During these very challenging times in Alberta, the pandemic has taken another local life. Myrnamites are saddened and shocked by the passing away of Ronald David Metrunec. He passed away peacefully at the Two Hills Health Centre on December 15, 2020, at the age of 81. Ron is survived by his children: Tracy (Clint) Curle of Selkirk, MB, Rhonda (Ryan) Morey of Two Hills, AB and Mitch (Sherry) Metrunec of New Sarepta, AB; his grandchildren: Timothy, Abigail and Noah Curle; Sara and Anastasi a Morey; Rae and Jill Metrunec and Lee (Scott) Alcorn (nee Metrunec); his siblings Carol (Marko) Mihajlovich of St. Albert, AB, Vivian (Orson) Gadowsky of Edmonton, AB and Gerald (Anne) Metrunec of Leoville, SK; and his nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Steve and Mary Metrunec, sister Dianne and former wife Judy
Ron was born in Myrnam, Alberta on February 20, 1939. He completed a high school in Myrnam, making lifelong friends along the way. He enjoyed playing sports (hockey and curling), was an avid participant in Boy Scouts and worked at the garage. He left Myrnam for a short time, working with the Department of Highways in the High Prairie region, but “the garage” was calling his name. He joined his father’s business ‘Metrunec Motors Ltd.’, eventually taking over management. Ron met his wife, Judy Willard, a nurse at the Myrnam hospital. They married in November 1965 and set down roots in Myrnam. Tied to the community, he remained there for the rest of his life.
Metrunec Motors was an integral business in Myrnam and Ron’s second home. It was a General Motors dealership, Moto-ski snowmobile outlet, AMA towing service, full-service gas station, as well as an automotive/tractor repair and auto-body shop.
Operating a GM dealership did have its perks. He had the opportunity to drive many different vehicles. In fact, it was his way of remembering different events through life by what vehicle he was driving at the time. “Remember that time we went down to California?” “Yeah, it was in summer of 1977 because we were driving that beige ’77 Suburban.” Ron was a pillar of the Myrnam community. He was always willing to help someone out or pitch in to make an event successful - that was Ron. He did a great deal of volunteer work, including being treasurer of the Myrnam Elks Lodge for over 50 years. He was a Boy Scout leader, founding member of the Myrnam Agricultural Society and served on the Village Council for multiple terms. He was involved in the Myrnam United Church and the Myrnam Community Church, as well as helped out in other organizations.
In his retirement years, Ron enjoyed church and seniors’ functions, watching sports on TV, visiting his elders in various seniors’ facilities and other activities. He helped organize “Myrnam Alumni Fellows If Able”, a group of men with roots in Myrnam meeting quarterly in Edmonton or at Jack Fish Lake to visit, share a meal, and catch up over a few drinks. He honed his skills in the kitchen on some unique dishes: homemade soups, studenetz, dills and beet pickles. (He was his own worst critic, but they always tasted great.) He took pride in his garden, growing many of his own ingredients. Gido really enjoyed time with his grandchildren. He was so very proud of them all and would attend their different events: Ukrainian dance performances, piano recitals, Christmas concerts, and sporting events.
When we think of Ron, we think of a dependable, thoughtful and friendly person. He was diligent, resourceful and detail-oriented. He was conscientious toward others and stuck to his principle of always being fair. One of his favourite expressions was “What’s fair is fair”. Ron had many frequent sayings. The most common was “You get what you pay for.” This saying doesn’t apply to material things only - what you invest into life, community and family, is reflected by what you gain in experiences.
Former long-time mayor of Myrnam, Ed Sosnowski, paid tribute to his friend Ron Metrunec. “Our families were friends for many years. We graduated from New Myrnam School together and he was my best man. Ron was a good friend and man of integrity.”
Over the last few years, Ron persevered through several health struggles and major surgeries. He was recently hospitalized in Edmonton for complications from his latest surgery. Unfortunately, he contracted COVID-19 which lead to his death. Rest in peace Ron.
A private family funeral service is planned for December 31. It will be lived streamed and a recording of the service will be available. Please visit www.gracegardensfuneralchapel.com for details.
