Ronald James Drozda

Ronald James Drozda’s story begins March 23rd 1945, born to James and Anne (Herperger) in Esterhazy Saskatchewan.

Ron grew up an energetic farm boy drawn to mischief and adventures with his cousin Melvin and any one else who was willing to participate! Sports and fun took precedence over chores, particularly milking the cows which he made clear was his least favorite.

His school years were a collage of friends, activities and of course his education, beginning with elementary at Brookvale School, Stockholm Separate School and finally Esterhazy High School.

The first distraction from his love of sports and other boyhood activity was when, in grade 11, he caught a glimpse of Patricia Neyedly.  It did not take long for her to become his high school ‘sweetheart’ which transpired into the ‘love of his life’ and their marriage took place June 12th 1965.

They made their first home on a tiny lot, in a tiny 8’ x 30’ trailer in the tiny village of Stockholm. What was not so tiny were the meals, the parties, the card games and the joy their tiny first home brought them.

Thoughts of starting a family prompted Ron and Pat to build a new home in Stockholm.  They passed one of the true tests of a good marriage working side by side from foundation to completion with Pat (7 months pregnant) and Ron nailing the last shingle.

Brent arrived in October of 1966, Deborah was soon to follow in August of 1967 and Katherine in September of 1969.

As the hardworking husband and father Ron always aspired to be, he supported the family as a skilled Carpenter, work at the Potash mine and for many years in partnership with Pat running the local grocery store where he excelled as a self-taught butcher.

Ron recently retired from his work with Braendle Bruce/Peter Carscadden Funeral Service, and ultimately ended up back into the care and hands of the very people he referred to as co-workers and friends, in preparation for his final rest.

Farming had always been part of his life plan and in 1989 he and Pat moved to a new farm home on the Atwater Road.  Here is where his heart was content, where family and friends gathered and where he participated in his final harvest.  He was proud to continue the small family farm he took over from his father.  He was also proud of the farmer his son Brent had become as they worked together, sowed, harvested and shared the love of the land, knowing the work would go on long after he could not.

Ron believed in community, he generously gave time and held positions with Stockholm Minor Hockey, the Fire Department, St Elizabeth Parish, Credit Union, and the St Anthony Hospital board.

Ron never shied away from the opportunity to lend a hand, his skills, his time or his good judgment.  What an example, that everything you do in life should matter, always step up, get involved, participate and be happy you are a part of something bigger.  He would do whatever it took to make it to hockey games, carnivals, track and field, concerts and his children and grandchildren were always happy to see him in the crowd.

He was an avid dancer, he and Pat were well known for their jive and tearing up the dance floor.  He was always up for a card game with friends, children and grandchildren and playing with his great grand daughter brought him incredible joy.

Ron enjoyed nothing more than hearing or sharing funny stories, he liked good-hearted teasing and anything that resulted in a chuckle…his laughter was truly infectious and unforgettable.

Ron is survived by his loving wife Patricia. Children: Brent Drozda, Deborah Pearson (Clark), Katherine Tochor (Darrell). Grandchildren:  Silver Dukart (Mike), Waylan Pearson, Leland Pearson (Hayden Meyer), Troy Forst (Hailie), Tori Phair (Carter), Joel Tochor.  Great granddaughter Navy Dukart.  Sisters: Sheila Lozinski, Marie Metzler (Garry). In-laws: Louise and Louis Hozjan, Lucian Neyedly, Keith and Josephine Martin, Eugene and Anne Roll, Emil and Judy Roll, Bill Ewart, and all the nieces, nephews and others who he considered ‘family’