Ron Olfert

1949 - 2024

It is with great heartache and love that the family of Ronald Herman Olfert announce his unexpected passing on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at the age of 74 years.

Relatives and friends were invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Sunday, March 10, 2024 between 3:00 P.M. and 4:00 P.M.

The Burial Service was held at the Hays Cemetery, corner of Park Drive and Central Avenue, Hays on Monday, March 11, 2024 at 10:00 A.M.

The Funeral Service was held at the Brooks Evangelical Free Church, 625 - 8 Street West, Brooks on Monday, March 11, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. 

Those who are unable to attend and wish to view the service online may do so by clicking on the livestream link that will be available on this page at 12:45 P.M. on Monday, March 11, 2024. Barring any technical difficulties, the livestream will begin at 1:00 P.M.

Besides Doreen, his loving wife of fifty one years, Ron is survived by their their children, Lisa (Rob) Rempel of Abbotsford, British Columbia, Rocky (Melanie) Olfert of Abbotsford, British Columbia and Renny (Brendan) Pinches of Edmonton; ten beautiful grandchildren whom he loved so much, Riley, Connor and Peyton Rempel, Easton, Griffin and Cooper Olfert and Anaya, Emery, Isla and Maëlle Pinches. He is also survived by his siblings Janet (Ken) Whitmore, Ken (Marylin) Olfert, Terry (Sylvia) Olfert, Tim (Paula) Olfert and by numerous nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

He was predeceased by his parents Isaac and Mary Olfert.

Ron was born in Rosthern, Saskatchewan on June 11, 1949 and lived there until 1958 when the family moved to farm in Hays. This is where Ron started his career as a farmer. He completed high school in Vauxhall and then started work for the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA) in Hays.

Ron attended Swift Current Bible School where he met Doreen Thiessen, the woman of his dreams. He was a man whom she only knew as “Cowboy”, as he was affectionately known. They were married in 1972 and lived in the Hays area since Ron was still working for the PFRA. In 1973, they moved to Parcel 220 when he started working on the farm for Dave Berg. In 1977, Ron and Doreen, along with their three children, had a vision of starting their own farm and that’s where his dreams came alive. They bought bare prairie land seven miles south of Hays and began breaking up the land. Over the years they built a house, corals, a shop, a barn and planted many trees. In time, the farm was filled with many animals, but his one passion was having cattle. This farm is where Ron’s dreams were developed into his love. With much dedication, time, hard work, sweat, long days, nights and weekends, Ron’s farm became a success. The farm has been a source of joy, adventure and hospitality for many over the years.

Ron was humble, caring and a good listener. He enjoyed going for coffee, taking time to visit with those that came on the yard even though he was so busy but always expressed interest in the lives of others. He shared what he had on the farm and most of all, he was a man who sacrificed his time for those he knew and loved. Ron enjoyed going to hockey games, visiting with anyone young or old and spending time at community events whether he had an interest or not.

Ron has left the farm just as he wanted, not having to retire. We know that even though he isn’t present here on earth, his presence is all around us; whether it’s the farm he built, the family he was apart of, or all the people he was in contact with in the community. We all have a part of him in our hearts and that is his legacy.

Ron was a man of God who led by example. He showed others who Jesus was through his personality, generosity and positive attitude. He was filled with kindness, love, laughter and many more attributes that made him liked and loved by those in the community and his family. He was a blessing to so many and will be missed and cherished by all who knew him and loved him.

Ron is not here anymore, but with God in Heaven, where his body is perfect and he is able to dance with his boots once again. One day soon, we will see him again and that’s our hope. See you “Cowboy”, until we meet again!

If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Ron’s name may be made directly to the charity of one’s personal choice.