July 2, 1937 – April 29, 2023
It is with greatest sadness and heavy hearts, after a short illness, we share that Ron passed away at St. Boniface Hospital with his wife Iris and family by his side.
Ron is survived by his wife Iris (of 61 years), his daughter Sandy Elhatton, son in-law Ray Elhatton. Predeceased by his son Greg Christensen, survived by Greg’s wife, daughter in-law Janice Christensen. Ron’s grandchildren who will always be so special to him, Brittney Christensen, Brad Christensen (Alanna Dawson), Sarah Elhatton, Christina Elhatton (Ethan Baranyk), along with many family members and friends.
Ron was raised in Winnipeg and was supported by a wonderful large family.
After high school he became employed by The Hudson Bay Company (The Bay Store). Ron started as a stockboy, a window designer, and progressed into a draftsman. He shared amazing stories about “The Bay”, as he was very proud of his many years employed there.
He married Iris in August 1961, and they had a wonderful life in St. Vital. He cherished his wife and children. Many special friends and special memories were made within the St. Vital neighbourhood.
Ron took an early retirement from The Bay to join Iris in their catering business at the Fort Gary Curling Club and they later moved to the Pembina Curling Club. Known in the curling community for amazing food and his wonderful fun personality. There too he made many friends and memories. He retired from their business when he was 65 years old.
Throughout Ron’s life he was a drummer in many bands. This gave him great joy. At the age of 70 he retired from his drumming career.
He was always hard working and put everyone before himself. His goals in life were to be sure everyone is taken care of and happy. A very kind and caring man that touched the lives of so many. His humour, story telling, and joke telling would brighten everyone’s day.
Ron loved family gatherings, all holiday celebrations, birthdays, Sunday dinners and mostly doing anything and everything with Iris. Always looking out for her and her well being, he said she “is his rock”. He enjoyed his time with his grandchildren and family, and attended every event possible, he wouldn’t miss anything as he loved being with them. He attended hockey games, dance classes, school events, listened to horse/stable stories, attended all their graduations and more.
He loved going to Winnipeg Beach where he spent his time there since he was a child. He shared that experience with his wife, children, grandchildren, and many friends and family. Wonderful memories were made in Winnipeg Beach at the cottage Ron and Iris built. He loved going for drives, many of which he’d call a “new adventure”, to see the sites and to be out and about.
Our family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses, and health care professional at St. Boniface Hospital who cared for Ron. He was treated with love and dignity.
A private family Celebration of Life and Interment will take place at a later date.
We love you Ron, Dad, Papa. We miss you so much.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, Heart and Stroke foundation, St.Mary’s United Church, or a charity of your choice.
14 thoughts on “Ronald (Ron) Christensen”
My deepest condolences to Auntie Iris, Sandy and family. What a wonderful man he was. I am blessed to have wonderful memories of Uncle Ron which I will always cherish. He and I were fence jumping partners. Jumping fences with him was a blast. At Winnipeg Beach he made the best sand castles for us kids. Uncle Ron strategically designed them while us kids fetched water as the sand had to be a certain consistency according to him. Family Christmas Eve gatherings were the best. Santa (Uncle Ron) always appeared to hand us kids goodies along with filming the event. He was like a magician. Santa then you blinked he was there filming to throw us kids off.
I was always so smitten with his window displays at Hudson Bay. My mom and I would also go downtown to see what Uncle Ron designed.
His drums were at our house for awhile so he attempted to teach me to drum. As hard as he tried I was a lost cause.
We were at a family event and he said come on let’s dance. I said I can’t do the 2 step. Grabbed my hand, took me on the dance floor and started counting out loud to me…one.. two. Next thing I knew I was doing the 2 step.
Along with all his talents he was an amazing chef.
I am deeply honoured and blessed to have known my Uncle. May he rest in peace and he was a blessing in our lives. He will always be remembered in our hearts.
Sending peace, strength and love to Auntie Iris, Sandy,Ray & Family, Janice & family
Love, Joni, Ray & family
Rhonda, Pierre, Chuckles (aas Uncle Ron used to call him) Traci Jim & myself Arlene are devastated. So many memories and unfortunately passed on our 51st anniversary that Uncle Ron was an Usher for us. We used to always call him and say remember what you were doing x number years ago today. We love you and miss you. Grief is simply Love with nowhere to go.
Still can’t believe you’re gone we are going to miss you’re a wonderful person and always cared about things you made us feel like family we are going to miss seeing you rip Ron love you
Growing up around Glenwood, I always found Mr Christensen to be a very nice person and kind to me. My deepest condolences to all of the family.
So very sorry for your loss, a wonderful man who will always have a place in my heart
So many memories of good times, you will be sadly missed. Loved spending time with you Uncle Ron. Rest In Peace, all our love Darcy and Cheryl.
Rhonda, Pierre, Charles, Traci, Jim & Arlene are so devastated. Grief is simply Love with nowhere to go.
Love & miss you always
I’m sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. My condolences to you Iris & Sandy & the family. Ron was a very nice man & fun to be with. I was the fiddle player in the band . Take care Iris ,,,, Wally Rebec .
Iris and Family:
It is so hard to believe that Ron is gone. He was a wonderful person and the patriarch of the Christensen family. He will definitely be missed by all at the family gatherings. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time. All our love Ken and Judy
My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. I have so many fond memories of family reunions and gatherings with Uncle Ron. There are memories that time doe not erase. Heaven has a new drummer. My family is sorry for your loss
So very sorry for your loss Iris, Sandy and family.
Ronnie was the best, always loving, always smiling, always happy.
He will be dearly missed by all, lots of wonderful memories of him.
Ronnie will be held close in our heart forever.
Sending love, may you all find peace in the love you had for him.
Blessings always, Wally and Kathie.
Iris and Family
So sorry to hear of Mr. Christensens passing .
I have many great memories of spending time with Mr. Christensen and the whole family .
Glenn Smith
Wally and I would like to send our deepest sympathy Iris on the loss of your beloved husband Ron.
Also to Sandy, Ray and family and Janice Christensen and family, our deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved father and grandfather. Ron was the most amazing man, always smiling, always happy, He will be truly missed and loved always.
Sending love and blessings always, Wally and Kathie.
Iris Sandy Ray Sarah Kristina Janice and Brittney and Brad I am sad and sorry we lost our loved one Ron He was my brother-in-law and my brother and friend. He will always be missed. Love you