Ron Bazar |
Ronnie Jr |
First off, I'd like to thank everyone for your sincere condolences and memories that will last in us all forever. Thank you also for helping make this site a reflection, appreciation and a celebration for our Dad. It's truely special and I beleive we will keep it running for years to come thanks to your heart felt collective input.
I would like to reminisce some of the many, many memories I have of my father over the past 36 years.
As Ron Bazar so eloquently explained some of his up and down business ventures with Ron I do know that he helped everyone around him be more accountable and settle for no less than their maximum commitment and energy level. His high level of dedication and work ethic was paramount. Once he got an idea, he wouldn't let it go until he took it where he wanted. We can only hope that his last business venture turns out to be his legacy. It's big enough, he just bit off too much for himself. We pray for those involved in efforting the WBD project and bless you for trying to do so.
I'm sorry dad for all the tears, pain and suffering that life brought, you endured with integrity and grace and you also proved that unconditional love grows in those.
You taught me to serve and walk with Jesus, the greatest gift anyone can receive led to my baptism when I was 12 or so which changed my life forever. I have an involuntary feeling of reassurance that you are in heaven and there is no need to think otherwise. We will see you later.
Other predominant memories of my youth include soccer and track as he helped me along the way. He recognized my weaknesses and tried to help me improve them. He enhanced my work ethic by verbally motivating me and physically working with me which helped me push past my competition and peers. I maintained that taught integral attitude and work ethic and consistanlty tried to improve myself as a person and as an athlete. I looked up to him as he led by example. Great job Dad! and Maureen says my boss thanks you too.
I have many happy memories watching Hockey Night in Canada in the family room while eating a good ol' Canadian meal like beans & weiners and a whole lota ketchup. We then couldn't watch the whole game because I wanted to imitate Richard Brodeur in the basement or carport with my other street hockey pals. When I hear or see certain audio/video clips from the NHL, I instantly picture my dad beside me talking about the game or trade or usually what miracle the Canucks will need at the time. Dad took me to a couple of Canuck games when I was 10 or so and I was in awe even though I didn't get to see Tony Esposito (the nucks were so bad, other teams rested their best players when in town). I vividly remember the Major League baseball games you took me to in the states. Candlestick park, watching Dodgers, Expos, Padre's and the Jalepenos that made me hiccup still makes you laugh. Even later in life, our sports discussions were kept to last (priority wise) in our phone calls which pushed my phone bill plateau but worth every penny. All those sports related discussions will go on forever. I cherish those experiences Dad.
I know if Dad has an opportunity to fish, he would. He didn't as much of late because of his business commitment (as Ron B states) he pushed a lot of his life aside knowing his goal wasn't accomplished yet. Dad used to bring me fishing as a child and more so as a teenager. It must have been so frustrating for him that he spent 80% of the time untangling or unsnagging my fishing line, let alone trying to wake me up in the wee hours. Dad, you passed the test of patience. I know some of your fondest memories include fishing. As a kid you fished with Grandpa, your Dad and many times with your cousin bud Jim Powers. I'd have to say you guys gained a lot of successful stories over the years and it was fun being included. Some of my best memories are with my dad in the wild, camping wherever and looking for the perfect fishing hole that no-one has ever been.
I remember fishing up at Loon Lake, pristine waters, slight mist and Loons calling to each other and you had to fish Mrs. Stickney's big sun hat out of the water. I may have been 5 yrs old but I can picture it as if I was there right now. Magnificant. Thank you dad.
Here are a few memories listed in point:
-Dad constantly getting prickled at our house in NDelta from looking for my baseball that had a hard time finding his glove.
-Dad constantly replacing the fences from me practicing soccer in the yard
-I was 5, I threw a golf ball into a huge bonfire my dad proudly built at our house in the OKanogan, it immediately shot back off of something hard and it struck my dad burning off his eyebrow. Ahem, we laughed about that a few years ago.
-Spending time with our friends, in Oshawa at the Canadian Championships (soccer) fantastic support and fatherhood and made it as fun as you could
-getting soaked at the log ride at the PNE with Carey and Mom
-the marathon road trip to Disneyland
-driving me everywhere for soccer
-putting up with me in my teenage years
-while I was in high school, helping me purchase my 72' Mustang fastback I wish I still had but to have when I did provided life long memories I still talk about
-the times we used to chat over a pint of Guiness at our house
-constant positive support in everything I did
I could go on and on but I want to add my last and most memorable time with my dad. It was last summer (2007) He came out to visit our family. It seemed like a time in his life he had peace about us as a family. He was very happy to spend some time with us with his work on the backburner for a couple of days. I remember taking him to an outdoor community pool. He got to see his grandaughter swimming like a fish in the deep end of the pool with her dad, enjoying the hot sun, refreshing water and just having a blast. We then had a picnic at the same park and then played some frisbee, just Beau (our energetic lab) Brooke, myself and Dad. Dad began to toss the football back and forth with me. It then grew by me doing a simple slant run (hee hee) as he played quarterback. Atleast a 1/2hr went by and he was exhausted but we both didn't want to stop (neither did Beau) because of our pure enjoyment. Post patterns, button hooks, hail marys... you did well dad! You brought back so many memories from my youth. It was truely precious and I get emotional just at the thought.
During the visit you saw my family, a result of your beliefs, your philosophies, you ideas, your unconditional support and most of all, your love that was as strong as love can be passed on through me. We all thank you
Thank you for your special relationship you provided for our precious Brooke, you understood and she loved you back just as you did to her. I can still hear the often complex and always humourus conversations you had with her. I can picture her at about 3, at the table with us all eating and her just carrying on converstaion with you and us all in stitches laughing and enjoying the moment. She misses you more and more as all this still needs to sink in. Hard to believe but her "Hammy" died the morning of the 11th as well. It wasn't the best of days for everyone here but the memories you left behind is what brightens us up. She is happy you saw her new puppy the day before you went to the hospital and that you lovingly approved of his new name Mojo. I will remember you asking about Brooke and Mojo many times as you lay in the hospital.
I will never forget her singing to you in our latest house this past winter just amazed us all but was an extra special tear jerker for you. Brooke will never, ever forget that moment, it was equally emotional for her. Her music teacher wanted her to sing that same song the other day out of the blue, she refused and began crying, thinking of her Grandpa now in heaven. Thank you Dad for your love and appreciation for her.
Thank you for giving Maureen the respect, love and encouraging support she so deserved. I would often be close by when she was on the phone with you. You talked to her like she was your very own daughter, and she felt every heart felt word of knowledge and praise. Dad, you understand what she's meant to me in our almost 11 wonderful years of marriage together, and what she means to Brooke as a mom is unexplainable. Thank you
I have always and will always love you just as you taught me.
Until we meet again,
to my biggest fan,
here is as big of a hug as you would always give me
xo
Ronnie
Ron Bazar |
Roma Dehr |
Ron Bazar |