GRIFT: It is with deep sorrow that the family announces the sudden passing of Ron on December 24, 2004 in Brandon, Manitoba. Ron was very much loved by
family and friends and will be sadly missed. We should take time to cherish memories of Ron's life and remember the wisdom and joy he gave to each of
us. Ron was born, in Winnipeg, to Gerald and Lucy Grift on January 27, 1944. He was raised in the Bruxelles / Pilot Mound area. He was diagnosed
with Leg Perths disease at a very young age and spent several years at home. His family have many early life memories of Ron scooting around the farm yard on his wagon. He moved to Thompson in 1964 to work at Inco Mining and Smelting Co. where he was employed as an underground construction supervisor and also in supervising in the blasting department. Ron married
Carolyn (Jo) Crawford from Killarney on May 1, 1971 in Thompson. Their daughter Shelly was born August 1, 1974 and son Darin was born September 5, 1976. In 1979, Ron and Carolyn moved to Brandon and established Ron's Carpentry Services and continued to do so until his passing. Ron was a skilled craftsman who took pride in his work. His favorite times were those
spent in his shop surprising family and friends with his projects or just sitting on the water in his boat. Ron was a kind and gentle man and through his life and business he made many friends. We'll all remember that smile and his appreciation for the simple things in life. His family was the most important thing and he was very proud of Shelly and Darin's accomplishments. Becoming a grandparent was one of the highlights of his life and "Papa" will be sadly missed by Joshua and Makena. He was looking forward to the birth of his third grandchild in February. Ron was predeceased by his father Gerald, mother-in-law Vivian Crawford, friend and father-in-law Rae Crawford. He is survived by his wife Carolyn, daughter Shelly (Curt) Bergman, son Darin, mother Lucy Grift, sisters Elice (Leon) Saunders, Barbara (Gerry) DeVloo, Sharon (John) Webb, Geraldine (Brian) Rowley, sisters-in-law Barbara (Dale) Drewry, Jean Crawford, Judy (Rick) Bronson, Betty (Mike) Winterhalt, many aunts and uncles, 31 nieces and nephews and over 50 great nieces and nephews and many dear friends. He was a special husband, dad and "Papa". His passing will leave a great void to all who loved and knew him. "We'll miss you Papa." A time of visitation will be held at Memories Chapel, 330 - 18th Street North, on Thursday, December 30, 2004 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. A private graveside service will be held at the Brandon
Cemetery. The Ceremony to Celebrate Ron's Life will be held Thursday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. at St. George's Anglican Church, 5th Street and Southern Avenue. The Rev. Jim Brown will officiate. Flowers are gratefully
declined. Friends who wish, may make a donation in memory of Ron to the Westman Dreams for Kids Foundation, 1435 Princess Avenue, Brandon, Manitoba
R7A 0R6. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to memorieschapel@mts.net.
Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.Memorials
Westman Dreams for Kids