Ronald Hjalmar Anderson, 88, passed away on June 29, 2019 after a long battle with Parkinson’s. Despite the restrictions the disease placed on him, he was not one to seek sympathy, indulge in self-pity or dwell on what he could no longer do. Instead, he set his sights on what life could still offer him. He was a passionate man who lived life on his own terms. He had a sharp mind and an adventurous spirit. Born June 4th in Ft. Saskatchewan, Ron lived in communities from Edmonton to London, Inuvik to Quesnel, Kamloops to Grenada, Salmon Arm to Czar, Sidney to Victoria. He worked as a miner, mounted policeman, teacher, school principal, youth counsellor, salesman, politician and businessman. 
He was often involved in community affairs, acted in local theatre and wrote movie reviews. Among his greatest pleasures were music, literature and history (world and family). His knowledge in these areas was impressive as was his ability to weave fact and fiction into wonderfully colourful stories. Being with family and friends also brought him much pleasure. In his last year, he was fortunate enough to connect with his first child, Suzanne and her daughter, Kathleen.
Ron will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved him. A heartfelt thank you to the staff at the Selkirk Retirement Home for providing such compassionate care.
Ron is predeceased by his loving partner, Marlene and survived by his sister, Karin; his children: Suzanne, Olivia, Kathryn, and Jeff; 7 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren as well as Marlene’s children (his in spirit): Reesa, Cara and Kelly and grandchildren.
A celebration of his life will be held in Alberta in August.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson Society.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Kathie Brown
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Kathy (Parkes) Dupuis Mr. Anderson was one of my favourite teachers. I was really lucky to have him for French in grade 9 or 10. He was easily persuaded to scrap the lesson in favour of telling us a story or two – people came to class just to hear them! He told us real things without the usual censorship or dumbing down – I still remember being shocked that teachers had lives outside of school. Boy, did they ever!
My favourite memory is when he put on Edith Piaf and interpreted the lyrics for us. I still think of him whenever I hear her voice.
Condolences to you all for your loss.
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Dustin Peterson This man taught me many things and put up with my smart ass while he was principal of Czar school when I was in Grades 1-6. Made us watch movies like Oliver twist, the sound of music, and the king and I, took us out on nature walks and taught us about native plants and animals, had us sketch the town of czar sitting out on a hill top, he felt awful and shed many tears at the funeral of our class guinea pigs when he accidentally left them outside and they suffered heat stroke, could always be side tracked from the current lesson if you brought up a political question, had a pretty good throwing arm but bad aim with a chalk brush, and those are just a few of the many many memories I have of this man. He made a lasting impression on me, and I’m sure countless others he encountered on his journey through this world would say the same. RIP Mr. Anderson.
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Dawn Wright Beautifully written description of a wonderful man. My thoughts are with you all.
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Dawn Stephanishin (Davidson) Olivia, my sincere condolences to you and your family. I had great conversations with Mr. Anderson during my school years and saw him many times in Vernon years later. He loved to tell me about his travels and Grenada as I had been as well. He was a great person and made a difference to those he taught. Big hug to you losing our parents is not easy. RIP
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Terry Noel Sorry to hear of your loss Olivia. It sounds like your dad, “Mr. Anderson” to us former students, lived a long and interesting life. I remember him as being passionate about his work and all the things he believed in. I hope you and your family are doing well under the circumstances. Take care.
Our condolences to the family of Ron Anderson. We enjoyed many good times, along with our children who were his students at Czar school. Ron had a passion for the Arts, particularly music and drama.
Cliff, Kathie, Marsha and Tyson Brown
Note: Cliff will be attending the memorial service and would be happy to play a lament on bagpipes if the family wishes.