Ronald James Horrigan Obituary in Grande Prairie at Oliver's Funeral Home & Crematorium

Obituaries

Ronald James Horrigan

August 24, 1947 - May 15, 2024

Obituary For Ronald James Horrigan

With heavy hearts and fond memories, we say goodbye to Ronald James Horrigan. He passed away Wednesday, May 15, 2024, in Grande Prairie, AB, at the age of 76 years.

Ron entered this world on August 24, 1947, in Marlbank, ON. He was the eldest of five siblings with two sisters (Diane and Gloria) and two brothers (Dennis and Ken). Ron found his roots in Grande Prairie.

He took on life with grit and determination. He tried a wide variety of jobs early on in life including selling bed sheets at Sears, suits at Townline Menswear, as well as operating forestry and paving equipment. This broad spectrum of early jobs was a testament to Ron’s diverse character and abilities. After testing out the job market, Ron returned to school. He graduated from the University of Alberta Law School in 1985. While articling in Edmonton, Ron met his wife Gayla. He locked his crosshairs on the redhead from Big Valley and remained locked for life. After his articling, Ron and Gayla moved to Grande Prairie to begin their life together.

Ron accepted everyone at face value. No matter who you were, he was generous. If you were his friend, there is nothing he wouldn’t do to help. He gave so much to so many, and we loved him for that. Whether it be riverboating, sled camp at the Kakwa, the wall tent at Stojan Flats, riding his Harley to Sturgis or motorbiking the Baja, Ron loved being in the outdoors with his family and friends. Later in life, Ron and Gayla enjoyed spending extended winters in Cabo, where Ron still ran his law practice. Ron was never known for moderation, so there was never a dull day in his company.

Still practicing law, Ron was proud that people trusted him; it gave him immense satisfaction. Ron enjoyed the unique client base he earned and valued everyone. That solid client base reflected how he put people first and truly cared. His clients included many who had worked with him before returning to school. Ron treated all clients the same, whether company employees or owners. Ron was just as comfortable talking to a judge as he was talking to a labourer in the back alley. Ron often said he enjoyed walking up the back stairs each workday, wondering what that day would bring. Staff were not just staff to Ron, but rather his other family. This often meant a lot of visiting before making his way to his corner office each morning. Ron was a man of his word, which earned him great respect from all who knew him, including members of the legal profession.

Ron and Gayla have two children: son Michael Horrigan, and daughter Kathryn (Kevin) McFarlane, and two grandchildren: Harper and Leo. After marriage and starting a family, Ron’s entire life was centred around his family. They were not part of his life, they were his life. Ron was immensely proud of Michael and Kathryn and who they had become.

He was predeceased by his parents Helen and Jim. He will be greatly missed by all those whose hearts he touched.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

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Condolences

May 29, 2024

Levola Sedore

To all the Horrigan families, my deepest sympathy to you all. So very sorry for your loss, I know Ron will be greatly missed. My love to you all. Lots & lots of love Levola ❤️.
May 27, 2024

Gil & Karen

Dear Gayla, Michael & Kathryn, please accept our deepest condolences. We were deeply saddened to hear of Ron's recent passing as we considered ourselves fortunate to get to know Ron through the years and appreciated his friendship. He was a kind, humble man who had an uncanny ability to make everyone around him feel at ease in his presence. A God given gift that not only served him well professionally but more importantly it was a gift that he shared every day on a more personal level with family and friends . Although we cannot imagine the heartache you are currently feeling we hope that your cherished memories will give you all comfort in this difficult time. Take Care. Gil & Karen
May 27, 2024

Jan Black

Thank you for sharing this beautiful testament of a life well lived. As a younger cousin to Ron, I did not know him well growing up, but was lucky to have a chance to interact with him in later life. He was a caring person who really conveyed a genuine interest in hearing about life and stories of others. My heartfelt condolences go out to the Horrigan family, big hugs. Jan Black (Pollock)
May 26, 2024

Tricia Quinn Robertson

Dear Gayla and family. My heart goes out to you with Rons passing. It sounds like you built a wonderful life together and you should be very proud of the man he was. You worked with my dad, Dr. Quinn throughout the years and I know he would want me to pass along condolences. Dad left this world in May 2023. ❤️❤️
May 22, 2024

Lynette Hyslop

Dear Gayla and family, so sorry to hear about Ron. It is never easy loosing someone so close to you. Hold tight to the memories. I remember when we were all camping and the guys set off the fireworks and Ron took off running. Sooo funny. Playing guitar hero at your place on our trip up there was a highlight we remember. There were a few family get togethers that bring back memories of you and your family. Ron was a really nice guy. Please come visit when your down this way we would love to see you. Take good care of yourself big hugs for your children and grandchildren. One day the pain will lessen and the memories will be easier to embrace but until then it's definitely a process to get through. Love you, big hugs. Lynette and Tom Hyslop.
May 22, 2024

Riley Stilling

My sincere and heartfelt condolences to Gayla and family. I have nothing but good memories of Ron, his smile, and easy disposition. RIP my friend.... Riley Stilling
May 21, 2024

Alvina Grove

Ron was always ready to help. As a child I babysat and later as an adult he was willing to help and did. He was the kind of person the world needs more of. He will be missed by his family which he loved dearly and by his friends. Alvina and Wayne Grove
May 21, 2024

Florence Vanstone

I am so sorry to hear this, it was always so obvious how much he loved you all and he certainly had a hilarious sense of humour...which is why there always seemed to be laughter in his presence. He will be missed for sure. Hugs to you all.
May 21, 2024

Kevin & Cecilia Hoeg

The Horrigan Family are in our thoughts and prayers.
May 21, 2024

Marc Limoges

Would like to offer our condolences to Ron's family and we are thinking about them in these hard times. A memory I have is when I was on vacation in Cabo, and both Ron And Gayla picked me up at the resort, and took me out for supper and brought me back to there place where I had a nice visit with the both of them. Was not only a great guy in being our lawyer but also a great guy personally whenever the chance presented itself. He mill be missed. Marc Limoges

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