Ronald John Brown

Ronald John Brown

1931 ~ 2017

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Ronald John Brown at the Fort MacLeod Extendicare on May 13, 2017 at the age of 85 years.  Ronald was born the eldest son of Robert John and Grace “Irene” Brown in Innisfail, Alberta.  He lived his childhood years there and moved to Pincher Creek, Alberta when he was 8 years old.  He was afflicted with the hereditary form of Retinitis Pigmentosa (progressive blindness).  This never stopped Ron from doing everyday normal activities even as a child – such as delivering papers on the West End of Pincher Creek.  He attended regular school at the “Jail House” school across from the now post office until grade 11 (many will remember the school being there).  As a teenager, he worked at the Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton, washing dishes and changing beds, even staying in the dorms there.  He later worked for Barney Cyr and even helped pour cement for the Old Hospital new section of the Lebel Mansion.  As a young man, he worked up north for an oil company where he truly showed his good work ethics and money saving abilities.  He saved enough money to buy the Old Esso Bulk Station on Main Street, which then lead him to the career of his life.  He bought and buil Ron’s Billiards and then Chinook Lanes in 1962.  It was at this time, he met and married the love of his life, Helen Morris in 1959, in Coleman, Alberta.  Together they spent 58 years together working side by side on numerous endeavors in the bowling world.  Helen gave up her teaching career to be his partner in every sense of the word.  They never had any children themselves but everyone that came through their doors whether at their home, bowling alley or their cabin at Seely Lake, were their children.  Many will always remember their kindness and love.  Ron and Helen moved to Lethbridge, and once again expanded the bowling alley world by purchasing the Holiday (Glenwood) Bowl, the Family Bowl and a bowling alley in Calgary.  He loved everyone and everyone loved Ron.  People still talk about and attend the Bowling for The Blind that Ron and Helen started years ago.  Ron and Helen travelled near and far, all over the world on excursions, cruises, etc. making many friends along the way.  He was truly a marvel in what he could do while traveling with Helen by his side.  Many keep in touch with them to this day.  Ron and Helen retired to Pincher Creek in 1994 to be closer to family and friends as well as old stomping grounds.  It was here that they have been able to enjoy the wonderful life of their later years.  They travelled down to Yuma to winter for many years -  with Helen driving whatever rig they owned at that time and met and enjoyed so many friends along the way.  They will never be forgotten.  Old and new friendships were rekindled in Pincher.  The Saturday night meat draws at our local legion was a true highlight for Ron.  Last but not least were the second loves of his life, his Seeing Eye Dogs; Pepi, Tony, Jonathan and Robbie.  He loved his Golden Retrievers.  His puppies came first in every aspect, they were walked, brushed, teeth brushed and fed before he even had breakfast himself.  They were his children even though they were his eyes, he could never thank them enough for giving him the opportunity to explore the world even further, Ron will forever be remembered as the Blind Guy walking with a spring in his step, a smile on his face, always a hello to everyone and always on a mission whether it was to the bank, post office, or walk with a friend.  He lived his life to the fullest and could water ski, skate, fix almost anything, and build whatever he had an inkling to build. Ron scared his neighbors many times while being up on his roof fixing his Ham Radio Antenna.  Nothing slowed him down, and he never forgot a voice.  Ronald will be lovingly remembered by his wife Helen; brothers Ken (Lynn) Brown, and Bill (Linda) Brown; special nieces Cathy (Dave) Skierka, Carol Nelson and Cheryl (Greg) Law; special nephews Bryan and Todd Brown and Grant Brown; as well as numerous great and great great nieces and nephews.  Ronald was predeceased by his parents Robert and Irene; his sister Betty Copeland, brother-in-law Ken, and sisters-in-law Rose Brown and Judy Brown.  Helen and family would like to thank everyone for all the help they have received during this difficult time.  They will be holding a Private Celebration of Ron’s Life at a later date.  Memorial donations in Ron’s name may be made directly to the Windy Slopes Health Foundation (Box 2554, Pincher Creek, Alberta T0K 1W0).

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