March 16, 1944 – November 5, 2021
It is with overwhelming sadness that we announce the passing of our, beloved Husband, Dad and Papa.
Dad passed away on the morning of November 5, 2021, after a brief health battle at the age of 77. He will be deeply missed by, his loving wife of 53 years, Sharon (Bailey); son, Michael (Tamara); grandchildren, Ava and Izabella.
Dad also leaves, his brother Garry (Lois), his BFF June (Ron) Ohta, sisters-in-law, Lorraine Bailey, Valerie Bailey, Beverley (Bruce) Thomas, Therese Bailey, brothers-in-law, Don (Barb) Bailey, Kirk (Carol) Bailey, and his numerous, nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Steve and Kay Terleski.
Dad was born in Winnipeg, growing up in the North End, where he was affectionately known to his friends as “Turk”. He spent many of his younger years working hard and hanging out with his friends at the local pool hall on Selkirk Avenue, where they would go get their haircut and then shoot some pool. He met mom, who would be the love of his life, in Winnipeg at the age of 19. After being together for a couple of years they moved to Penticton, BC, where Dad had a job opportunity in a sawmill up in Coquitlam. A few years later in 1968 they married and decided to take their life’s journey to Edmonton where they lived and worked until their return to Winnipeg in 1973, where they began their family with the addition of their son in 1974. Dad married into a big family that was full of larger than life personalities, but he fit right in with his easy-going personality and his dry sense of humor that could get a laugh out of almost anyone. He always wanted to make people laugh and was never afraid to laugh at himself.
While growing up, whether it was for soccer, baseball or hockey, Dad spent countless hours shuttling me to and from practices, games or tournaments and taking me on road trips. No matter which sport or the time of year, Dad was always there, whether it was to coach or just to cheer me on. His dedication was truly tested watching outdoor hockey games during our Winnipeg winters.
Dad explored several different employment opportunities throughout his life, but spent most of his working career in the shipping department at Maple Leaf Foods, where he was a hard-working, dedicated employee until his retirement in 2005. After retirement Dad kept busy and enjoyed many activities. In the mornings Dad and Mom would have their daily discussion/debate about what they had just finished reading in the newspaper. He also continued to be an avid reader, reading 6 to 7 books every couple of weeks. In the summer he enjoyed spending most of his time outside tending to his gardens and was especially proud of the tomatoes he would grow. Dad was always one to lend a hand when needed, regardless of what was asked and helping out family with small renovation projects was always an enjoyment for him. But one of the activities that he enjoyed the most and probably kept him the busiest, was looking after his two grand-daughters during the day while they were growing up. He was definitely a proud Papa who would share every little detail of day with us when we went to pick them up and as they grew he was their biggest fan and supporter in whatever they chose to pursue.
Dad was a strong, proud, family man, who did not want for much and who did not let his emotions show through too often. But, watching his strong demeanor melt away when he held each of his grand-daughters for the first time, is a memory that will never fade and will always be cherished.
Dad, you fought back from something that you should not have survived, allowing mom and me to have a little more time with you. A little more time to share a brief conversation, to share a laugh and to let you know how much you were loved. Thank you for all of your strength and for giving us such a wonderful life.
We would like to thank the staff at the St. Boniface Hospital Acute Cardiac Care Unit and Cardiac Ward. We will be forever grateful for the exceptional care and compassion that you provided, not only to my father, but to my mother and me as well.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada.
Cremation has taken place and respecting his wishes, no formal service will be held.
13 thoughts on “Ronald Stephen Terleski”
Since I was 12 years old I enjoyed spending time with this wonderful giving man. I will cherish all the fun times the four of us had together. I never felt I could thank him enough for all he did for me and my family. He spent countless hours renovating Courtney’s fixer upper, then my home remodel and believe it or not he was there for Dan’s condo renovation too. This all took place in less than a year. I have so many funny memories of things Ron did to make me laugh throughout my life. Since Ron took up walking he would text me pictures with funny captions that would make me laugh, I sure will miss that. He was the best friend a girl could ask for. I always said if there is a heaven there is surely room for him. I love you like a brother and will hold your memory forever.
Our condolences to Mike, Tammy, Ava and Izabella. Cherish the memories.
Please accept our deepest condolences. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Valerie, Sean, Lisa, Matthew and Keanna
I was fortunate enough to have Uncle Ron lead the pack of Auntie Sharon, Auntie June and Uncle Ron O, in the renovation of my basement. He was there for me and my kids , and for that I will forever be grateful.
Our thoughts are with you Auntie Sharon, Mike, Tammy and the girls.
Rest In Peace Uncle Ron,
Leslie
Auntie Sharon , Michael and family!
I am so glad I was able to spend time with Uncle Ron when I was back in Winnipeg in September of 2018!
He made visiting with him so easy and we caught up quickly after so many years! He was like a gentle giant to me , and was loved dearly by all of our family!
You are in our thoughts daily at this time!
Love Kim , Scott and Family
My first and fondest memory of my Uncle Ron was when i stayed with him/them (auntie Sharon) for at least a night while my mother was in the hospital. This was around the time she gave birth to my brother.
A tear comes to my eye when i think of it….i’m not sure what time it was, but he took the time to make me a bacon sandwich. i can still remember touching the soft white bread.
I guess i remember it, because he was so gentle/caring at the time, and talked to me like i was an adult/grown up. I’m not sure how much i could talk then, but i definitely understood him and thus remembered.
I guess i was 3, and since then have this fond memory whenever i smell bacon.
My thoughts and condolences,
Everything my brother in law did was done to the absolute best of his abilities and his abilities were plentiful. If you required a helping hand he would offer before you even had to ask. Many fond memories of time spent with Sharon and Ron when Kirk and I would visit them in Edmonton as young children. On his days off he took us bowling and every day when he was not off he made sure we had money to go by ourselves, every. single. day. Without question the best job he ever did was as loving husband and father. Sharon was always extremely generous, beyond what anyone could reasonably expect and Ron was always very supportive of her generosity. Ron letting Sharon be Sharon was a gift to all who knew them but particularly those of us family members who were younger than Sharon. He was a much loved man and he will be missed tremendously by our family.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Sharon, Mike and family at this most difficult time. Remembering all the good times will bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.
Angie & Blake 💕
My thoughts are with my sister Sharon, Nephew Michael, Tammy, Ava and Izzy. We can only imagine your grief. May all your warm memories bring comfort over time. Ron was a quiet caring man who’s actions spoke more than words. The table he refinished for us is still in our family and will always remind us of him. Even though we lived far apart most of our lives you will always hold a special place in our hearts.
My dear friend Sharon , to you Mike and family
I am so sad to hear of Rons passing , my condolences and prayers to you and your family ,
May you find strength in knowing he is at peace now and out of pain , ❤️
Deepest condolences to Aunty Sharon, Michael, Tammy and the girls. I can’t imagine what you are going through. Hoping you find comfort in each other and knowing you are in everyone’s thoughts.
I had the privilege of working with Ron on the dock at Burns/Maple Leaf. Even more than the visual , I find what piques my memory more are the expressions or sayings of an individual; so it was with Ron. When I would approach Ron on the work floor and ask as to how things were going, more often than not, his reply was, “that information is only available on a need to know basis”, sometimes capping it off with a “and you don’t need to know”. Outwardly he appeared resolute, but, you know (my take) deep inside, he was fighting to suppress an almost overwhelming ear to ear grin. He was a good man. My sincerest condolences to those he loved and in turn loved him.
Just a little add-to, following the delivery of his “pleased as punch with himself” zinger , an amicable conversation would always ensue. His often used line continues to evoke warm memories of these encounters.