Ronald Clarence Dionne, 81

"Our beloved Ronald Clarence Dionne, 81, went to be with the Lord" on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2006, passing away at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell.

He was born Oct. 8, 1924, in Vonda, Saskatchewan, the son of Trefle Joseph and Lorrina (Erwin) Dionne. He was the eldest of seven children. Ronald had a great work ethic in life and learned that from growing up and working the family farm in Vonda. On the farm in the winter there was little to do so Ronald's true passion was born. He loved hockey. He lived for the winter and the game.

At the age of 16, Ronald left home and joined the war effort in 1940. During this time Ronald continued to play hockey, quitting only when it interfered with his military career. Ronald was a member of the First Special Forces, an elite group of soldiers made up from both the Canadian and American Army. The force was trained in amphibian, ski trooper and paratrooper along with deadly fighting skills. Ron held the rank of first sergeant and trained many men to defeat the German army.

Upon discharge Ronald opted to stay in the United States. He made his home in Great Falls. A short time later Ron moved to Alaska, where he became the owner of his first bar. Ron returned to the mainland in 1950.

He married Violet Kramp with whom he had three children and two stepchildren. He owned and operated a tavern in Wallace, Idaho. In the restlessness of youth Ron moved again and bought Emil's Inn in Sweetgrass.

Then the Dionne family moved to Missoula in 1960. Here Ron began selling Fuller Brushes until purchasing the Crystal Lounge and later buying the Darrajis Lounge which was the beginning of many lounges. He then bought the Holiday Lounge and settled his family down in a home he built up Grant Creek. Ron's marriage split up, but as Ronald was always a pioneer in life he raised his children as a single father before it was in vogue to do so.

In 1967 Ron met and married the love of his life, LaDeen Stensrud. Ron and LaDeen added three more daughters to the family. LaDeen and Ron worked side by side in many more business ventures in Missoula. He later ran the Elk's Club in Hamilton. His last venture was Fenders Restaurant in Kalispell.

Ron met many people in his business years. Some considered him a friend, some considered him like a brother and others felt he was the father, brother or grandfather they always wanted and needed. Ron's capacity for love, compassion and friendship was truly one of his greatest traits. Ron retired at the age of 81 in March of 2005.

He spent his summer traveling, visiting friends and relatives and enjoying time with his beautiful wife. This winter was spent enjoying every hockey game the networks could offer. Ron felt a bit tired and he found out that he needed a heart valve replacement in December. Being the brave soldier, Ron marched into the hospital on Jan. 16 to have the first major surgery of his long and healthy life. Complications arose and on the 18th of January, "our God called our husband, father, brother and friend home."

Ronald Dionne was preceded in death by his mother and father; three brothers, Raymond, Harvey and baby Laurence; and Ron's infant granddaughter, Cathy Ann.

Ron left behind his loving wife LaDeen Dionne of Kalispell; his sisters, Evelyn Gravelle of Edmonton, Alberta, and Joyce Dionne of London, England; a brother, Lionel Dionne of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; eight children, Alice "Bobbie" Johnson and husband, Jim, of Missoula, and their children, Dawn and Jim; Rocky Rooney of Missoula and his children, Danielle and Coy; Joyce Bright and husband, Jack, of Othello, Wash., and her sons, James, John and Morgan Hash; Jeanne Kohler and husband, Dale, of Bonner, and their children, Jamie, Michael and Molly; Ronald E. Dionne and wife, Delores, of St. Maries, Idaho, and their children, Patty, Jack and Rhonda; LaShon Bromgard and husband, Jimmy, of Billings, and her children, Deen, Taylor and Lane Gordon; Antoinette "Tony" Ocker and husband, Toby, of Kalispell, and their children, Dominique, Devin Aric, Alyssa Aubrey, Madison, Jade and Jasmine; and Simone Martin and husband, Delane, of Kalispell and their children, Megan, Lynnze and Jack. Ron leaves behind 27 great-grandchildren as well as an infinite number of friends.

Mass of Christian burial will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, at St. Matthew's Catholic Church. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24, at Johnson Mortuary followed by a Rosary at 5 p.m. Burial will follow at Glacier Memorial Gardens. Military honors will be conducted by the United Veterans of the Flathead.

The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to the Glacier Hockey Association-Children Assistance, Attn. Susan, P.O. Box 905, Whitefish, MT 59937.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Ron's family.

This paid obituary is being run again at the request of the family.