SPIELMAN, Ronald Henry

March 4, 1932 – April 29, 2018

 

 

It is with heavy hearts, the family of Ronald Spielman announce his passing at the Rockyview Hospital on April 29, 2018.

Ron was a lifelong resident of Calgary and proudly served as a member of the Calgary Fire Department for 40 yrs, retiring in 1992 as Division Chief.

Prior to joining the Calgary Fire Department Ron served with the RCAF followed by CP Rail as a fireman on steam engine 5931, an engine that can be seen today at Heritage Park.

Ron was passionate about his career with the fire department and the comradery that went with it, forging many life-long friendships.

Ron’s lifetime commitment to the Calgary Fire Department included 12 yrs. in the executive of Local 255 from 1968 – 1980 as 2nd and 1st VP followed by a four year term as president of the AFFA, proudly representing his fellow firefighters.

Ron recognized the importance of volunteering and representing the fire department throughout his career which included time with the Calgary Herald Road Race, Calgary Firefighters Toy Association, and Shrine Circus. One of his most gratifying accomplishments was that in 1978 he was instrumental in the founding of the Foothills Hospital Burn Unit.

Ron was grateful to personally receive the Governor General’s award for long service from Governor General Jeanne Sauvé in Ottawa.

Following retirement Ron remained active with model railroading along with various part-time jobs.

Ron was a very compassionate person with a terrific sense of humour.

Ron’s family was of the utmost importance to him, supporting his children and grandchildren in their many and varied endeavours.

Ron is survived by his beloved wife Shirley, and loving children Craig (Sue), Corey (Norm), Cam (Kitty), six grandchildren Lindsay (Scott), Evan (Jenn), Brett, Blair (Bryan), Mason and Emma as well as two great-granddaughters Iilah and Paytra.

Ron will be lovingly remembered by his brother Bain (Marlene) and sister-in-law Bev along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Ron was predeceased by his mother and father Leila and Henry Spielman as well as two brothers, Allen, infant brother Alvin, and brother-in-law Gil Gerlitz.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Lutheran Church of the Cross, 10620 Elbow Drive SW on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at 1:00 pm. Luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Calgary Firefighters Burn Treatment Society (2234 – 30 Ave NE, Calgary, Alberta T2E 7K9. www.cfbts.org.)

Condolences may be left at www.cochranecountryfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements in care of Lawrence (Larry) Slywka of Cochrane Country Funeral Home.  403.932.1039.

 

 

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  1. On 02/05/2018 at 2:54 pm Bain Spielman Said:

    It’s tough to say goodbye my brother. You will always be with me.

  2. On 02/05/2018 at 3:18 pm Calgary Fire Department Pensioners Association Said:

    Our sincere condolences to Shirley and the Spielman Family on the passing of “Brother” Ron. He will be truly missed at the monthly Pensioners meetings which he faithfully attended for most of his retired life. His passion for the Fire Department was well known to us, and may he find peace at his last call.

  3. On 02/05/2018 at 5:25 pm Linda Willsher-Goodwin Said:

    ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
    I LOVE you Ron and Shirley-like my second parents. I couldn’t be more blessed than to be a part of the family.
    Craig told me that…Ron will be watching hockey games in the Fire Hall in Heaven. Just a wonderful WAY of
    saying and making life lighter and brighter-with a similar and very special personality gifted from
    Father to Son(s). ❤️ ❤️❤️
    Love Always, Linda Willsher-Goodwin. Susan Spielman’s(not too much younger)sister.

  4. On 02/05/2018 at 6:06 pm Blair Spielman Said:

    A grandpa like no other. You will be forever missed.

  5. On 02/05/2018 at 7:30 pm Donna Thomson Said:

    What a beautiful tribute….well deserved. My loving thoughts are with the Spielman family today and always. ♥️♥️

  6. On 02/05/2018 at 8:14 pm Lindsay Schultz Said:

    A one of a kind Grandpa…. you will be forever missed and always in my heart. ♥️

  7. On 03/05/2018 at 6:16 am Debbi Tremblay (Todd) Said:

    Shirley & family, Bain & Marlene, Bev & family

    I’m so sorry to hear about Ronnie’s passing. He was an incredible man always there to lend a hand to anyone. I always loved running into him when I went to visit Grandma and/or Auntie Leila. There was always lots of laughter with him around. When Dad was ill and after he passed, Ronnie was there for Mom and I can’t tell you how much that meant to me. I’m sure they are all sitting around the big kitchen table now enjoying their pie. RIP Ronnie

  8. On 03/05/2018 at 8:44 am Karen & Garth Forster Said:

    Our condolences for your family’s loss. Please know that our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

  9. On 03/05/2018 at 8:47 am Forster Karen Said:

    Our condolences for your family’s loss. Please know that our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

  10. On 03/05/2018 at 10:25 am Don olekson Said:

    Condolences to the family

  11. On 04/05/2018 at 11:35 am Brent and Bonnie Pedersen Said:

    Sorry for your and our loss of a good guy and so many fun memories of our time travelling with the
    Association. Our thoughts and prayers with you Shirley and the rest of your family

  12. On 04/05/2018 at 4:02 pm Birdie Archer Said:

    Shirley and Family – Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. Ron will be missed.

    Frank and Birdie Archer

  13. On 05/05/2018 at 8:31 am Leja & Dale Mackenzie Said:

    Ron was always a pleasant man to be around. I was never on the same shift, however, I know he treated everyone with respect.

    I always enjoyed working with Ron at his “second”” job at Woodward’s. Always a fun guy to be around!

    Our condolences to his family during this difficult time. He will be missed for sure.

  14. On 05/05/2018 at 11:00 pm John and Linda Toews Said:

    So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. Always enjoyed picking Ron up and taking him to our get-togethers at Ed’s for our model railroad Tuesdays. Unfortunately, I just got out of the hospital after a 7 week stay there, so I was unable to visit Ron.

  15. On 06/05/2018 at 1:02 pm Peter Hughes Said:

    As a rookie and junior firefighter I had the opportunity to work with Captain Spielman for a number of years. Ron was a firefighter thru and thru caring about the job his men and others shift after shift. His enthusiasm in the hall and at a call never grew old on his crews and made going to work a pleasant experience . There wasn’t a shift that went by that Ron didn’t have tears of laughter running down the faces of myself Sweeney and Halas. As a young man Ron spent time helping me adjust to the life of a firefighter both on and off the job. Also during this time I grew to enjoy his family particularly Craig Cam and Shirley. I will be forever thankful for knowing and working with a truly finne individual. Thank you Ron and may you rest peacefully. Peter Hughes

  16. On 07/05/2018 at 5:29 am Dave Jenkins Said:

    Ron Spielman taught me compassion, teamwork, respect, and how to keep a Firehall breakfast affordable. He was a great man and always had time to reminisce and laugh about life in the Firehall!

  17. On 09/05/2018 at 10:59 am Duaine & Lorraine Miller Said:

    Please know that we are thinking of you and are very sorry for your loss

    Duaine and Lorraine Miller

  18. On 11/05/2018 at 4:25 am Marlene Spielman Said:

    Ron we all said goodbye yesterday. What a service and a tribute you would have been proud.Corey’s eulogy was lovely. I will miss you my friend. Rest in peace.