PONOMAR, Richard “Rick”
Posted: July 1st, 2023
RICHARD “RICK” PONOMAR 1955 – 2023 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a good man. After a valiant struggle with cancer, Rick Ponomar passed away peacefully at Adaptacare surrounded by family on June 28th at the age of 67.
Rick is survived by his loving wife, Wendy; sons, Danny and Erik (Kelsey); daughter, Victoria (Colin) Haugan; grandchildren, Brooks and Sasha Haugan; mother, Stephanie (Gus); sister Tina (Ray) Bonetti; nephews, Spencer and Jackson Bonetti; three wonderful in-law’s whom he thought of as sisters (Barb Ashmead, Lois Franklin, and JoAnne Paquette), as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Rick was born and raised in Magrath, where he formed many long-lasting friendships. Growing up, Rick loved and excelled in sports – specifically basketball and golf. After high school Rick attended the University of Alberta, where he received a bachelor’s degree in economics. Following graduation, Rick moved to Lethbridge where he started building a life and a family.
As the family grew, so did Rick’s childhood desire to learn more about astronomy. He was fundamental in making the Lethbridge Astronomy Society what it is today, and he was honored by having the Popson Park Astronomical Laboratory named after him.
Rick spent most of his working life at M.P. Crushing Ltd., where he had the opportunity to work with his dad and partners. Rick continued the family business with his friends and family until his passing.
Family and friends were at the top of the list throughout Rick’s life. His love, devotion, and compassion truly shined within those close to him. His light is one that will not be forgotten. We are beyond grateful for the time we had with him, and he will always be remembered as the gentle, kind, caring, humorous, and brilliant man he was.
A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Dr. Bruce Martin, officiating. To watch the service via livestream, please go to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/RichardRick-Ponomar and scroll to the bottom of Rick’s obituary page.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial donations to the Lethbridge Red Cross, 3131 1st Ave S T1J 4H2, the Jack Ady Cancer Center, 960 19 St S, Lethbridge AB T1J 1W5, or to the Lethbridge Astronomy Society, https://www.canadahelps.org/en/ or email lethbridgeastronomy@gmail.com
Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
Sending our sincerest condolences to Wendy and her family.
Wendy and Family; Ireta and I were very saddened with a recent text from Dave Clark informing us of Rick’s passing. I have so many fond memories of us together. Highlights on the basketball court, fooling around in the old school hallways and bombing main with loads of girls in the back seat. My best and lasting memories however were when we spoke of what mattered most to us. That was family loyalty , helping out friends and a belief in a kind loving Father in Heaven. Our prayers are with you, your children, Tina, Stephanie and all the rest of the extended family. . We are currently serving a mission for our church in Ottawa until Oct. Sadly we won’t be able to attend the funeral service.
Elder John Balderson (Jake) and Sister Ireta Balderson
Condolonces to the family, Rick was a long time friend and we worked with him and the family for many years. He will be missed.
Wendy & Family,
Michelle and I were so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. From the time we played high school basketball together until now, I never met up with Rick that we didn’t have a big laugh. I really loved our years playing basketball together and later coaching baseball. Rick was passionate about his sports! I laughed every time he would get thrown out of a game. Sometimes we would both get thrown out together. We had a lot of fun and great memories. I looked forward to his visits at the office (I’m sure more than he did) so we could reminisce and tell stories.
Rick was a “Prince of a Man”. He loved people, he was kind, and a great friend. I never had a visit with Rick that didn’t make me smile for days after.
I will remember him forever as a kind and dear friend.
Love,
Bob & Michelle Rice
Dear Wendy and family,
Rick was a year ahead of me in school but he was always a good friend. School and Sports brought us together, but we also associated with each other outside of these two areas. We both had economics degrees, interviewed at the same time for the federal public service and shared notes on each other’s interviews.
As others said, he always lifted others up with laughs. The world has lost a good man! Our deepest condolences. Please pass on our best to Tina and Stephanie.