron had the supreme satisfaction of coaching his son, Cole. In 1997, Ron joined the Board of Directors with the aim of making the Nomads more accessible to the community at large. The Nomads succeeded in this mission, and Ron was very proud to have contributed to this effort. He spent many years as Treasurer for the football club, but his biggest accomplishment was as the voice of the Nomads games with calls to patronize the canteen, player introductions, and play by play action for every scheduled game. As testament to Ron’s commitment to the football club and his passion for being the play-by-play guy, the Nomads dedicated their new media center in his honor, naming it the Ron Havens Media Center. This honor also allowed him to have a roof over his head rather than sitting on a rooftop while calling out the games. Ron spoke passionately and emotionally of his beloved Nomads’ contribution to the community and the impact it had on so many young people’s lives.
Ron’s love of televised sports was almost fever-pitched. Like others, Ron taped sports: soccer, tennis, basketball, hockey and football. But unlike most others, the manner in which he planned the tapings was a methodical talent! Ron perused daily sports’ schedules and prioritized which sport/game would be taped and at what time so that he was able to maximize the taping capabilities and storage space. The calendar planning was held in sacred scribblers! After the morning’s front to back reading of the Free Press, Ron would move on to news programming before settling in to watch his recorded games. No one dared speak to him about the games for fear of disclosing the outcomes.
There were three sports in which Ron was an active participant: Tennis, skiing, and kayaking. In the 1980’s, Ron enjoyed playing tennis as a member of the Winnipeg Lawn Tennis Club in Fort Garry. Also beginning in the 80’s after an introduction by his father-in-law, Ron took to both cross-country and downhill skiing. He felt fortunate to have accompanied his father-in-law on ski trips to the Rocky Mountains. The passion for skiing manifested into a shared family sport with many hours happily spent on nearby ski hills. In more recent years, Ron embraced the annual family kayak trip on Lake of the Woods. It was one of the highlights of his year, and he never, ever, failed to attend. He was equally enthusiastic about the preparation for and the weeks-long debrief after.
Ron had a few passionate hobbies. Self-taught, Ron became quite mastered at the art of stone and tile. Floors, backsplashes, walls, tables and hangings were all transformed by Ron’s deft touch, and a number of his friends and family members have benefitted from Ron’s talent and generosity with time and advice. He also had a penchant for wine and found a love for wine making. He made wine for family and friends throughout the years, slowly getting better and better until he finally nailed it!
Ron was a dedicated dog owner and until his illness, never failed to take “the girls”, Nugget and Storm, to the dog park and run them into the ground with Frisbee tossing. They may not have been impressed by his bringing along a lawn chair and a book, but being dogs, they had little say. They loved these outings and missed them terribly when Ron couldn’t take them anymore.
Above all else, Ron’s ultimate passion was his family. Ron married his love, Diane, on November 1, 1975, and his devotion to her was limitless, right to the very end. They were beyond thrilled to welcome their first child, Paul, in 1979 and in 1984, were blessed with their second son, Cole. Ron loved his sons immensely and was very proud of them. His wish has always been for his boys to have a good life and to be happy in what they do. Ron and Diane were blessed in recent years with grandchildren. First, Sven and Atticus entered their lives along with their mother Lynnsey. Then, a little over a year ago, another grandson, River, was born to Lynnsey and Paul. Ron cherished the brief time he had with River, and was thrilled at the knowledge that Diane has grandkids to love and care for. The proximity with which Cole, Allyssa and their dog, Buster live to Diane and Ron’s home has been a real gift. This has allowed for frequent visits, and in recent months, the ability for Cole to provide needed and appreciated assistance. Ron was happy that his sons have such wonderful partners to share their lives with and to help them through this difficult time.
As per Ron’s instructions, we will do our best to continue with family traditions and the gatherings he was happy to attend, even though his absence will be deeply felt.
Ron’s journey was difficult, but ultimately bittersweet for all involved. His diagnosis and illness led to much reflection, reminiscence and ultimate acceptance that life is fleeting, and best enjoyed with family and friends.
Diane and family would like to extend thanks to the physicians of Cancer Care MB and the Palliative Care Program who cared for Ron since his cancer diagnosis. Sincere gratitude is extended to Brian and Karen of Home Care who, with appreciated smiles and good humor, cared for Ron at home until his admission to hospital. There are many health care angels who worked with such kindness to make as best possible Ron’s final days while he was in Riverview Health Centre’s Palliative Care Unit and then at Grace Hospice.
Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life has been arranged for May 06, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Friends Funeral Service, 2146 Main Street, Winnipeg.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to Grace Hospice through Grace Hospital Foundation or to Cancer Care Manitoba.