Ronald Charles Plum

Family, friends and just about anyone who experienced the pleasure of meeting him were joyous to have been part of the long life of Ronald Charles Plum of Battleford. Ronald was laid to rest at Rockhaven Cemetery on October 7th with Reverend Nora Borgeson officiating. Ron leaves his beloved wife Minna (Minnie), son Harvey, daughter Carol, siblings Ernal, Ken and Darlene and a very long list of caring relatives, including grandchildren, Kelsey, Joseph and Christine and great grandchildren, Trevor and Jessica.  Ron was born in Kindersley, Saskatchewan, and was one of 11 children.  He was predeceased by his father Howard, mother Violet, brothers John, Alvin and Willis, sisters Olive, Grace, Minnie and Catherine. Ron was a hard worker all his life and farmed, and worked on farms in the Gallivan area for many years. He often took care of homes and farms when owners headed to warmer climes for the winter. He painted numerous homes and barns in the locale and also worked for the CN Railroad and as a grader operator for the Cut Knife Municipality. He was a loyal member of the United Church and devoted much of his spare time to helping others in numerous ways. He was closely involved with the Riding Hill Snow Plow Club, the Riding Hill Community Club and the Riding Hill Sunday School. For many years he handled volunteer work for the Red Cross and served as president of the Cut Knife Red Cross branch. He canvassed every year for the Red Cross from 1949 to disbandment in 1980 and throughout that period, was on the local executive every year but one. He was also a member of the Cut Knife Odd Fellows. In addition, he volunteered many times to help out at the North Battleford Western Development Museum and his homemade ice cream that was doled out at ‘Those Were The Days’ events attracted children of all ages. Despite his selfless devotion to volunteerism, Ron did find time to play ball in the community and was able to brag about his pro-worthy curve ball. A dedicated Blue Jays fan, he’d have loved the team’s recent successes. He also loved to curl and he competed in horseshoes that brought home medals and awards. Hockey was also high on Ron’s list of interests, though he never followed any particular team - he reveled in any well-played game. He also followed the fortunes of the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Ronald had a fine singing voice and sang frequently at Hillcrest Seniors Centre functions, a facility for which he served a stint as President. Always a humorist, Ron’s participation in comedy at the Seniors Centre is still remembered. The Battleford United Church Choir also enjoyed the benefit of Ron’s tenor voice, but in the areas where he worked, he was best known for yodeling - something he greatly enjoyed. It was said that family and friends always knew when Ron was around because they could hear his yodeling some way off and there were those who swore that the cows gave better milk when he was in full song! A friendly and caring neighbour wherever he lived, locals still speak of his willingness to help with any task at all, whether it was cutting wood or helping out with the cattle. This help was always happily granted with a positive and cheerful spirit. However daunting the task, it was always tackled with joyful laughter and an ear-to-ear smile. Perhaps above all, Ron was much loved for his wonderful sense of fun and humour and the term “a ready smile” was tailor-made for him. His smile would light up a room and he never lost it, despite many challenges as his life drew to a close. Ronald Plum’s Memorial will be held November 14th, 2015 at the Battleford United Church at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the charity of your choice or to the Rockhaven Cemetery c/o Box 27, Rockhaven,Sk., S0M 2R0.