Ronald "Ronnie" William Cousins

We are saddened by the passing of Ron (Ronnie) Cousins, at age 71 at the Portage District General Hospital. Predeceased by his parents Bill and Dorothy Cousins, his brothers Bob and Dale and his sister-in-law Evelyn Cousins, Ron is survived by his son Les (Ginette), his sister Maureen (Steve), and several nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. 

Ron was raised on the family farm in the Edwin District and attended school there and in Portage la Prairie. Ron may have been small in stature (and Grizzly Adams-like in appearance), but he certainly lived life to the fullest. He worked hard and played hard, and unfortunately it ultimately caught up to him and his health declined in recent years. Ron was a wanderer at heart, happy to travel light. After leaving the Portage area as a young man, Ron took on many physically demanding jobs around Canada, from working underground in the Inco Mine in Thompson, to jobs at mines and forestry facilities in the Fort St. James area of BC. He spent many years working in the bush as a diamond driller in BC, the Yukon and northwestern Ontario, among other stops. His mechanical aptitude was also put to good use on farms and in garages. He was equally happy with a set of wrenches in his hands, quietly reading a book or enjoying the company of cats, for which he had a soft spot. He was quick to help those who needed it, especially if it meant fixing something.  

Ron was never quite the same following the untimely passing of his brothers, and particularly after the passing of his very good friend Donna Kucharsky. She always kept a watchful eye on him and for that we are extremely grateful. The family also wishes to extend its sincere thanks to Donna’s brother Ken and his wife Sheri for the abundant kindness, care and friendship they provided to him over the past few years. It is sincerely appreciated. 

Thank you to the staff of the Portage Clinic and the Portage District General Hospital for the compassionate care you provided to Ron.  

As per Ron’s wishes, a cremation has occurred. Due to the COVID-19 situation, a service will not be held at this time. Feel free to remember Ron’s life by having a shot of your favorite beverage, as he will be there in spirit to enjoy it with you. 

“There are no wrong turnings. Only paths we had not known we were meant to walk.” – Guy Gavriel Kay

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ronald "Ronnie" William Cousins, please visit our floral store.