Obituary of Ron Bouvier

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of our dad, Ronald Jerry Alfred Bouvier (Sir Ron), on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the age of 82. Born March 17, 1944, he was the second of four children born to Alfred and Catherine (Humenny) Bouvier of Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan. In 1969, he married Emilienne Gareau of Bellevue. After spending several years out west, they returned to Gravelbourg in 1976 with their two young daughters, where they established deep and lasting roots within the community.

Dad founded Ron’s Contracting and worked on countless projects over more than forty years, pouring his final cement job at the impressive age of 75. When he wasn’t working, he pursued many hobbies and interests. Through hunting, trap shooting, gopher shooting, curling, and golfing, he met countless people and formed long‑lasting friendships that perfectly suited his gregarious nature. Dad loved meeting new people and never hesitated to strike up conversations with unfamiliar faces at the local coffee shops, eagerly asking about their names and stories. Even while travelling the world with Emily in retirement, he relished connecting with locals wherever they went.

Community service was central to Dad’s life, and he was always willing to help wherever needed. He devoted countless hours to supporting the town of Gravelbourg—maintaining the skating rink on the Zamboni, managing the Palestre, and preparing curling rink ice season after season. He taught firearm safety courses, served on the town council, and employed many local young men through seasonal concrete work. Dad and Mom also cherished the fellowship they shared for many years with the Kinsmen and Kinettes.

Dad was quick with a joke and saw the good in almost everyone. He didn’t dwell on the negative and often lived by the simple phrase he repeated throughout his life: “It is what it is.” Fittingly, these words were almost among his very last.

Dad will be dearly missed by his daughters, Tanya Bouvier‑Mortensen (Ted) of Swift Current and Andrea Bouvier (Barry Bohannon) of Louisville, Kentucky; his granddaughters Sydney Funk (Wyatt), Camryn Thieneman, and Madison Mortensen; and his grandson Dylan Mortensen (Mackenzie).

He was predeceased by his devoted wife, Emily; brothers‑in‑law Garry Grigg and Claude Gareau; and nephew Jonas Deneschuk. He is survived by his brother Fern Bouvier (Monique); sisters Sylvia Bouvier and Louise Bassendowski (Dwayne); and by Emily’s beloved family—Marcel (Deirdre), Aline, Simone, Irene, Georgette (Arlen), Gaston (Shannon), Laurent (Shelley), Jocelyne (Grant), and Florence—along with many nieces and nephews.

We are eternally grateful to Emily’s family in Saskatoon, whose kindness, companionship, and care were instrumental during Dad’s last year. Their love and support were unyielding, and we are deeply appreciative.

The funeral will be held on Wednesday, June 17, at 1:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, followed by one of Ron’s favourite things—a final coffee gathering at the Parish Hall. Please join us as we celebrate Dad’s life.