Obituary of RON (RONALD) PETER KOMAR

It is with heartbreaking sorrow that we announce the passing of Ron, beloved husband, father, ‘Gigi’ and uncle, on Monday August 29, 2022 at St. Boniface Hospital at the age of 82. Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife Bernice, his children, Brian (Krista) and Charlene (John). He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Robert and Jessica. He will also be lovingly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Ron was predeceased by his parents Stanley and Eleanor, brother and sister-in-law Ted and Helen, and Ron and Bernice’s angel twins Avery and Brighton.

Ron was born in Winnipeg on August 12, 1940. As a young boy, he met several friends who indeed became his lifelong friends.  He took accordion lessons at his brother’s music school before moving on to teaching some of the students himself.  Ron’s musical talents quickly garnered for him much public recognition and awards.  Ron began playing music professionally at the age of 14, while still working at his school studies. In 1962, he married the love of his life, Bernice, and together they raised their children. Ron started his own business, Komar School of Music in 1970 and taught many Winnipeggers how to play music the “Komar way”. Ron had a flair for arranging and performing music. Whether it was playing music at a wedding, social, breakfast with Santa at Eaton’s, or playing the organ at St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, everyone loved hearing him play.  One of Ron’s greatest accomplishments was conducting the Winnipeg Contemporary Accordion Orchestra. This talented group of musicians performed in music competitions in both Los Angeles, CA (1976) and Fresno, CA (1978) winning 118 trophies between the two competitions.  Ron was well known for his musical expertise not just in Winnipeg but across the country.  As a Registered Music Teacher in Manitoba, he was frequently asked to give examinations and adjudicate at Music Festivals and Competitions from coast to coast.  Ron always enjoyed listening to and guiding all students who were dedicated to improving their craft. Over the years his students competed in Canadian, American, and local competitions, successfully winning many top honors.

In his spare time, Ron loved to work with his hands. Starting with building a rec room in their Winnipeg home, renovating their cottage at Victoria Beach, and building an additional rental cottage, Ron found relaxation in carpentry.  Summertime found Ron and Bernice together playing golf on their many favorite courses.  Sitting around the fire pit at the end of a busy day, sharing food and drink and chatting with their many dear friends was always a most treasured time.  Ron and Bernice enjoyed travelling with their friends, especially to Hawaii.

After retirement, Ron and Bernice moved to their dream home in Belair, Manitoba. They enjoyed living the country life full-time for over a decade and then moved back to Winnipeg to be closer to family. Once Ron’s health care needs required specialized support, he moved to Holy Family Nursing Home. Bernice soon followed him, moving to an apartment nearby, allowing them to visit with one another every day. Their favourite activities together included attending the Entertainment events and going for walks in the beautiful courtyards at Holy Family.

According to his wishes, cremation has taken place. Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 3^rd, 2022 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, 250 Jefferson Ave. with private family internment to follow at Glen Eden Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ron’s memory may be made to Holy Family Nursing Home. His family sincerely thanks Dr. Smith, Dr. Goulet, the nursing staff, and healthcare workers at St. Boniface General Hospital - Emergency and Unit 6E, the staff at Holy Family Nursing Home - St. Basil’s Unit, and Dr. Robert Johnson at Concordia Health Associates. The care and compassion you provided to Ron will always be remembered.

Вічная Пам’ять – Memory Eternal