Obituary of Ronald John Andres

August 17, 1954 – June 8, 2017
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ron, after his battle with cancer.
Ron was born to Abe and Mary Andres in Saskatoon, Sask.  He and his two brothers, Ken and Reg, spent many a day exploring and playing with their numerous cousins.  Ron attended a one room school house at Roseleaf School until age 12, and then spent a year in BC.  Moving to Grande Prairie in 1967, Ron attended junior high at Montrose and high school at the Composite.
In 1970 Ron met the love of his life, Trudy Robideau; they married and had two beautiful babies, Shondell and Clayton.  Ron had a very strong work ethic and fully enjoyed his job, especially as Team Manager at Weyerhauser Canada.
After contracting a lung disease, Ron underwent a lung transplant on Devember 4,1996.  Unfortunately, this resulted in his inability to continue working.  He was however, blessed with an additional 20 years of joyful life.  During which time he enjoyed many cross country trips, family gatherings, weddings and birthdays, but most of all, he was blessed with the wonderful gift of knowing his grandchildren.
Ron loved his wife and children but his true calling as being a Grandpa/Papa to his grandchildren.  He loved and longed to spend as much time with them as he possibly could.  They brightened his smile just thinking about them.
His passions were playing guitar, riding horses/motorbikes, coaching hockey, camping, fishing, visiting and travelling anywhere with his wife.  His hockey years were some of the most memorable and he loved coaching his hockey boys.
Ron is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Trudy; his daughter, Shonie (Ian) Gillespie and their son Kris Andres; his son Clayton (Carla) and their daughters Addison and Isabelle; mother Mary Andres and brothers Ken (Dot), Reg ( Eva) and numerous family and friends that he loved.
He is predeceased by his father, Abe Andres, mother-in-law Jean Robideau, nephews Ryan Ferris and Scott Ferman and his cousin Johnny Braun.
A funeral service for Ron will take place at McLaurin Gateway Baptist Church (10913-107 Avenue, Grande Prairie) on June 22, 2017.  Viewing will be at 1:30, service at 2:00 and fellowship to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the U of A Foundation (O.P.R.) for lung transplant patients.
Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home (780) 830-7742 www.bearcreekfuneral.com