Ronald “Ron” Frank Gschaid of Lethbridge County passed away unexpectedly at the Raymond Hospital on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at the age of 80 years.

Ron is survived by his loving wife Kathy; son Rod (Bobbie Geo) grandsons Rylan, Rustin, Rigdon; granddaughter Madison Marsh, son-in-law Brad Hansen his daughter Tayler (James) Pote; step-son Wade (Sheree) Yakelashek step-grandchildren Troy and Brooklynn; step-son Cory (Pamela) Yakelashek, step-grandson Hayden; brother Bob (Juanita) Gschaid; as well as numerous extended family.

Ron is predeceased by his daughter Jennifer Marsh, parents George and Anna Gschaid, as well as his siblings Louie (Olga) Gschaid, Elsie (Lawrence) Nicholas, and Doreen (Stephen) Tokariuk.

Ron was born on September 3, 1944 in Lethbridge, Alberta. He was the youngest of George and Anna’s 5 children, together they all lived in a one-room home in Lethbridge County. In 1947 the family moved across the road to a 2 room shack and then in 1958 build the house that is still on the home quarter today. In 2001 Ron made ”the big move” with Kathy 500ft to the north and unfortunately, in August 2024 his health made him move to a care home in Magrath, this being the only time he lived off the farm.

He worked alongside his father and brothers on the family farm milking cows, working in the sugar beet fields, cutting the hay with a scythe and forking it onto the horse drawn wagon.

Ron married Angeline Joss in 1973 and together had two children, Rodney and Jennifer. After separating from Angie, Ron never wavered in the love he had for his kids. They enjoyed many trips to Beaver Mines checking cattle and staying at Parker’s Cabin. Also, they often got away on trips to Great Falls to have supper at Bories and to stay at the Heritage Hotel where Ron relaxed with a cold Coors light while watching his kids play in the pool. Ron taught Rod, or “His Boy” as he always referred to him as, the meaning of hard work and loyalty. Ingraining a love of cattle and horses that will be a lasting memory passed down for generations.

Although Ron loved Rod as his roommate, he just couldn’t resist the good-lookin’ lady in the Stettler Brand Office. Kathy and Ron had an instant connection. Their friendship grew to love, and they were married on September 4, 2004 on the home quarter by their new house. Together they enjoyed life, and she took Ron on as many adventures as she could. They got to share in becoming grandparents together and experiencing the excitement and noise that comes along with them. There have been many pancakes eaten, stories read, and advice given.

Ron built a lasting friendship at an early age with Doug Higo, Ron Hanzel, Mike Zalaski and his brother Bob. They continued their friendship even in recent years where they still got together monthly for Chinese food, being referred to as the “Coaldale Group”.

Ron really enjoyed Rodeo, he competed in calf roping, team roping and wild cow milking. In later years he served on the Lethbridge Exhibition Board and the Rodeo Committee for several years.

While working at a local auction market Ron was offered a job as a Brand Inspector. This truly became Ron’s passion in life. He lived and breathed Brand Inspecting for 38 and a half years and retired as the Head Brand Inspector for the Lethbridge Area. The name Ron Gschaid will forever be remembered as the Brand Inspector.

This gentle giant will also be lovingly remembered for his “Big” handshakes and genuine hugs.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm, on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta. To watch the service via livestream please go to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/RonaldRon-Gschaid

A private family Graveside Service will be held.