Obituary of Roland (Ron) Henry Havell

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It is with profound sadness that the family of “Ron” announce his passing on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at the age of 98 years.

Ron was born in Trenville, AB on April 12, 1926, to Elsie and George Havell. He was the 4^th born out of six children.

Growing up on the farm, Ron had many responsibilities and learned many lessons that helped him throughout his life. When the Second World War broke out, Ron stayed behind to look after the farm while some of his brothers and dad had to go serve.

Ron met Rubina Locke in the summer of 1950 in Cereal, AB when Ruby and her sister Mag were going for coffee one day. The rest was history! On July 12, 1952, Ron and Ruby were married in Ashmont, AB.

A few short years later, Christine was born in March 1955, Bev in May of 1959 and finally Colleen in June of 1961. The three girls were the apple of their dad’s eye, always by his side.

Ron worked for many years on the CN Rail where he often hitch hiked to and from because he was too cheap to drive his own vehicle. After retirement at CNR, Ron worked for Big Country Construction, the Flower Shop and for the Town of Hanna as a greeter and ice cream scooper with his grandson.

Ron was predeceased by the love of his life Ruby; son-in-law Mark Spiess; granddaughter Andrea Spiess; son-in-law Kevin Gladdish; nephew Jack Tyler and his siblings.

He is survived by his daughter Christine Spiess of Wetaskiwin, AB and her children: Robin, Jennelle (Andy) and John; daughter Bev Havell (Johnny Sinclair) of Hanna, AB and daughter Colleen (Glenn) Smith of Hanna, AB and their children: Brandon (Amanda), Lindsay (Tyrel), Warren (Anna) and Garrett (Rebecca).

Ron’s great-grandchildren lit up his life and he will be forever missed by: Kyler, Rylyn, Kara, Parker, Cooper, Lauryn, Oliver, Isabell, Alivia, Josh, Alice, and Kady.

He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, brother-in-law Ervin (Leona) of Beaumont, AB; and sister-in-law Jean Havell of Sunset House, AB.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2025, 1:00 p.m. at the Senior Circle in Hanna. A private burial will take place.

If desired, donations in memory of Ron can be made to the Hanna Round House Society, ​Box 1267, or to the Hanna Senior Circle, Box 325, Hanna, AB T0J 1P0.

Hanna Funeral Services Ltd. has been entrusted with the care and arrangements, 403-854-5956, www.hannafuneral.ca.