Obituaries

RONALD IAN ORTLIEB
January 9, 1955 – January 20, 2024

 It is with great sadness that the family of Ronald Ian Ortlieb announces his sudden passing at St. Boniface Hospital on January 20, 2024, at the age of 69.

He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Sandy; his children Benjamin (Lindsay), Jeremy (KC), and Kaitlin (Mark); his grandchildren Elliott, Josie, Olivia, Madalyn, Evalyn, Ethan and Bailey; sister, Jocy (Jeff); numerous nieces and nephews; extended  family and friends; and of course, his cats. Ron was predeceased by his infant son, Justin; parents, Catherine and Edwin; and brother, Warren “Oogy” (surviving spouse, Jackie).

Ron was born in Kenora, ON and raised in Keewatin, ON on Chicken Point.  In his early years, he delivered milk, stuccoed houses and worked at the paper mill. From a young age, he has always been mechanically inclined. In 1978, he moved to Winnipeg, MB, where he apprenticed at Ilford Riverton Airways (Air Manitoba) and obtained his Aircraft Maintenance Engineer license. He continued to work in the aviation industry for 40+ years at various airline companies before finally retiring from WestJet in 2019. Ron enjoyed spending time with his family, whether it was cooking a meal (known for his famous omelettes), attending his grandkids’ sporting events, riding around on the John Deere lawn mower just for fun, or having bonfires wherever he could. His other passions included both watching and playing baseball, hockey and golf throughout his life. During his retirement, Ron and his beloved wife, Sandy, enjoyed spending time together, going on cruises and spending time with their loved ones.

Ron possessed a “get things done” attitude, but approached everything he did methodically and at a slow and steady pace. He made everyone who came to visit feel welcome, often saying “there’s a shot there for you”. Everyone that knew Ron, knew that he was a kind and generous soul who enjoyed life at a relaxed pace. He is truly missed but will live on in all of our hearts.

Please join us as we come together to honour and celebrate the life of Ronald Ian Ortlieb on February 17, 2024 from 2:30-4:30pm at Deer Lodge Curling Club (425 Woodlawn St.) in the upstairs lounge (please note, there is no elevator access).  We welcome you to come and share memories, stories and moments spent with Ron.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to a charity of your choice that reminds you of Ron.