Ronald Sweeney
April 7, 1925 - November 21, 2015
Tribute
Former long-time Abbotsford teacher and dedicated community supporter Ron Sweeney passed away peacefully on Saturday at the age of 90.
Ron is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary; their four sons and three daughters; their spouses; 29 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren and other relatives and friends. Prayers will be offered Wednesday, November 25 at 7:30 p.m. from St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 33333 Mayfair Avenue, Abbotsford, where Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, November 26 at 10:30 a.m.
Condolences
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From: Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home Staff
Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Barry Loughlin
Relation: Student & friend
So sad to hear of the passing of a favorite teacher, friend, mentor. So many fond memories of “Mr. Sweeney” from the Church, the ice rink, the school, golf club and throughout the Abbotsford community. Always enjoyed a chance to chat with Ron. Sincere condolences to Mary and all of the Sweeney family.
Barry Loughlin
From: Elsie Sirett
Relation: Long time friend
To Mary and family with deepest sympathy from Elsie Sirett and family
From: Jack and Muriel Whitty
Relation: Friend
Our most sincere and heartfelt sympathy to Mary and family on the loss of a wonderful husband and father. We knew Mary and Ron through the Sainus family and Kitsilano friends and enjoyed their company so much. Ron was a thoughtful, happy person and he will be missed.
From: Harvey Grigg
Relation: Student at Philip Sheffield High School
Aside from his family, Ron’s greatest legacy is the positive impact that his friendship, coaching, advice and wisdom had on the lives of thousands of students. I think of him often and will always remember him. He left the world a better place.
My sincere condolences to Mary and family.
Harvey Grigg – Coquitlam BC
From: Ross Siemens
Relation: Friend.
I have had the privilege of knowing “Mr. Sweeney” for many years as a long time loyal business client, District of Abbotsford Council colleague and most importantly as a friend and mentor. Mr. and Mrs. Sweeney were an awesome TEAM!! They are foundational characters in making Abbotsford the great city that it is today. Their love of people, commitment to education, love of family and most importantly their faith have shaped and inspired generations of citizens to be the best that they can be. There is a song that illustrates our relationship to God that has a phrase: “so I am breathing in your grace and breathing out your praise”. The Sweeney’s breathe in God’s grace, that is what motivates them. They also breathe out God’s praise in how they live their lives in service to others. Mr. Sweeney had his feet firmly planted on God’s green earth. He was practical, honest, trust worthy and a thoroughly decent gentleman. Material riches and accolades were not important to the Sweeney’s. Their emphasis was always on relationships and service.
Please be assured that the foundation that God built through your husband, father and Papa’s example is solid and sure. Follow his example and build your hope on things eternal and hold onto God’s unchanging hand. Thank you for sharing him with so many. His life has made a significant difference in the lives of many, many people.
From: Mark Spencer
Relation: neighbor
I have lots of great memories of getting to know Ron and Mary and the gang from the time when our family moved into the first house built on east Larch St., and the Sweeney home and property across the street were our neighbors. They always welcomed my sister and I to use their field and tennis court – along with the other neighborhood kids. Hours spent playing baseball and football in the summer, practicing solo tennis against the brick wall, shooting hoops, and most importantly, in the winter – learning to skate on the flooded court. We were not big enough yet to join the Sweeney Hockey League, but the boys always made sure there was some room for us little kids – as long as we stayed away from the nets!
Ron would always have a friendly greeting when he found me poking around the property, and words of wisdom about using the big dirt pile for a bike jump. Many times we were alerted to a potential dog fight by Ron’s voice yelling “REAB!!” when our dog Fred and the Sweeney’s Rebel were ready to face off for coming too close to the center line on Larch St. I had Ron Jr. as a teacher before Ron Sr., but by the time I got to grade 11 algebra – I was well aware of the legendary “chalk chuck” and made sure to keep my head down and in the books. (thanks Ron Jr. for the warnings). I feel privileged to have had Ron as a teacher and neighbor, and I know the community benefited greatly from having Ron, Mary and the Sweeney family as integral members.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Date & Time:
November 26, 2015
Beginning at 10:30am
Location:
St. Ann''s Catholic Church
33333 Mayfair Avenue
Abbotsford, BC Canada
33333 Mayfair Avenue
Abbotsford, BC Canada
Prayers
Date & Time:
November 25, 2015
Beginning at 7:30pm
Location:
St. Ann''s Catholic Church
33333 Mayfair Avenue
Abbotsford, BC Canada
33333 Mayfair Avenue
Abbotsford, BC Canada
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Floral Tributes may be ordered directly through our supplier for delivery throughout the entire lower mainland, from Hope to Vancouver:
Wiebe & Jeske Funeral Home
202-31314 Peardonville Rd.
Abbotsford BC
V2T 6K8
info@wiebeandjeskefh.com
604-859-5885
When ordering please have the name of the deceased, the date of the funeral service and the address/phone number of the delivery location for handy reference.
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