Obituary of Ronald Andrew Mayer

Ronald Andrew Mayer was born on November 23, 1934, in Bengough, Saskatchewan. He would be the youngest son and second youngest child of Ignace and Elizabeth Mayer’s six children.

Ron would start and continue his schooling down the road in an one-room schoolhouse until grade 11. He would then complete the remainder of schooling via correspondence. With a thirst for knowledge, and interest in everything, Ron would take classes in basic electrical, plumbing, mechanics, and psychology.

In January 1974, after a NDP gathering, Ron would be introduced to the love of his life by the man who would later become his father in law. After a whirlwind courtship, Ron and Rhoda were married on June 1, 1974 at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church in Bengough.

In November 1975, Ron and Rhoda decided to set up their own farming operation. They decided to move from Bengough to St. Joseph district west of Ituna and south east of Kelliher.

It would be the village of Kelliher where Ron and Rhoda would call “home”. Almost immediately Ron would become an active member of the community and St. Margaret Mary Roman Catholic Church, He would serve various terms and positions within boards such as the Sask Wheat Pool, the local Co-op, Roman Catholic Parish Council and the NDP Community.

In his retirement, they would travel to nursing homes from as far as Watrous to Weyburn where Ron would entertain the residents with his accordion, and Rhoda as his “manager” scheduling his next month’s spot in the entertainment schedule. He always said the smiles on the residents’ faces was the only form of payment he’d accept.

In August 2015, Ron would suffer a major heart attack which required seven by pass. This would slow him down considerably but it would never stop him from the life he and Rhoda loved and enjoyed.

Over the recent years, Ron’s health would start declining, preventing him from enjoying the hobbies he loved including playing his prized accordions.

In the early hours of February 2, 2024, Ron peacefully passed away with his beloved friend and wife, and their two daughters by his side at St. Peter’s Hospital in Melville, at the age of 89.

Ron was predeceased by his parents Ignace and Elizabeth; older siblings Magdelena, Frank, Mary (and her husband Robert Martin), Phillip, younger sibling Cecillia Buhler, son-in-law Dean McCammon, nieces Francis Bienetruy (Mayer) and Valerie Whalley (Martin), nephew Murray Martin and parents in law, William and Elsie Petruic.

Ron will be forever loved and missed by his wife and best friend of 50 years Rhoda; their four children: Allan (Kellie), Rhonda, Gerald (Mandy) and Heidi (Cory). Grandchildren; Amanda, Callen, Rebecca, Nicholas, Graysie, Cole, Kross, Zander, Jensen, Breanna, Hailey, Shaelyn, Tori, Isla, Paisley and Zoe. Brother in law Jacob Buhler, sisters in law Blanche Mayer and Evelyn (Doug) Sillers; many numerous nieces, nephews and their families, and many friends made through out the years.