Ronald Tony Shumka

It is with sadness that the family announces the passing of Ronald Shumka. Ron was born in 1953 and grew up in the Gilbert Plains area. He began his education at Vista Country School in 1959 before attending the Gilbert Plains school, including the newly built high school. Although he left school during Grade 11, Ron was eager to begin working and quickly established a strong work ethic that would define his life.
His first job was at the Gilbert Plains Co-op, where he worked for just three days before moving on to Manitoba Pool. After becoming ill while working at the Pool in Bowsman in 1974, he left that position and later that year began working for Jack Tycholes, gaining valuable experience that would shape his future career.
In the early 1980s, Ron took over the family farm from his father. For many years he balanced farming with his construction work, continuing both until 2007. At that time, he began operating independently with a single backhoe while renting out the farmland.
By 2009, Ron and his brother Rob established two successful businesses: Ron Backhoe Services and Rob's Trucking. Through dedication and hard work, Ron expanded his operation to four backhoes by 2015. He remained actively involved in construction work until October 2025, when illness forced him to step away.
Ron was a quiet, reserved, and humble man who valued hard work above recognition. Though shy by nature, he was deeply devoted to his family and took pride in providing for those he loved. His steady presence, kindness, and strong work ethic earned the respect of everyone who knew him.
Left to cherish his memory are his sister Marion Bilenduke (Don); his brother Garry Shumka (Carol); his sister Rosalie Michaluk (Larry); and his brother Robert Shumka.
He will also be lovingly remembered by his nephews Jonathan Bilenduke, Nick Michaluk, and Ryan Shumka; his nieces Maggie Blaine, Yhana Michaluk, Nadia Michaluk, and Amanda Vinet; his great-nephews Larry Blaine, Evard Blaine, and Auston Aldo's; his great-nieces Ava Michaluk, Liam Blaine, Mila Bilenduke, Scarlet Bilenduke, and Tiana Ginger; as well as his aunts Olga Burym and Pauline Burdeniuk.
Ron will be remembered as a dedicated worker, a caring brother and uncle, and a man of quiet strength. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
"Those we love don't go away; they walk beside us every day."
 

Please join us as we come together to celebrate the life of Ronald "Cream Can" Shumka.

We'll be sharing stories, memories, laughter and love as we remember someone who meant so much to us on Friday, July 31, 2026.

Cocktails and a bite to eat from 5-7 pm with the Celebration of Life formally to start at 7:00 pm from the Richardson Pioneer Hall in Gilbert Plains, MB.

Everyone who knew and loved Ron are welcome to attend. We hope you'll join us as we celebrate a life well lived.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ronald Tony Shumka, please visit our floral store.