William Ronald Begg
September 22, 1916 - April 4, 2015
As published in the April 13, 2015 World-Spectator
William Ronald Begg (Ron) passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2015 at the Virden Westman Nursing Home at age the age of 98 years.
He was the beloved husband of departed wives Annie Florence Begg (nee Evans) and Doris Elizabeth Begg (nee McGimpsey). He was the loving father of daughter Maureen LaMontagne (nee Begg) and son-in-law Peter; sons Philip, Alex and daughter-in-law Ann; loving grandfather of Dawn, Patrick, Micheal, Rebecca and great-grandchildren Kallen, Kelsey, Aaliyah and Taiya.
Ron was predeceased by parents Alexander and Catherine Begg (nee Cooper); baby sister Catherine Alexandra Begg; eldest son Texas Allen Begg; brothers-in-law Frank Evans and Stan McGimpsey.
He is survived by his brothers-in-law’s spouses, Ann Evans and Helen McGimpsey, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Ron was born in Moose Jaw, Sask. on September 22, 1916 and was raised on the nearby family homestead in Ormiston, Sask. He was the son of Alexander Begg who emigrated from Stonehaven, Scotland in 1904, and Catherine Cooper who moved west from Medford, Ont. in 1914.
On completion of his secondary education, Ron was employed with Macfarlane Gold Mines in Longlac, Ont. under the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines. During his youth he was an avid outdoorsman and was well known for his love of horses, motorcycles, skiing, snowshoeing and fishing.
He was involved in numerous cattle drives and owned a grand total of nine motorcycles over his lifetime, which he travelled on to different geographical locations across the map seeking both employment and adventure along the way.
In 1940, he voluntarily joined and served with the RCAF until he was honorably released following the Second World War, in 1945. Prior to his discharge, on May 31, 1943, he married an RCAF war bride, Annie Florence (Flo) Evans, originally from Montagne, P.E.I. (Previous to her military service she supported the war effort as one of the bomb girls, employed in a Montreal munitions plant).
In 1947, Ron realized his calling, and re-enlisted once again with the RCAF, for a lifetime career. Ron and Flo were married for a total of 16 years and had four children (one daughter and three sons) prior to her unfortunate passing at Red Deer, Alta. in 1959 at age 40.
In October 1961, Ron married Doris Elizabeth McGimpsey of Kirkella, Man. Following their marriage in Elkhorn, Man., they resided at RCAF Station Clinton, Ont., until Ron’s retirement from the military in 1967.
They moved west and soon after purchased the Kirkella general store and post office which they owned and managed for 30 years. In 1997, they sold the family business and relocated to Virden, Man. and enjoyed their retirement years by travelling to various parts of Canada, the U.S. and Europe.
Over the years, Ron was heavily involved with many community activities. He served as a hospital and health board member for No. 10 Region for over 15 years. He was a lifetime member of the Royal Canadian Legion, the British Commonwealth Air Training Museum, Air Force Association of Canada, and served several terms as President and Vice-President of the Elkhorn Legion.
As well, a memorial marker stone in recognition of F/Sgts who had served with the RCAF was placed in his honor at the Royal Canadian Air Force museum in 8 Wing Trenton, Ont. He was also a noteworthy supporter of many charities and gave generously throughout his lifetime.
Interment took place in Fleming, Sask., on April 10, 2015, at 11 a.m., with a private memorial service for family and close friends to be held at a later date.
Special thanks and heartfelt gratitude goes out to local friends within the community, St. Mary’s Church and Carscadden Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ron’s name may be made out to one of the following charities: Salvation Army, WestMan Dreams for Kids Foundation or The War Amps.
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