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RONALD MICHAEL VERBOWSKI.... born November 18th, 1951, the son of late Mike and Nettie Verbowski, having just celebrated his 70th birthday this past November. Ronnie had made Rossburn “home” for his entire life, only venturing off to Thompson one time to seek employment but soon returned back to realize his roots were in this small caring community.
As a youngster, he spent a lot of time with childhood friends going to the movie theatre here in town, endless hours of skating, and was part of the Cub and Scout organization. Ronnie was known as a pretty “social guy” back in the day and enjoyed good times. He was a groomsman for many a “friend” but never a groom. Later on, he played with the Rossburn Hornets hockey team, and was known on the ice as “Shorty”. Then joined the Stingers Old Timers team after that.
At a young age as well, he began working with dad at the International Harvester dealership in the early 70’s and was the parts counter person. For the shop customers that had paper invoices back then, Ronnie was known for the best penmanship at writing your work order. Many a hydraulic hose was made and running the front end while dad was out selling and servicing farm machinery. For many years, Ronnie had an assistant behind the counter with him, “Caesar the Samoyed” could be found running around checking out the customers. He continued in the parts role until Dad found that the end of International was upon him with the amalgamation of Case, as well the computer era that was the foundation of future machinery sales. So in 1989, Dad and Ronnie decided it was time to close shop, and then Ronnie joined up with brother in law Darrell to open up Rossburn Farm and Auto Repair, turning trends to the automotive sector, leaving behind the agricultural field.
Even though the computer was part of Farm and Auto, he struggled daily to grasp the technology that was required to keep up to changing trends of parts and service, and in December 2005, he had decided that it was time to leave the shop – which had been such a huge part of his life, and perhaps try finding employment with different avenues. However, it appeared that retirement was more enjoyable than work, and he spent a majority of time in the coffee shops visiting with the people of the community.
I guess we could say Ronnie enjoyed a few things throughout his life, as hunting with Dad and cousins; he was seen riding around in an Argo in the winter times; in the summertime he had a motorcycle that he cruised around on as well. He enjoyed a good golf game, and curled many years as well in the Rossburn Rinks. Sheilla had shared a good memory that her sons had of Ronnie back in the curling days, and he was known to occasionally throw the “Ronnie Rocket” rock..... and if it could have been flying out the north door, I am sure that the rock would have ended up in Birdtail !! But the funny part we find is he would throw this bullet rock and then yell down the sheet... “Inside”... “outside”... it was just too funny some days. How many shots he actually accomplished from that speed is questionable to this day.
Ronnie was never one for travelling, however he was able to join some buddies on a California trip in the mid 70’s, which I am sure they could still find many stories to have chuckled on, and then in the 90’s he went along with Uncle John Macyshyn on an Alaskan cruise for three weeks.
After the passing of our dad, Ronnie took over the “mail” duties for Auntie Dora Verbowski. He diligently delivered her mail and extra goodies and then would have a little visit with her in the Lady of Fatima. We all had such a nice family visit while celebrating Dora’s 100 th celebration, and we want to mention to Olivia for acknowledging and thanking Ronnie with such kind words for all he did for Dora.
Ronnie also enjoyed many Waywayseecappo Wolverines hockey games as he was a big hockey fan,that he attended with Vince. Gone Scrappin was the place where many mornings were spent chatting and afternoon sitting outside with the guys. He spent many hours at N & L as well enjoying the company of Hoale and Tony and their customers. As Covid struck and the coffee shops had to close, Ronnie then picked up take out and had many visits with Mike Hersack, good coffee – good conversation. He was able to spend a lot of time with Auntie Lorna and together they were able to share many suppers and watching Jets games and curling on TV. Anything to socialize during these trying times for people that were alone. There will be many that will miss his popping in for a visit and conversations.
Ronnie leaves behind sister: Beverly Chimchak, husband Gary; children Chris, Carly and Josh, with their children Avery, Mason and Adalyn. Sister Myra, husband Darrell, along with Ryan and Erin; Jenna and John . Auntie Lorna, cousin Judy and her husband John. Also many cousins from the Verbowski and Gensiorek side.
At this time, the family would like to thank everyone for their messages of condolences, the many phone calls and texts, floral arrangements, lunches and suppers.
Be not burdered with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savoured much, good friends, good times, life’s work is done.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and share with me, God wanted me now.. He set me free
Charity of Choice