RONALD LORBETSKIE

Ronald Lorbetskie of Barry’s Bay was somebody who made it a priority to help others. Married to Joyce Lorbetskie, the pair would volunteer in the Auxiliary gift shop inside St. Francis Memorial Hospital together. They enjoyed chatting with everyone who came in for appointments or visits. Ronald was also a volunteer with Meals on Wheels and the local food bank.

The Lorbetskies knew how important local healthcare was to the community. Ronald experienced a long battle with cancer before passing away on May 7, 2022 at the age of 72. He managed to stay home as he had wished up until the last few days, where he passed at hospice.

Joyce asked loved ones to donate to the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation in memory of Ronald. The Foundation raises funds for three local healthcare partners, including Madawaska Valley Hospice, Valley Manor and St. Francis Memorial Hospital.

“We ourselves have used the hospital many times,” Joyce said. “The staff is wonderful, and I am grateful for the treatment that Ron received in the last moments of his life.”

As someone who loved to spend time at the hunt camp and enjoyed being outdoors, Ronald had always been interested in a duck element on the Memorial Mural inside St. Francis Memorial Hospital.

Joyce honoured that wish by purchasing the element in her husband’s name.

“I think it is fitting because he spent a lot of time at the hospital,” Joyce said.

It surely was the perfect tribute to a man who gave so much to his family and his community.