Ronald Samuel Truesdale

TRUESDALE Ronald Samuel April 6, 1934 October 18, 2012 Surrounded by all of his family, Ron passed away peacefully on October 18, 2012 after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He is survived by his wife and soulmate of 51 years Jan, his son Jim, his daughter in law (the daughter he never had ) Vivian and the two shining lights in his life, grandchildren Ashley and Alexander. Born and raised in Calgary, the Frustrated Cowboy would delight in telling his obliging young grandchildren of his “good ol’ days” in the Wild West with generous allowances from scenes out of memorized John Wayne movies. As time moved on, “Papa” could often be seen with a proud smile as his grandchildren competed and collected awards at a variety of sporting and academic events. Of course, all achievements, no matter how minor, were awarded with excessive amounts of ice cream.

While a man of few words, opinions were abundant among the critical areas of life; there has never been a Flames/Stampeder team that could not benefit from his coaching prowess, never a golf swing that could not be cured with a new club, never a reason for a man to wear pink or purple, and above all, never a reason to pay more than $2 for any kind of caffeinated drink.

Our family is at great peace knowing that Ron has now been freed from a variety of significant health conditions that spanned the course of 4 decades. Throughout these years, he exhibited an amazing amount of quiet courage and resilience in the face of difficulty that will stand as a pillar of his legacy. The family would like to particularly thank the nursing staff in Foothills emergency for their compassion and dedication along with Dr. Sarb Grewal and Dr. Jim Eisner for their guidance and wisdom during some difficult times.

In accordance with his wishes, the family will celebrate a private mass. If desired, in lieu of flowers, Ashley and Alexander ask that a donation be made in memory of Papa to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation. Messages of condolence may be forwarded to the family at www.piersons.ca. Cremation and arrangements are in care of PIERSON’S FUNERAL SERVICE. Telephone 403 235-3602.