Born December 9, 1956, Goodsoil, Sask.
Passed Away July 14, 2026, Swift Current, Sask.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE
1:00 p.m. Monday July 20, 2026
Dorintosh Community Hall, Dorintosh, Sask.
Shelley Arnold Officiating

Honour Guard
The Staff of Home Hardware Meadow Lake

Honourary Urn Bearers
Jerry “Chippy” Bernard, Tom Hayden, Ross McIvor,
Bill Miller, Jeff Rogstad, Chris Scarbon, Reid Stene

Survived By
Spouse: Betty Bannister; Children: Ron Jr. (Jen), Randee (Jerome); Grandchildren: Olivia, Lincoln, Rawn, Raylene, Nicollo, Deano, Shay, Richelle, Roman;
Siblings: Herb (Gladys), Wayne (Betty), Agnes (Chris), Donna (Warren), Sandra, Rick (Mary), Linda (Dennis), Val (Glen), Mary (Blaine), Harvey and many more nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends and of course the very special Penny and Sophie

Predeceased By
Parents: Jack & Eva, and Norma & Jim;
Siblings: Sid (Flora), Audrey (George), Gerald (Gwen), Marge (Felix), Ethel (Nestor), Lloyd, Garry, Jackie, Dusty (Marlene, Mary), and Terry

Final Resting Place
Rosewood Cemetery Columbarium, Dorintosh, Sask.

Ronald James Bannister (Weasel) was born in Goodsoil, Saskatchewan, December 9, 1956, the youngest of 13 children. He lived on the farm in Bluebell as a child. His dad drove school bus and as a four-year-old, he was known to ride the bus, standing behind his dad, sometimes even falling asleep. Another time, his dad took the 4H club to Saskatoon. He stopped the bus at the Cochin hill to let the kids play. Ron fell from the top of the hill, all the way down, and wrecked his new pants. He had to borrow clothes from one of the big kids.
At five years old the family moved into Meadow Lake. The older brothers would sneak through the cemetery to go to the drive-in theatre leaving Ron terrified and trying to keep up.
Ron started school in the same class as Betty. School was never his favorite thing. As the years went on, he would con Betty or Elaine to do his book reports.
Later, Ron dropped out of school – twice – and worked odd jobs for farmers. He spent a year working in Swan Hills, Alberta, for his future brother-in-law Dusty.
At age 18 Ron got a job working at Meadow Lake Provincial Park fighting fires, often camping on the fire line in canvas tents. We think the adrenaline rush got in his blood. Over the years he moved up three positions, getting to use helicopters more often, and later acting as a liaison officer taking crews of 40 plus firefighters all over Canada and the Western United States. Through his 37 year career, Ron made many lifelong friends.
In 2013 Ron retired from the fire industry on a Friday and joined Home Hardware on a Monday. He has been in the shack directing, joking, and teasing customers up until his last days.
Ron lived on Bannister time. If he was not a half hour early, he was late. However, there was one time he was sent to pick up and bring his mother-in-law Norma’s ashes to her funeral. The time for the funeral comes – no Ron. It turns out he had decided to take Norma for one last ride thru the ranch.
If you ever went for a drive with Ron you would be familiar with the phrase: “This road must go somewhere.” Many adventures were had. Lincoln would love to tell the story of Chums Road.
We lost Ron on July 14th. He managed to make it on one last dream holiday, an Alaskan Cruise with his wife and best friend, Betty, his kids, grandkids and more special family members. It is impossible to put a life like Ron’s into words; but it is most important to note how much his family meant to him. Betty was the love of Ron’s life, and he was never shy to let everyone know. He loved his children and grandchildren deeply and proudly. Ron was known for his quick wit and his big heart. Ron knew how to make everyone feel special and it was a true testament to who he was.
Unfortunately, we were unable to honor one of his final requests, filling his pockets with popping corn and playing “Pop Goes the Weasel” when he was cremated.
He will be missed greatly by many.

Tributes in Memory of Ron may be made to a charity of the donors choice

Condolences To The Family Can Be Sent To www.jethomasfuneralhome.com

J.E. Thomas Funeral Home and Crematorium Ltd. of Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan have been entrusted with the arrangements (306) 236-5501

• Date : 2026-07-14
• Location : Swift Current, Sask.