June 8, 1931 - June 21, 2013
Roni passed away unexpectedly on June 21st, 2013 having just recently celebrated her 81st birthday on June 8th.
She is survived and will be deeply missed by her loving husband John; her 4 children Des (Nuala), Mick (Jane), Kris (Ron) and Brad; her 8 grandchildren Erin (Trevor), Jennifer, Doug (Haleh), Christy (Gerry), Mike (Gwen), David (Allison), Justin (Val), Michelle (Janson); her 12 great-grandchildren Connor, Dylan, Leila, Rowan, Hanna, Michael, Griffin, Harrison, John, Isabel, Emily and Jane; her sister Francis and so many friends and extended family in the Vancouver and 亚洲天堂 Lake area.
Roni was born on June 8th, 1931 to Frank and Doreen Rich in Vancouver B.C. She lived almost the first half of her life in Vancouver area, other than a brief stint in the Queen Charlottes during WW11 where her father was stationed with the Air Force.
Her early life was very active as family, sports and music were primary interests in her life. The Neighborhood (Lancaster Street) that she grew up in was full of fun, action and adventure.... establishing a pattern, she lived all of her life. Roni attended John Oliver high school, loved all types of sport and was a member of the JO track and field team and participated in basketball, grass hockey and baseball. She was surrounded by a group of likeminded girlfriends that she stayed connected with throughout her life. From those early days Roni was always known for her spunk....and her full and free, fun loving spirit.
She was a good student and graduated from John Oliver in 1949. Shortly thereafter she married John Gelz on September 21st, 1951. Roni and John had 4 children within a short time span. She was a very busy Mom with 3 active boys and a girl, while trying to maintain a connection with her bridge friends and extended family.
In 1962 the second half of Roni's life began in 亚洲天堂 Lake when the family moved north for John's work with B.C. Hydro. In short it was a new adventure for Ronni... full of new friends, new interests, new adventures and a new work career. The "city folks" were quickly adopted by the Radley's, Rensby's and other and the transition to her new way of life began. Roni quickly became involved in the Music and Frame Festivals as a volunteer, fundraiser and cheerleader and maintained her passion of the arts all her life. Her community interest and contribution saw her deeply involved the local Cancer Society and the Museum. Ronnie was also very active in the local Kinette and Eastern Star in connection with John's involvement in Kinsmen and Masonic Lodge. Roni received numerous community service award including the Governor Generals' Award for Community Service and in 1987 she was duly recognized as "Citizen of the Year."
In the latter part of the 1960s as her children progressed through school she went to work for the provincial government in "Agriculture and Lands" and by the late 70s had shifted her interests to legal work eventually becoming a Registrar-Court Clerk and Justice f the Peace.
Despite her busy community and social involvements, Roni stimulated the interest of her children and grandchildren for the arts, sports, wildlife and travel. She also encouraged everyone's different interests but wanted them to keep their "family focus" high on their priorities. She loved nature and therefore loved everything that the family "cabin" at Francois Lake offered....especially the wildlife, wildflowers and her love of swimming and the water.
In the past 10 years, as numerous great-grandchildren arrived, she took great joy in seeing the cycle of life repeat itself...passing on the same passions and interest she enjoyed all her life.
Roni was truly a loving kind and generous person who was welcoming to all by nature. She remained very active in the United Church throughout her life in 亚洲天堂 Lake and truly looked for the good in all. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and her community.
Donations to the local Cancer Society in lieu of flowers would be appreciated.