Obituary of Ron Klombies

Ronald Klombies

92 Years Well Spent

“To whom much has been given, much is expected.” Ronald Klombies spent his 92 years embodying this ideal as a businessman, community leader, volunteer, husband, brother, father, uncle, grandfather, and great grandfather.

Ron was born in Saskatoon on January 27, 1931 … and died in Saskatoon on January 27, 2023.

Ron met the love of his life, Barbara Josephson, at an art class when they were both 15 years old. Afterward, Ron and one of his friends followed her home and they talked. Barb immediately forgot the friend and told her mother that she “had met a boy named Ron Columbus.” Although the art class where they met was a drawing class, Ron’s creative pursuits soon expanded to include photography, and Barb was his favourite subject.

Ron and Barb were married on October 11, 1952 and spent the next 70 years building a wonderful life together. They had five children – Cathy (Ron), Kevin (Pamela), Karen (Greg), Craig, and Robert (Robin). Ron became a grandfather in 1982 and had seven grandchildren – Leah (Curtis), Lindsey (Stefan), Alexia, Brogan (Jessica), Livia, Charlotte, and Reyka. He was later promoted to Great-Grandad to Veronika, Isabel, Bennett, Nora, and Annika.

Ron and his brother Bob joined the family business – Klombies Real Estate - in the 1950’s. Over the years Ron and Bob expanded the business to include insurance. During his career, Ron was on the board of the Canadian Association of Real Estate Boards and on the national executive committee of the Canadian Institute of Realtors. He was involved in leading several education-related initiatives with both organizations.

Ron served his community in many ways, including as a trustee for Saskatoon Public Schools, a board member for the Mendel Art Gallery, and a member of the Kinsmen Club. Ron was very involved in the development and creation of Elmwood Lodge, where his son Craig lived for most of his adult life. Ron had a passion for golf, only hanging up his clubs at age 90 after treasuring his 63 years as a member of Riverside Country Club.

Ron spent all of his 92 years building a life to be proud of - one spent caring for his family and contributing to his community. He embodied and lived the values of integrity, honesty, respect, and responsibility, and so very many were the richer for it.

Ron would often tell loved ones he was proud of them by saying “Good Show.” It seems only fitting then to conclude by simply saying … “Good Show, Ron.”

At Ron’s request, there will be no service.  In lieu of flowers, Ron’s family prefers donations be made to the Saskatoon Food Bank.