Ronald J Mrus
February 25 1939 - January 21 2017
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Ronald Joseph Mrus,
Beloved Husband, Daddy, “Papa”, Father In Law, Brother, Uncle and Friend.
Ron grew up the eldest of two children. He was born in Chemanius to loving parents John and Lilly Mrus and had one younger brother Raymond. Although born in Chemanius Ron lived his whole life in Ladysmith BC to which he loved. In his younger years Ron was known to play the accordion and the rumor has it his mother Lilly carried the accordion to school for him. Ronnie took the highest marks in the grade three competition at the annual accordion festival taking home the coveted cup. In the years to come he loved fishing and hunting with his father John and the close childhood friends he grew up with. In fact in 1960 hunting with his dad in Majuba Valley he shot the largest deer weighed by the fish and game since 1949. Ron won the trophy for the largest deer taken that year, something he was very proud of. Not only did Ron like the action of the hunt but also he thoroughly enjoyed turning it into an amazing sausage from his father John’s “Gruzzie’s” secret Mrus family recipe. Being an avid fisherman Ron could be found at the annual Port Alberni Salmon Festival participating with his family hoping to win the grand prize every year. However at the end of the day Ron knew he had already won the big prize fishing along side his eldest grandson Nicholas at the derby or up at Bamfield to which he enjoyed as much or more than making the big catch. In his younger years he enjoyed bowling with Orma, curling, loved to bust a move with Orma on the dance floor and was an avid gardener following in the footsteps of his father John. Growing up in the Mrus family meant having a freshly grown organic garden of fruits and vegetables each year. Ron was also a handyman that could tackle any project on his own around the house or with his vehicles.
In the late 60’s Ron worked in the cost accounting department at the Alberni Pulp and Paper Mill. It was at this time his brother Ray had mentioned to Ron that he should go apply on the waterfront. Thus Ron started longshoring Sept 6th 1968. He was in the union in Oct 15, 1973 and retired Oct 1st, 2003 in local 508. He was a proud ILWU brother of 35 years. Ron not only worked on the dock and beach but over a 20 year period from 1980 to 1999 Ron ran for office in the local 508 seventeen times and was elected twelve times, seven as Second Dispatcher and five times as First Dispatcher/Secretary Treasurer. Ron was highly respected in these positions as not too many union members have the perseverance and fortitude to last that long in the midst of union politics. Ron had the courage and perseverance to continue to run again after being defeated 3 times. On top of this Ron was also vice president for one year and president for two years of the pensioner’s group and very well could have been elected again for 2017.
In his retirement Ron spent many hours attending his grandsons hockey and baseball games with love and pride in his heart. He enjoyed spending summers RVing up in Park Sands with Orma and he loved everything it had to offer. Ron had many friends and he was not one to shy away from an engaging conversation or for finding the best deal around!!
Ron loved his family and spending time with them. Dad (Papa) leaves a huge void in our life, as he was the “apple of our eye!” He was our mentor, our teacher, our friend and most of all our loving Dad and Papa. Dad you will be missed but never forgotten.
Ron leaves behind: His children Kim Acker (Vance), Kevin Mrus (Esther), Kelly Mrus (David) His Grandchildren: Nicholas, Nathan, Brooklyn.
Ron is predeceased by: His parents, John and Lilly Mrus, wife Orma Mrus (Trelvik), brother Raymond Mrus and his son Kirk Mosdell.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday May 6th 2017 @ Eagles Hall 2-6pm, Ladysmith, BC. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Cancer Society, Heart & Stroke Foundation or the SPCA.