Obituary of Ronald Harold Vanson

Ronald Harold Vanson passed away at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre on May 26, 2025 at the age of 86 years. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Mary; sons Bill and Dan (Gladys); five grandchildren and three “greats”.

Growing up in Sylvan Lake AB, his life was full of hockey, baseball, and working at the old boat house spending lots of time either in the lake or on it in a boat.

Ron wore many hats in his working career, farmer, oil field worker, and amateur meat cutter. For 32 years, he worked at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre, starting on the “medical floor”. Ron is well remembered as the “big friendly guy” in the outpatients department and called himself the “boss of the cast room”. Summer Saturdays found Ron at the Red Deer farmer’s market, where he was selling fresh veggies and telling stale jokes.

Ron was active in the Spruce View Legion and with local fish and game organizations. His membership in the Texas Longhorn Association gave Ron a chance to travel Western Canada, California, and Texas as an ambassador for that historic breed.

Ron loved being a “Dad” and introduced their sons early in life to fishing and hunting in his beloved “west country”.

Ron was predeceased by his sister Margaret, and brothers Neil, Charles and James.

An informal gathering to honor Ron’s life and swap lots of stories of “his life well lived” will be held at a later date, details to be announced.

Condolences to Ron’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net. Please indicate “Ron Vanson” in the subject line.

Arrangements in care of

Meaningful Memorials

Funeral Service

A locally owned cremation and funeral provider

serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta

587-876-4944