RONALD HOLLAND

It is with heavy hearts but a deep sense of a life well lived, that the family of Ronald Kennedy Holland of Avonlea announce his passing on Friday, February 16, 2018, at the age of 95 years.  Born on the family farm at Avonlea on January 30, 1923, Ron lived his whole life in the Avonlea area.  Predeceased by his wife Marian (nee Ridgway) in 2011, his parents David and Mary Holland, parents-in-law Ernest and Jessie Ridgway, brother Ralph and sister-in-law Violet Holland, and brother-in-law James Ridgway.  Ron is survived by his children Kim (Joyce) Holland of Avonlea, SK, Mark (Samantha) Holland of Kelowna, BC, Joan (Jack) Kirkpatrick of Saskatoon, SK, Janice (Blaine) Clarke of Nipawin, SK, and Todd (Carol) Holland of Avonlea, SK;  14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters-in-law Ken and Phyllis Ridgway of Avonlea and Glen and Marlene Ridgway of Colgate, SK. Ron grew up on the family farm southwest of Avonlea; he attended Sunshine School and later completed high school in Avonlea.  After high school, the war was on and his brother Ralph had enlisted.  Ron was needed on the farm, and thus began a farming career that spanned nearly seven decades.  The farm was his passion and he loved everything about farm life.  In 1951 he married Marian Ridgway and they were true partners on the family farm.  Five children followed.  Ron saw huge changes on the farm over his lifetime and embraced all of them.  He enjoyed all the challenges-whether it was machine maintenance, animal care or growing crops.  Ron was very dedicated to his family, his farm, his church and his community.  He supported many organizations in the community, among them the Masonic Lodge, the 4H MultiClub, the Avonlea Co-op Board, the Sask. Wheat Pool and the Avonlea United Church.  Ron was both a gentleman and a gentleman who never had a harsh word for anyone.  He had many friends and acquaintances and will be missed by all who knew him.  Ron spent the last two years of his life at the Coteau Range Manor in Avonlea; the family send heartfelt thanks to the staff for the loving care he received during his time there.  The Funeral Service for Ron will be held at the Avonlea United Church on Monday, Feb. 26, 2018, at 11:30 am with lunch to follow at the Avonlea Community Hall.  Officiant will be Neil Alexander. Interment will take place at Hillcrest Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Coteau Range Manor, Avonlea United Church, or a charity of your choice.  In living memory of Ron,a memorial tree planting will be made by JONES Funeral Home.  Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries). Dayna Chamberlain – Funeral Director