Ronald "Jack" Malmas, beloved husband of Shirley Malmas, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully with his wife and daughter by his side at St. Michael's Health Centre - Palliative Care Unit, on Thursday, June 16, 2022 at the age of 82 years.
Jack was born in Lacombe, Alberta to Jack and Rita Malmas. He had fond memories growing up in farming communities, fishing, hunting and spending summers with his grandparents. He and his younger brother, Reg, were always engaging in shenanigans and were lucky to survive their fascination with guns and explosives. Their older sister, Joan, could only shake her head and hope for the best!
Jack moved out around the age of 15 and moved up north to start his first job on a seismic crew as a "jug hustler." He worked on a variety of construction projects over the years and operated every piece of heavy equipment ever manufactured. He also worked as a mental health aid in Ponoka for a few years. He started his mining career in Fort McMurray in 1966/67, moving on to Pine Point in 1968 before moving to Sparwood to work for Kaiser Resources in 1970. He married Shirley in 1971 and they called Sparwood home as Jack continued his mining career through multiple mine owners until his retirement in 1999. Jack and Shirley retired to Lethbridge where they spent the last 22 years living at Grandview Village.
Jack is fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife of 51 years, Shirley, and his children Troy (Patti) Malmas of Fernie and Brenda (Rod) Swartzenberger of Lethbridge; grandchildren Hudson, Brea (Erik), Sierra, and Ashlyn; siblings Reg (Sheron) Malmas and Joan Horchuk as well as numerous other extended family and friends.
The family would like to express gratitude for the compassionate care provided by all the staff on 4C at Chinook Regional Hospital as well as St. Michael's Palliative Care Unit.
In keeping with Jack's wishes, a private family ceremony will be held.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
WAYNE COOPER & LAVONNE ANDERSEN, June 22, 2022
Renee Schellhorn, June 19, 2022