Obituary of Ronald Albert Scheerschmidt

On October 8th, 2015 Ron Albert "Ronnie" Scheerschmidt was tragically taken from our family and our community much too soon. He and a good friend had decided to take advantage of the beautiful fall day and go for one last motorcycle ride before the snow came. Ron was born in Stettler on January 18th, 1951 and lived in the community his entire life - the last 40 years on the land that his father bought southeast of Stettler. He loved the farm and the peace it brought us all and delighted in sharing so many aspects of it with friends and family - new calves in the spring, the thousands of trees he lovingly planted, paths carved through the pasture and trees, saskatoons and thrilling youngsters with rides behind the tractor or on the quad. There were very few people around Stettler who had not been touched by Ron's kindness and generosity, his greetings and his laugh (and quite a few who had been on the receiving end of his pranks). Ron's passing leaves a hole that will not ever be filled in our hearts. Most of Ron's work life was spent at Interpipeline and its predecessors. Ron started work on November 1, 1975 with what was then Gulf Alberta Pipeline. He started as a control centre operator out of Stettler and controlled over 100,000 barrels a day through that line. He continued his work as the company changed hands from Gulf, to Petro Canada, then Koch, and now Interpipeline Fund as an Operations Technician. He was only one month away from his 40 year service award. Ron loved his work and the people it brought into his life. He was deeply respected and sought out for his knowledge of the pipeline system in Alberta. He was known as a quiet leader and mentor to so many over the years at Pipeline and his absence will be felt deeply there. The love and caring that Ron demonstrated without exception for his family has given us the foundation for the strength and courage to carry on. Ron and his wife Joanne exemplified a loving couple totally devoted to family and enjoying lifelong friendships. Ron is survived by Joanne, his wife of 44 years, his sister Barbara (Lorne Yarbrough), 2 daughters: Lisa and her husband Tyler Brown, Joanna and her husband Dallas Rock and by one very precious granddaughter - "Poppa’s Little Angel" Vanessa Lynn Rock, who delighted her Poppa every day. We have such heavy hearts that Ron did not live to meet his much anticipated grandson due in a couple of months. Ron was predeceased by his brother Butch, his parents Albert and Erna Scheerschmidt and by numerous members of Joanne's family. To remember Ron and honour his true character, we ask you to think about buying someone a coffee in line at Tim's, taking a good friend out for lunch, or raising your glass in a toast to this special man. He would want us to continue to share love, generosity and find joy in our everyday lives. A funeral service for the late Ron Scheerschmidt was held on Saturday, October 17, 2015 in the Stettler Funeral Home, Stettler, Alberta with Davis Cox leading the service. Loving memories were presented by daughters Lisa Brown and Joanna Rock, as well as by friend Davis Cox. Niece Sarah Lucas prepared and presented a touching slideshow tribute. Dear friends Dale and Debbie Simon, Terry and Joan Rushton and Malcolm Fischer shared their gifts of music. Ron was laid to rest at Lake View Cemetery, Stettler led by Joanne’s sister Judy Birdsell and her husband Terry Brooker, several family and friends paid special tributes to Ron at this time. Following the service family and friends joined together in a toast to Ron and a luncheon prepared and served by Teresa’s Catering with one of his favorite desserts ~ pie. Donations in memory of Ron may be made to Ronald McDonald House or S.T.A.R.S.