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Ronald BLASNER Obituary
Ron completed school in Ponoka and after a few years working in the oil industry, he attended the University of Alberta to pursue his much-loved career of teaching. Ron taught briefly in Edmonton and Mill Bay before moving to Victoria where he completed his master's degree at Western Washington University while teaching Math and Science at Victoria High School. Ron retired from teaching in 1991 but for 30 more years he tutored students in mathematics and physics, helping many struggling students on their way.
Ron was a man of boundless energy until myelodysplasia (MDS) challenged him, but he still played on - skiing and snowboarding to age 87, playing hockey and golf to age 90. In his spare time he loved woodworking in his shop, always with a warm fire, a good book and a chair nearby. He was a 75-year long golfer and a member of Gorge Vale for more than 42 years. Ron had a voracious appetite for knowledge, reading the weekly Economist from cover to cover, watching documentaries and reading, usually 4 or 5 books at a time. A dictionary and atlas were never far away.
Ron and Ruth enjoyed many memorable trips to Europe, the US and Mexico, highlighted by tours of western world capital cities. Touring with Ron was a history lesson every day and no museum visit was brief. It takes time to read all the information! He was a marvelous travelling companion and especially loved Mexico City, Italy, Greece, and Turkey. He satisfied his love of data by recording his daily Fitbit readings in his nightly journal entries.
Special thanks to Drs. Jennifer Lush, David Bell (retired) and Adrian Yee, as well as nurse Shaughnessy, Ward 8 South, RJH. In honour of Ron, please consider a gift to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation.
You are invited to join Ron's family to celebrate his life at Gorge Vale Golf Club on May 13, 2023. Doors open at 1:00 PM.
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Memories and Condolences
for Ronald BLASNER
19 Entries
Sandy Marwick
October 16, 2024
Thank you for everything you gave me Mr Blasner. You made me believe in myself when no one else did. You live long in the hearts of those you have touched. I often speak of the amazing teacher you were.
Phil Chow
May 26, 2023
Sadden to hear of Ron Blasner's passing. He was my chem 11 & physics 11 teacher. I remember his friendly demeanour, humour, his skiing stories and a favourite teacher.
I saw a picture of him recently with a former student, happy to see he was still able to play hockey. He was a great human being. My condolences to his family.
Roger Harper
May 16, 2023
Mr Blasner was my math teacher in the years from 1972-1974, his fun and boundless enthusiasm inspired me to go on and get a degree in the subject. I have always remembered him as my favorite teacher. I met him years later in the 90´s after he had left teaching, he remembered me instantly and we had a good laugh about those school years.
Soren Henrich
May 16, 2023
Ron Blasner will be remembered as a popular teacher. Teaching Algebra 12 at VicHigh, class wags could delay class start by asking him, 'How was the skiing on the weekend?', when he would sit on his desk, look bright and dreamy over our heads and tell us: but when the delay tactic was sussed out ... back to algebra!
Andrew Mortimer (Rev)
May 16, 2023
I remember "Mr" Ronald Blasner and enjoyed having him as a teacher. He often had an interesting story to add to the class. I also remember how calm he remained as I held a small test tube while Neil Stevens poured the diluted hydric chloric acid and when he finished pouring pointed to another container and said "that's the diluted acid over there."
Denis Gaudet
May 16, 2023
Mr Blasner was my chemistry teacher from 1968-70. He made science something cool and interesting-something you would want to spend your life doing. As a result of his role model, I dared to take science in university and that ultimately led to my PhD and a professional career in science. The best teacher helped me find my `best´ life, and science continues be a big part of my life, in my retirement. A heartfelt `thank you´ and a cheer to Mr. Blasner. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Maria Mikic
May 16, 2023
Mr. Blasner made math make sense. I carry his thoughts on "music is math" and "math makes music" with me daily.
His insight into how he could support my learning turned my math mark from a D to a B in one term. Today I in turn, support others as a music educator. Thank you for your contribution to my journey Mr. Blasner. You touched my life and changed my direction in the world. For that I am truly grateful.
Rest in peace.
Jhoanna Castillo, Vic HIgh `91
May 12, 2023
I took Chemistry 11 with Mr. Blasner in grade 12 and I always wished that I have discovered him earlier and enjoyed his classes for the two years I was at Vic HIgh. He quickly became one of my favourite teachers. His enthusiasm, stories, and sense of humour made studying even the mole interesting - a feat few might believe unless they were lucky enough to have experienced his classes, too. He continues to inspire me today as I find myself teaching middle school science. Memories of classes with him always make me smile. I am grateful to have had him as my teacher and offer my sincere condolences to his family. I am glad to read that his was truly a life well-lived and that he was well loved.
