James Ronald

James William Ronald

 Evangelist to the Canadian Prairies 

March 2, 1944 – July 16, 2025

James William Ronald was born in a little home called “the ice house” on Sixth Street in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba to Jim and Evelyn Ronald. His parents were so happy to get a boy after having four girls! His birth was then followed by his younger brother, which made the family into a household of eight. From his early years, James desired what his family had: God‘s salvation, and at the age of 12, feeling utterly lost, he realized Christ had suffered “the just for the unjust” 1 Peter 3:18. He was baptized the following year, and at the age of 14 was received into the fellowship of believers who met in Portage La Prairie.

James became a school teacher in Minitonas, Manitoba and married a nurse from Minitonas named Florence Hall on October 30, 1970. They were blessed with 54 wonderful years together. Shortly after their marriage, James and Florence began full-time ministry serving the Lord and sharing the gospel throughout the Prairie provinces. Their ministry consisted of children’s work, booth work at fairs, visiting, hospitality, home Bible studies, delivering gospel calendars to Hutterite colonies, working in the Arabic and Chinese Christian communities, and family camps. Eventually, Saskatoon became their home and a church was planted in 1990. 

Dad was a loving father to Mark (Pamela) Ronald, Karen (Darwin) Seale, Gwendolen (Chad) Coziahr, and Jay (Lori) Ronald. Dad left his children with many great memories and rejoiced as each of them followed in his footsteps in someway on their own. He found it rewarding watching as each of his children followed his example when they evangelized, were hospitable, shared the gospel, pursued education, were involved in their local churches, and showed great care and responsibility for their own families. Dad was a man of prayer and discipline, and passed down so many examples to us. We fondly remember his love of reading, walking, biking, carpentry, gardening, and travelling. He enjoyed visiting Chile, China, Zambia, Israel, and Alaska, and had a great appreciation for the Canadian Rockies and the East Coast.

Pop was proud of all of his grandchildren, Caleb (Rachel) Ronald, Chaya (Nathaniel) Cassidy, Shoshanna (Nathanael) Poidevin, Lakeisha (Cole) Rutledge, Naomi Ronald, Evan Ronald, Tytan Ronald, Denalyn Coziahr, Haven Ronald, Jerica Coziahr, Asher Ronald, Kai Coziahr, Justin Ronald, Tait Coziahr, Corbin Ronald, Theo Coziahr, Carter Ronald, and Ashley Hegi-Ronald, whom he has joined in heaven. He loved hearing about all of their accomplishments. He especially rejoiced to hear when each of them received Christ as their personal Saviour and encouraged them in their service for the Lord.

Pop also delighted in his four great-grandchildren, Mateo Poidevin, Liam Ronald, Tsibiah Poidevin, and Sebastian Ronald.

James had a special bond with his sisters Ruth Henkleman, Margaret Jones, Florence Ronald and Esther Derksen and they will miss his care and conversations. James also leaves behind one brother, Robert (Libby) Ronald, who shared his enthusiasm for education.

A service to honour dad will take place on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Lawson Heights Gospel Hall.

CLICK HERE FOR LIVE STREAM LINK OF FUNERAL SERVICE FOR THE LATE JAMES RONALD
(A copy of the live stream will also be available to view after the service at the link above. The copy will be available for approximately 6 months.)

Arrangements entrusted to Dalmeny Funeral Home 306-254-2022.