RONALD WAYNE KILBACK
April 30th, 1945 – September 2nd, 2014

On September 20th, 2014, family and friends gathered on the shore of Gaumond Bay, Thomson Lake to attend a loving farewell for the late Ronald Wayne Kilback of Gravelbourg, SK.  Reverend Linda Thomlinson-Seebach gave words of remembrance in a beautiful service, speaking to the crowd that had gathered under the sun, with the harvest breeze and the waves on the lake.  She spoke of Ron’s life and the importance of the people that were in it.  After the service everyone was invited to stay and enjoy a picnic of Ron’s favorite sloppy joe, fresh fruits and veggies, and baking brought by friends and neighbors, organized by the family and Lori Langford.

He was born April 30th, 1945 at Gravelbourg, SK, the second child to Peter and Esther (Benko) Kilback.  He grew up on the farm in the Bateman District, attended school in Bateman and then moved to Gravelbourg with the family in the early 60’s.  He helped his father farm and worked at the Gravelbourg School in the maintenance department until his retirement.  Ron was a community minded person, he shopped locally and followed the sports teams over the years, the Hornets being one of his favorites.  He would visit in coffee row to keep up on the local news.

Ron liked a good card game, visiting over a cup of coffee and playing pool.  He could see the good in things and often would take an old piece of furniture and turn it into something beautiful and useful.  He would repair what he could for whoever would ask.  He loved to plant gardens and the more he could give away, the bigger he would plant them.  Ron spent many hours in his boat, or on the shores with his friends and family doing what he loved, fishing.  He loved to teach anyone who wanted to learn the skills of filleting a proper boneless pickerel or jack-fish.

Ron battled many illnesses over the years – in 2007 he had a heart attack, 2008 lung cancer and 2012 colon cancer.  No schedule was made, yet all his close friends and family got special time alone through the days of his last illness to say their goodbyes.  He thanked each nurse and doctor for the wonderful care they gave him at the Moose Jaw Union Hospital.  On the morning of September 2nd, 2014, Ron passed away in the loving arms of family. Ron was predeceased by his brother, Kenny Kilback (1980); an infant son (1989); mother-in-law, Annetta Emmons (1997); mother, Esther Kilback (1998); father-in-law, Alvin Emmons (1999); and father, Peter Kilback (2004).

Ron has left with many memories, conversations to be had, treasures tucked away in special boxes or tins to be held with love and shared with generations to come.  He will always be missed but never forgotten by his son, Corrie (Yolanda)  Kilback;  grandchildren, Lyndon and Dolan; his daughter, Cindy (Steve) Wheatcroft; his wife, Laurie Emmons; their children: Cameron (Daniela) Kilback and grandchildren Madyson, Deegan and Sloan, and daughter, Carly; niece, Keana Emmons; brother-in-law, Doug Emmons (Edith); nephew, Mason Emmons; brother-in-law, Randy Emmons (Leah); brother, Dale Kilback; and best friend, Larry Dash; as well as a community of friends and many relatives.

Donations are gratefully accepted on Ron’s behalf toward the Gravelbourg Minor Hockey Association or Gravelbourg and District Aquaplex Centre.  Please make cheque payable to the Town of Gravelbourg, Box 359, Gravelbourg, SK S0H 1X0 and indicate your preferred recipient in the memo field of your cheque.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Todd Sjoberg, Funeral Director 306-693-4550.