Ronald David Bang

1939 - 2015

With great sadness, the family of Ronald Bang, resident of Thunder Bay, announce his sudden passing, age 76, on September 5th, 2015 at TBRHSC (diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia). Family and dear friend Sonja were at his bedside. Born July 16th, 1939 in the Red Cross Emo Hospital, he spent his early childhood surrounded by nature in North Branch and the Nestor Falls areas. Cherished memories will be forever held by Eunice (Kangas), wife of 53 years, sons Byron and Glen, daughters Paula (Rob), Candace (Pete), sister Marie Warren and brother Louis (Beverly). Surviving are several special nieces, nephews and friends, especially cousin Gaylord, who we love visiting and Norman Jewett, Ron's fishing Buddy! He will be reuniting with his father Rueben and mother Edith, whom he loved dearly. At their Pine Lake Tourist Lodge, Ron would go downhill and light up Grandma's huge kitchen woodstove for her busy day, make coffee and bring it to them. Ron also kept his Norwegian grandpa Trygve company often at his "Pine Bliss" pioneer log cabin after losing grandma Marie Methune accidentally. Ron would accompany his grandpa to the small local North Branch Village Church for Sunday School and service. He was also predeceased by Grandma and Grandpa Kangas, his "Uncle Fin" and many other special aunts, uncles and cousins in the Williamson, Jewett and Bang (US) families. Ron entered the job market early, at 14, being fully grown (in size), he started CNR (driving included). In 1960's, he worked underground mining at Thompson, Manitoba, Red Lake, and the two iron mines in Atikokan (Shovel Operator). After the mine closures, he started self-employment as a trucker on the pipeline and several out of town gravelling forestry access roads. He had a close bond with a small crew of truckers (Uve, "Mooch" (Eric Michelis), the Colonel Don Alexander, Calhoun, and B.R. Davidson - all camping buddies!). Mom and boys accompanied our trucker on the summer holidays with our small travel trailer to some remote backwoods spot, where he would drop half a load of sand for the boys' "Tonka Trucking Company" - within a couple of weeks a network of roads were built. These were truly treasured summers! Ron spent many fishing and tenting trips with Candy and Paula and hours of fun at our Factor Lake cabin water-skiing. Dad was our master chef camp cook! If friends wish to make a donation in Ron's memory, family would appreciate it to: Alzheimer's Society of Thunder Bay, 310 - 180 Park Avenue, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6J4 or to the Atikokan General Hospital "Celebration of Friends" Fund 120 Dorothy Street, Atikokan, ON P0T 1C0. Many thanks go out to the outstanding care for the many TBRHSC Emerg visits- the paramedics and Emergency Response Team. And especially the fantastic staff and nurses on 2B, also to Dr. Vergidis, Dr. Wilson, Dr. Migay and many other specialists, CCAC, Red Cross Care Partners Faith and Pam and his very special PCW Cindy, whose patience and understanding of Ron's condition was very much appreciated, you were a very special light in his life. Your sincere kindness comforted and helped us to understand and face Ron's final few days. A special thanks to Fr. Francisco Blazek, who came to Ron's bedside and said special prayers and blessed him. The words of comfort afterwards, to me meant so much. Cremation has taken place, a Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be made through
www.nwfainc.com