Jos & Barbara Vanderlinden
May 9, 2023
Barbara and l met Ron and Ruth at Riverside golf course in Saskatoon on one of their many trips. We got to know them well being members of the Gorge golf course. I played many hockey games with him telling me about all the goals he scored. Always with a smile and a little snicker. We will both miss him. Sorry we will not be able to attend the celebration, but our thoughts will with you and your family.
Gerald Albion, VHS '85
May 8, 2023
Ron was my favourite teacher at Vic High, hands down and I'm sure I'm not alone in that sentiment. I don't think I ever met another human being who was better cut out to be an educator than Mr. Blasner. My condolences to his family on your very great loss!
David Cukulin
May 8, 2023
Mr. Blasner was my teacher from '83-'85, I was so lucky because his personality and enthusiasm made it enjoyable to be at his classes. This made such a difference and helped develop my passion for science and education, and continue onto university. I'll never forget that 4th floor and the open discussions we all had during and after class. My condolences to his family. Thanks for everything, you will always be remembered!
Steve Kishkan
May 8, 2023
I'm just one of hundreds of golfers at Gorge Vale who had the pleasure of playing with and knowing this wonderful man over the years. Competitive right til the end and always a joy to play with.
Gary J Smith
May 7, 2023
I would not have graduated in 1980 (or become a CPA) without the help and inspiration of Mr. Blasner, and I'm sure there are countless others like me. So sorry for your loss
Heather Ann Cornall
May 7, 2023
I remember Ron's happy smile at Gorge Vale Golf Club!
Heather Cornall
Diane Thompson
May 6, 2023
I am grateful for the opportunity to have had Mr. Blasner as a teacher at Vic High....he taught more than Math and Science
He taught...life... blessings to the family...Diane Heard Thompson
Lynne & Lyle Ferrie
May 6, 2023
Ron was the only teacher Lynne liked while attending Vic High in '68. Years later we went to pick up our daughter's boyfriend from his parents house. Thought I would be meeting the son of my high school teacher. Oh no, it was THE ONE and ONLY Mr. Blasner. He offered to show me my grade 12 marks . I declined and he gave a good chuckle. We will miss your boundless energy and cheerful demeanour Ron. Our sincere condolences to Ruth the entire family.
Pete Lewis
May 6, 2023
Mr Blasner was such a dynamic and engaging teacher. He made learning science fun.
If I remember right he spent much of his weekends at Mt Washington on ski patrol...someone I personally benefited from because her brought me down in a basket a couple of years after graduating from Vic High!
Rest it Peace and condolences to your whole family!
Keith McCallion
May 6, 2023
Ruth and kids,
I am so sorry to hear of Ron´s passing, and also sorry that I cannot attend his celebration on the 13th. We have our Vic High Black and Gold dinner the same day and I will be busy all afternoon that day .with set up. Ron was a fabulous Physics teacher at Vic High. He loved kids, loved his subject matter and it showed every day. Visiting his classroom on the 4th floor was always a treat for me and I often wished that every teacher on staff could be with me to see a truly master teacher in action.
Additionally, Ron served his colleagues as union representative and as principal I always appreciated his thoughtful and open manner in dealing with any issues that were brought to his attention. At the time Labour/Management issues were fraught with animosity and hard feelings. That was never the case with Ron. He always looked to work cooperatively and find a solution, not confrontation. I very much respected him in that role for his wisdom, maturity and willingness to see both sides of any issue. When I was principal at Vic High we were working hard to restore the school´s once proud reputation, and succeeded in doing that. One of the pillars of parents need the community having faith in sending their kids to us was "The Blaze!"
Keith McCallion
Barb Gordon
May 6, 2023
I am a 1979 Vic High grad who had Mr. Blasner for both math and physics. I am lucky to have had two teachers who really influenced my K-12 education, and he was one of them. He normalized and encouraged me to excel in these subjects, something I always remembered and appreciated. During ski season, he let his students know how many seats were left in his van if they wanted to go skiing. He introduced us to astronomy on the lawns of Vic High - back when there was much less light pollution.
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