May 10, 1956 – April 18, 2026
It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Ron Kisil, 69, announce his passing on April 18, 2026, in Winnipeg, with his wife and daughters at his side.
Left to cherish Ron’s memory is his beloved wife Karen (Szklaruk) of almost 47 years; his daughter Kristen Stevenson (Regan) and grandchildren Kaia, Ryker, and Blakely and daughter Ashley Kisil (Matt Hazeu). He will be lovingly remembered by his sister-in-law Shirley Guest (John), brother-in-law Larry Szklaruk (Trina) along with many other family members and close friends. He was predeceased by his parents Walter and Jean Kisil and in-laws Nestor and Anne Szklaruk.
Ron was born in Winnipeg on May 10, 1956 and was raised on Pritchard Ave. He met the love of his life on a blind date and they were married three years later in 1979. They welcomed daughters Kristen in 1982 and Ashley in 1985. He loved his girls and devoted his life to giving them a wonderful childhood and a future full of opportunities. They were his best friends!
Ron’s love for Karen was unwavering as he stood by her side and supported her through all of life’s challenges. He was her everything. Ron gave Karen a beautiful life and their deep love was evident in everything they did. They enjoyed travelling, cooking together and entertaining family and friends. He leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion to his family.
Ron graduated from Sisler High School and continued his academic journey in Commercial and Industrial Sales at Red River College. He worked 25+ years at DuPont Pharma in the pharmaceutical industry. He concluded his career as a key sales representative at Vista Medical- a pioneering medical electronics firm based in Winnipeg specializing in medical diagnostics (pressure mapping). He helped rehabilitation hospitals like Mayo Clinic and others across the globe use pressure mapping sensors to help thousands of wheelchair users live healthy, full lives. He helped automotive, defense, aircraft seating and bedding companies use the sensors to improve comfort and safety. Ron approached his work with honour and integrity and took pleasure knowing that he helped improve the lives of many people.
Retirement in 2024 afforded him the opportunity to pursue new interests and find joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments. He loved travelling, golfing, fishing, and taking in the beauty of nature while birdwatching and taking long walks in the park. He missed his fur baby Zoey who took him on at least five walks a day. He was always found puttering in his yard and keeping his lawn looking pristine. Saturdays were dedicated to his Ukrainian food runs; visiting Tenderloin, Old Country Meats, and Jeanne’s Bakery. Some of his happiest times were spent behind the grill, barbecuing his famous ribs for family and friends, bringing people together with warmth and laughter and making sure they left several pounds heavier.
Ron was a Mason at Gateway Masonic Lodge #171 and a member of the Knights of Columbus at the Father Shyshkowich Council #8925. After retiring he hoped to become more active in both. A devoted fan of the Winnipeg Jets, he rarely missed a chance to cheer them on. He loved going to games or having a front row seat in his family room with a rum and coke. More than watching the Jets, he absolutely loved watching all three of his grandchildren, Kaia, Ryker and Blakely, learn to skate and eventually play hockey. Nothing brought “Poppy” more joy than watching a wraparound goal or a perfectly placed shot. He was known as Uncle Ronkie to niece Tracy’s boys, Dane and Oren. He attended as many games as he could with Tracy and Mike and cheered on the boys with a hot McDonald’s coffee. Thanks to Livebarn he was never more than a click away from the action when he couldn’t be at a game.
Ron cherished his trips to Indiana and Florida to visit his daughter Kristen, son-in-law Regan and their family. He enjoyed spending time with them at Disney, Gator watching, enjoying the sun and the beaches, sightseeing, playing board games with his grandchildren and being a MacGyver around their house. He was proud of Kristen’s dedication to home schooling their children and the wonderful Mother she is. Ron loved a good conversation about politics or the latest current events with Regan and was so proud of his accomplishments and success. He was always so proud of how Kristen and Regan were raising their children.
Ashley and Ron closely bonded over long talks about life and work, their love of music, walks in Birds Hill Park, Jets games and a good game of Scrabble. They were both foodies, always on the search to find the best food in the city and they would take long drives to surprise each other with food they were craving. Ron was so proud of her ability to advocate for the children she works with. Ron found a new buddy with similar interests in Ashley’s partner, Matt. They bonded over building his new deck, playing golf and seeing who could catch the biggest bass in Black Sturgeon Lake.
His girls, Kristen and Ashley, would always be his greatest joy, but his grandchildren were the icing on the cake. From the very beginning and until his last visit with them, he treasured every moment. He was in awe listening to Kaia read from the chapter book she was about to publish, loved watching his best friend Ryker build Lego and always laughed at his Blakely’s sense of humour and dance moves. They will miss their Poppy.
Ron had a way of making people feel welcome and special, always ready to lend a hand, share a laugh, or offer quiet support when it mattered most. He was known for his quick wit, practical jokes and off-the-wall sense of humour. We will never forget his one-liners! In his eyes, everyone was special and deserved respect. Ron will be remembered as a kind and deeply caring man. His favourite line was, “IT IS, WHAT IT IS”!
A special thank you to our wonderful friends and family who reached out, kept us in their thoughts and prayers, made and delivered food, called, or stopped by for visits and hugs during this difficult time. Your kindness will never be forgotten. A special thank you to Tracy Dumka, our family and Ron’s dear friends for all your visits to his bedside, for your love and prayers and for supporting him always.
An extra special thank you to Matt Hazeu for being with us at Ron’s side through this very difficult time. You were our rock, our shoulder to cry on and you were there for us when it mattered most.
Ron will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to have known him. We were especially blessed because we called him “Poppy”.
“We held his hand until God held his”
A celebration of life will be held at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home on Sunday June 28th, 2026
at 1pm.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Ron’s memory to: the Masonic Foundation
of Manitoba (Wheels of Hope). 420 Corydon Ave, Winnipeg, R3L 0N8
* This program transports patients to their cancer treatments
Or the charity of your choice.
Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Ron’s memorial page using the comment field below.