MCCONNELL: Ronald James Andrew McConnell passed away peacefully at Brandon Regional Hospital on March 27, 2005. Ron was born on February 18, 1912 on the family farm in McConnell, Manitoba where he was raised with his three sisters. Ron attended elementary and high school at McConnell Consolidated School. While growing up he enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping with friends, playing hockey at the local rink and participating in community dances and local theatre productions. After leaving school Ron farmed with his Dad, Aylmer, for many years. It was at a community play in 1944 that he met a young school teacher from Miami, Manitoba named Nora Orchard. They started dating soon after and were married on December 28, 1946 at St Paul's United Church in Winnipeg. Together they raised 5 children and ran a successful mixed farming operation until retiring in good health to Brandon in 1992. Ron was a hardworking and successful farmer, a good father and husband and an active member of his community. As a farmer he took great pride in his herd of Black Angus cattle and in having clean fields. He felt strongly that he had a responsibility to future generations to leave the land as healthy as he had received it. He was a founding member and leader of the McConnell 4-H Club for many years, a member of the McConnell Fatstock Association and served several terms as President of the McConnell Pool Elevators. He was an active member of the community, supporting the church, the school and other local organizations. He supported many charities, collecting for the Red Cross for years and giving to others with generosity. He and Nora attended sports days, fairs and horse races throughout the region. Ron was a life time learner and an avid reader often reading several books a week during the winter months and staying abreast of current events and developments around the world. Ron also had a love of spoken poetry and public speaking. He actively encouraged his children in these activities and attended the numerous festivals and events that they participated in. Although his own education ended with high school, he was a strong believer in higher education and ensured that his children had the opportunity to attend post secondary schools. Following retirement Ron and Nora enjoyed an active life in Brandon attending plays, concerts, dog shows and many other events and visiting often with friends and family. Of course he continued to read and was a frequent visitor to the Brandon Library. His favorite things though, remained the Harness Racing Circuit during the summer and the Horse Show at the Brandon Winter Fair in the spring. Ron will be sadly missed by all his family and friends. He is survived by: his wife, Nora Elizabeth (nee Orchard); his children Marilyn Turner and husband Geoff, Dawn McConnell, Elaine Hames, Rob McConnell and wife Wanda and Julia Brewer and husband Bart; his grandchildren Mark and Jessica Turner, Travis Duncan, Sara Beth McConnell, Melanie Lane and husband Dave, Claire and Michael Hames, Jordan and Stephen McConnell and Nathaniel and Zachary Brewer; his great grandchild Brett Lane. Also surviving are; his sister, Marion Robinson, four brothers-in-law, 6 sisters-in-law and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Ron was predeceased by his sister Isabel Thompson and her husband Bob; sister Anita McConnell and brother-in-law and good friend Dahl Robinson. The Service to Celebrate Ron's Life will be held at Memories Chapel, 330-18th Street North on Monday, April 4, 2005 at 2:00p.m. Rev. Edmund Mielke will officiate. Pallbearers will be: Michael Hames (grandson), Stephen McConnell (grandson), Jordan McConnell (grandson), Doug Brooks (nephew), Warren Brooks (nephew) and Brian Longmuir (family friend). Interment will follow in the Rosewood Memorial Gardens. Friends who wish may make a donation in memory of Ron to the Brandon Wildlife Association, c/o Mark Henson, 612 40th Street, Brandon, Manitoba, R7B 4E2 or to a charity of their choice. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to memorieschapel@mts.net. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330. Memorials
Brandon Wildlife Association, or Charity of Choice