Obituary of Ronald Albert Janke

It is with sadness we announce Ron Janke of Morris, Manitoba passed away on February 12, 2017 at the age of 58. Ron is survived by his wife Chris (nee Dyck), children Sabrina, Adam and Kamryn, sisters Donna (Rick Melia) and Brenda, sister-in-law Lynda (Ron) Schroeder, brothers-in-law Edward Dyck, Les (Janice Giesbrecht) Dyck and Gary (Marielle) Dyck, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Albert and Eleanor Janke, an infant brother, an infant sister, and sister in-law Jacqueline Dyck. Ron was born January 19, 1959 in Morris, Manitoba. As a child, he became his Dad’s shadow, tagging along whenever he could. The close relationship continued as an adult. They worked together on the farm and enjoyed duck hunting. Ron remained close to both his mother and father until their deaths, enjoying their company and always offering a helping hand. Family, extended and immediate, was very important to Ron. Like his parents, he made no distinction between close or distant relatives. They were all family. He loved children and they loved him back. In 1992 he married Chris. Together they created a home, into which they welcomed friends and family, and started their own family. Their children brought Ron great joy and he was very proud of them. Except for the two years he spent in Winnipeg obtaining an Agriculture Diploma from the University of Manitoba, Ron lived his entire life in Morris and wanted to be nowhere else. Ron was committed to and active in the community. He volunteered for many organizations, including the Valley Agricultural Society where he recently became a “Red Hat” member, the curling club, and the fire department. When he saw something needing to be done, he just did it. Ron’s varied career included sales, customer service and operational roles at agricultural companies, general management positions with the Manitoba Stampede and Exhibition and the Morris Riverview Golf and Country Club, and a political position as Executive Assistant to the Minister of Government Services. He also served on the boards of several organizations. Ron loved curling, both as a participant and a spectator. Two highlights of his career were winning the High School Provincials in 1977 and competing in the Manitoba Tankard in 1984. Ron also liked to golf and to read. He was involved in politics and volunteered for the provincial Conservative party. He could frequently be seen in his back yard, barbecuing for family and friends, or sitting around a roaring wood fire in the evening. Ron was a social person and one of his favourite ways to spend time was visiting with others. He always had time to stop and talk, which meant there was no such thing as a quick trip to the store. He knew people wherever he went, and most of their phone numbers by heart. Ron walked fast and wasn’t one to sit still. He was kind, witty, and a man on the move. He worked hard and played hard. He was a doer always willing to help out. His big smile and ready laugh will be missed. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 2:00 pm at the Morris United Church. A reception will follow immediately after the service at the Morris MultiPlex. A private family burial will take place prior to the service. The family thanks the staff at Morris General Hospital and Heritage Life Personal Care Home in Niverville for their care and compassion over the last two years. In Ron’s memory, donations may be made to the Valley Agricultural Society, Box 849, Morris, MB R0G 1K0.