Hagglund, Ronald Martin

Ronald Martin Hagglund, born Nov. 30, 1934 in Lacombe, Ab. died Nov. 14, 2017 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Camrose, Ab.
Ron’s parents, Martin and Bertie (Bolch) Hagglund were early settlers in the Water Glen and Calumet districts. Martin passed away when Ron was 15 years old, at which time he left school to take over the farm with the help of his uncle Norman Bolch.
In 1956, Ron attended the Reisch American School of Auctioneering in Mason City, Iowa, and began a career as an auctioneer, while continuing to farm.
In the summer of 1959, at a Kitty Wells concert, Ilona Salo was impressed by the “sensible man” she overheard talking behind her. Shortly afterwards, Ron, that sensible man (with a little help from his uncle Jack Dunkerley) met Ilona when she was playing for the Black Elks ladies softball team in Ponoka.
They were engaged by the fall and married on Feb. 19, 1960. Their first son, Dale was born on Aug. 19, 1964, followed by Byron on Sept. 4, 1968.
Before and after his marriage to Ilona, Ron continued to auctioneer, working at Vold Jones & Vold in Ponoka and auction markets from Edmonton to Camrose, Stettler, and Hanna, while also operating his own farm-sale business.
Ron enjoyed being an auctioneer and received many positive comments. Voice problems forced him to quit auctioneering, much to his regret, in the early to mid-1970s.
During this same period, Ron continued to grow the farm with much help from Ilona, operating a cow-calf operation and acquiring more land from his uncle Peter Bolch.
Ron and Ilona continued to raise their family and farm together and both were active in the community. Dale eventually went to university and became a computer programmer, while Byron farmed with his father, working together with him every day until shortly before Ron’s death.
Ron continued to farm until declining health forced him to give up most activities.
He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in early 2015, and successfully fought this and other health issues until his strength failed, having lived his entire life on the farm except for three days after he was born and three weeks before his death.
His loss will be felt deeply by his wife Ilona, sons Dale and Byron, Byron’s wife Leanne and her sons Cameron and Daniel, his many friends and neighbours, and also by his beloved four-legged companions Buddy, Mocha, and Abby.