RONALD KRISTJANSSON

With deep sadness we announce that Ron Kristjansson passed away after a brief illness in the St. Boniface Hospital, on July 18, 2026, with family by his side.

Born June 26, 1943, Ron was raised by (now deceased) foster parents, Olive and Arthur Smales in North Kildonan. He was reunited with birth family members many years later.

Ron possessed a brilliant mind, a keen sense of humour, and an historical point of view for everything. He was a lifetime trade unionist, actively participating in the Steelworkers, CUPW, and the MGEU throughout his working life. In that capacity, he worked tirelessly for the rights of many workers, fought against racism, sexism, homophobia, and negotiated contracts obtaining benefits such as child care leave.

He was lucky to have spent many childhood years at Cache Lake in Northwest Ontario, where he enjoyed extended time in 1950, when the family’s neighbourhood was flooded. He later became the proud owner of a cottage on Indian Island in Laclu, Ontario. There, besides making many new friends, he became a legend of for his spring and fall freeze in/freeze outs, assisted by Barry Bennett at the Marina.

Ron savoured Canadian travels, often with the union, and also on his personal vacation. In later years, he took his wanderlust overseas, with Kathy, visiting England a few times, Spain, France, Germany, Czeck Republic, and Thailand.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy; sons Robert, David, Kelly (Tara Letandre), Ryan Kristjansson and step-son Adam Hannah (Leah McCormick); nine grandchildren, and one great-grandson. He is also survived by his sister, Corinda Williams (Leroy Voigt) of British Columbia.

Memorial donations gratefully accepted to the Manitoba Genealogical Society Unit E – 1045 St James Street, Winnipeg R3H 1B1 or the St. Boniface Hospital.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church 603 Wellington Crescent on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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