1948 - 2024
The family of Ronald Kustra is saddened to announce that he passed away peacefully on November 23, 2024, at the St. Albert Sturgeon Hospital after a 6 year battle with heart disease and a short but rapid journey with dementia. He is survived by his devoted wife of 49 years, Lynn; son Bryce (Terri), son Rhys (Justine), daughter Brittany (Courtney); and 4 precious grandchildren, Linden, Ellie, Winter, and Mia. He is also survived by brother Ryan (Betty), his special Aunt Vera, 3 nephews, Tyler, Jarrett and Keaton, and sister-in-law Diane.
Ron was born in Grandview, MB on July 1, 1948 to Nellie and Archie Kustra. Ron attended the University of Manitoba and his communications career began with opportunities at the Dauphin Herald, the Winnipeg Free Press and the Winnipeg Tribune. Ron joined the Alberta Medical Association in 1981 and he remained there until his retirement in 2013 as the Assistant Executive Director of Public Affairs. Ron often reflected on his good fortune in life to have worked with such outstanding colleagues at the AMA and with so many dedicated physicians.
Ron was a long-standing member of the International Association of Business Communicators. He won more than two dozen awards for communication excellence, including IABC Edmonton Communicator of the Year and IABC Master Communicator. Ron could often be heard sharing the following motto: "I would have had a career without IABC, but I have had the career that I have had because of IABC."
In his youth, Ron was a gifted athlete, excelling in both baseball and hockey. He shared his love of sports with his children by coaching and participating in soccer and karate with them. He was a passionate Boston Red Sox fan. He and Lynn celebrated his 75th birthday in Toronto watching the Red Sox oppose the Blue Jays. Ron was in his element when touring many baseball stadiums across the US and eating a hot dog during spring training in Arizona.
Special thanks to Jenny V. and the St. Albert Home Care team who made Ron's life more comfortable in the last several months.
At Ron's request, there will be no formal celebration of life. The family will honour Ron privately at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada in Ron's name would be deeply appreciated.
Forever remembered, forever in our hearts, forever loved.
Arrangements entrusted to Connelly-McKinley St. Albert Funeral Home.
To send condolences, please visit www.connelly-mckinley.com.
Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home
St. Albert Chapel
(780) 458-2222
