1947 – 2013
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Ronald Wayne Harrison (AKA: Ron West or Red Hot). After a brave and determined fight with liver cancer, Ron left on his final “Great Journey” in a peaceful manner during his sleep on the morning of March 25, 2013 surrounded by his caregivers at Fischer Place Extended Care Home in 100 Mile House. We extend our sincerest thanks to the staff of Fischer Place for their quality care and warm understanding during Ron’s final months.
Ron was born at Saint Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver on September 3, 1947 as the only child of Phylis Jean Cunningham (nee Baird) and Roy Stanley Harrison. Ron’s early years were unsettled. He lived in Port Moody (Baird’s), Vancouver (Rowse’s), and a number of lower mainland residences with his mother. He always wanted to be a cowboy and ran away at an early age to Clinton soon ending up at the Gang Ranch. He was eventually returned home to Port Moody but soon fled back to the Cariboo. He found a home at the 115 mile Ranch (Palmateers) then the Cache Creek Reserve (Percy’s) and then eventually Kamloops area (Gottfriedson’s). Ron was allowed to stay where his heart was.
After completing Grade 9 in Kamloops he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy at age 15. He served until age 18 and began working on tugboats out of the lower mainland where he spent much time honing his musical and entertaining talents. After 4 years at this occupation, he ventured to the US to pursue his musical ambitions. Over a decade of experiences in many areas and jobs, he had the good fortune to have some engagements with Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. He then returned to the Cariboo and lived primarily in the Lac La Hache area. During this period of his life he worked the rodeo circuit as a bronco rider and entertained in many Cariboo establishments.
Ron’s lifestyle led to a number of fleeting relationships resulting in two bundles of joy, Ronald William Stanley Harrison Barz (Lindsay Miranda) and Heaven-leigh Carter (Mike Hewko) and two granddaughters, Mary Jane Miranda and Ava Hewko.
Ron will always be remembered for his entrancing cowboy singing voice, many songs he wrote and recorded, his unique sense of humour, and his ability to entertain. He was a memorable Cariboo character who believed strongly in First Nations religion and culture.
A graveside service will be held at 3:00 pm, Saturday April 6, 2013 at the Lac la Hache – McKinley Pioneer Cemetery. In lieu of flowers we ask for donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Canadian Liver Foundation.
100 Mile Funeral Service Ltd. entrusted with the arrangements. 250- 395-3243. Condolences can be sent to the family care of www.100milefuneralservice.com