Ronald Corrigal

Ronald Hinrik Corrigal

July 24, 1942 - November 6, 2025

Ron was a Selkirk boy through and through; it was where he was born, where he lived, went to school and worked, where he got married and raised his family, and where he went to church. Where he exemplified the meaning of service by belonging to a multitude of community organizations. Where he golfed. And where he took his last breath.

Twas a happy day in the Corrigal household, way back in 1942, when Roderick and Oluf’s precious son, Ronald, was born. Big sister, Roberta, was overjoyed, as he was later when younger sisters Margaret and Leanne joined the fold - he took his big brother status very seriously. As he did with all the roles he played in his life, whether it was as a son, a brother, a husband, an in-law, a dad, an uncle, a cousin, a friend, a boss, a coach, a colleague, part of a foursome, a ticket holder, and of course, a grampa. He could always be counted on to be wherever and whenever his presence was required, and always, with his unique, witty brand of humour in tow.

Ron graduated from the U of M, Faculty of Pharmacy, in 1965. Friendships made with fellow classmates continue to this day, with many class reunions celebrated and gatherings held throughout the years since, the last one being, where else, in Selkirk, this past September, at his home. He was a member of the Manitoba Pharmaceutical Association, and in recognition of his service, received his 50 year pin in 2015.

Under the guidance of his dear friend, mentor, and fellow Pharmacist, (the late) Matt Olynyk, Ron’s career began at Southview Pharmacy. Then, with all that was earned and learned, he set out on his own at Western Drug Mart. Both are stores which only those of a certain vintage can recall, however WDM eventually morphed into a landmark store in Selkirk that everybody knows about, Shoppers Drug Mart. He was respected by everyone he interacted with, be they medical professionals, peers, his staff and customers. Forty two years later he retired, but not being one to sit idle, he spent his retirement years continuing his association as a board member for Selkirk’s world famous Marine Museum and Betel Personal Care Home, as a member of the MB College of Pharmacists Disciplinary Committee, and bookkeeping for and Christmas tree decorating at Woodland Courts.

Taking Matt’s advice: “Ronnie, you’ve got to join a Service Club!”, the community organizations in Selkirk to which he gave his time, efforts, dedication and loyalty to were the Kinsmen and K-40 Clubs, Rotary and the Marine Museum (future pancake breakfasts will not be the same without their trusty pancake maker at the helm). And when his boys and their friends were younger, he coached their baseball teams. He was honoured to receive Selkirk’s Citizen of the Year award in 2006.

Family and friends were the heart of Ron’s life, his generous support to those nearest and dearest was unwavering throughout all of their journeys. Any excuse for a party, be it a birthday, wedding, anniversary, family and retirement vacations, were cause for celebration, some even with fireworks! His home was always open, he was the consummate host. Memories of these fun times and his generous nature, are now forever cherished by all the recipients, including the Rotary Exchange students he shared his home with. He was a tried and true Blue Bomber fan, supporting them as a season ticket holder for over 50 years. Many a story can be told of his armchair coaching skills and effervescent boisterous commentary, both in the stands and at home, particularly after (many) losing games. Golf was a favourite too, there are many at the Selkirk Golf Course that know of his signature swing and can share tall tales of his and their golfing antics. It was all about fun and camaraderie whenever Ron was around!

Ron is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Corrie; his boys, as he called them “My 3 Sons” (again, only those of a certain vintage will get that reference), Jeff, Greg (Lisa), and Paul, and his precious grandchildren, Daniel and Laura. Siblings, Roberta Chic; Margaret, her husband Ivan Purdy; Leanne, and her husband Michael Kozuska. Brother-in-law Herman Prins and his wife, Shirley. Many special nieces and nephews and their families on both sides too. Predeceased by his parents, as well as Corrie’s, Herman and Cornelia Prins; Roberta’s husband, Fred Chic; brother-in-law Stewart Wilson; nephews-in-law Chuck Norquay and Doug Florko; as well as other close and very dear friends. His devoted, furry (late) sidekicks, Arnold, Duchess, Scooby and Boomer were part of welcoming him to his eternal home too.

Special thanks to Hope, Ola, Samantha and Harmen of Selkirk Homecare for providing such kind and respectful care to Ron, as well as those involved with his care during his previous summer stay at Selkirk Regional Health Centre.

As per Ron’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private funeral will be held at a place integral to his life, Knox Presbyterian Church, in, of course, Selkirk, where he was a devoted and active member for many years, serving in several capacities, including even Christmas decorating. No task was ever too big or small for this great man.

Should you so desire, please consider, in memory of Ron, a donation to his favourite charities:

The Marine Museum or Kinsmen/Kinette/K-40 c/o Selkirk & District Community Foundation, 200 Eaton Ave, Selkirk, MB R1A 0W6 or his church, Knox Presbyterian, 341 Eveline St, Selkirk, MB R1A 1N1

However it was you knew and/or whatever you called him, be it Ron, Ronnie, RONALD!!, Dad, Grampa, Uncle, Sir, James Bond 007, Mr, or Hey you, he’s left all of us richer for having known him, each of us with our own indelible and treasured moments of all the times spent together branded on, not only the meat he so carefully bbq-ed, but our hearts. He is much loved and will be forever missed by all.

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