Ronald Alfred Garnham

Peacefully, at the Portage District General Hospital, Ronald “Ron” Garnham passed away on May 13, 2026, at the age of 82 years.

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife Debbie, his children Shawn (Cathy), Jolene (Russell), and Rhonda (Lionel) and grandchildren, Shastin & Shayne, Reece, Jessie & Ryley, Lyla & Aubrey and step-grandchildren Sara (Brian) and Stephen. He also leaves to mourn his passing, his sister Elaine (Kenneth), brothers-in-law David (Dianne), Ronald, Robert (Carol), Keith (Debbie), and Charlie, sisters-in-law Donna (Kevin), Valerie, Alice (Garry), Heather (Drew), Norma, Marjorie, and Brenda (Donny) and his Aunt Shirley. He will be greatly missed by several cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Ron was predeceased by his parents Alfred and Jessie, his father and mother-in-law Donald and Ethel Larkins. He will also be joining in heaven his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Kenneth & Eileen Larkins, Audrey Larkins, Linda & Bill Flynn, Kenneth Orr, Albert McIvor Sr, Cameron Clearwater, and Byran Larkins and step grandchild Samantha Anderson. He is also predeceased by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Ron was born March 2, 1944, in Portage la Prairie, but spent his entire life as a Delta Beach resident. From a young age he was destined to follow in his father’s footsteps, a commercial ice fishman and caretaker of the Portage Country Club. He loved his work at the Portage Country Club where he cleaned birds, cooked and cleaned with his wife Debbie. He made many lifelong friends at the hunting lodge, enjoying a drink and conversation with many of the members. Ron could often be found on the tractor, cutting the grass in his beloved Delta, working for the RM of Portage in the summer months. He passed his strong work ethics onto his children with his son taking over his commercial fishing license.

Ron married Debbie on November 6, 1976. Together they built a life in Delta, welcoming Shawn in 1976, Jolene in 1979, and Rhonda in 1980. His children were an important part of his life, but everything changed when the grandbabies came. He was a proud Papa that enjoyed watching them play and grow. Ron had a large extended family and enjoyed the large family gatherings, where he would poke fun at his beloved nieces and nephews. Ron was a very social man, considering he rarely left Delta, and would carry a conversation with anyone.

The family would like to thank the staff on the medical and surgical ward for all the care he received in his final weeks. We also like to thank everyone for the support we received during this difficult time.

The celebration of life will be held on Friday, June 19, 2026, at the Oakland Rink starting at 3 pm, with memories to be shared at 4 pm.

As expressions of sympathy, donations can be made in Ron’s memory to the Delta Beach Association, Box 28 Site 1, Delta Beach, MB R1N 3A1.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com