Ronald ‘Ron’ Eugene Pelletier, a familiar face in Red Deer whose working life in Alberta’s oil field gave way to two decades of retirement spent between a fishing cabin at Buck Lake and winters at Black Meadow Landing, died July 29, 2026, at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. He was 75.
From Saskatchewan farm to Alberta oil field
Born Jan. 8, 1951, in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Ron grew up on a farm in Victoire, Saskatchewan. The obituary describing his life notes that growing up on the farm instilled a strong work ethic that carried him west to Alberta, where he built a long and successful career in the oil industry. He made Red Deer his home, raised a family here and remained an active presence in the community through retirement.
Those who knew him remember a man who "worked hard and played hard," enjoying simple prairie pleasures: time with family, fishing at the cabin in summer and seeking sun during the winter months. The family’s send‑off carries a tone he would likely have approved of — his obituary signs off with the phrase,
"Gone Fishing!"— and invites friends and neighbours to a casual celebration of his life.
Details for the community
A Come and Go Celebration of Ron’s Life will be held at Parkland Funeral Home Reception Centre, 6287 – 67a Street (Taylor Drive) in Red Deer on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium in Red Deer.
| Born | Jan. 8, 1951 — Prince Albert, Saskatchewan |
|---|---|
| Died | July 29, 2026 — Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre |
| Celebration | Aug. 22, 2026 — Parkland Funeral Home Reception Centre, Red Deer, 2–4 p.m. |
Family and legacy
Ron is survived by his wife, Brenda Pelletier; his children, Justin (Sally), Marilyn, Laura (Steve) and Eugene (Marci); grandchildren Kirk, Kylie, Dominic, Tyera, Skylar, Devyn and Brandon; and a great‑granddaughter, Lennyn. He also leaves behind several brothers, a sister, nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Maurice and Lea Pelletier, and two sisters, Estelle Boneau and Carmen Cyr.
- Long career in Alberta's oil field.
- Spent about 20 years in retirement as a snowbird—summers at Buck Lake, winters at Black Meadow Landing.
- Come‑and‑go celebration in Red Deer on Aug. 22, 2026.
The family has asked that, if desired, memorial donations in Ron’s honour be made directly to the Heart and Stroke Foundation (www.heartandstroke.ca). Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed via Parkland Funeral Home’s website.
Local note
Red Deer is home to many families with careers tied to the oil and energy sector; Pelletier’s life mirrors the path of a generation that moved west for work, put down roots and later retreated to seasonal homes to enjoy the outdoors. His two‑decade retirement as a snowbird is also familiar to many in central Alberta who split time between lakeside summer cabins and warmer winter locations.
Neighbours and former co‑workers who wish to attend the reception on Aug. 22 will find friends and family gathering to share stories of a man remembered for a huge smile and a big heart, and to celebrate a life that began on the Saskatchewan prairie and made its mark in Red Deer.
