Thomas Ronald Holtorf
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ron Holtorf, loving husband, father, grandfather, and cherished member of his community of Fort Smith, NT. Ron passed away peacefully on March 15, 2025 at St Joseph Auxiliary Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta. He leaves behind his wife Donnetta, children Roger, Jolyn Murdoch (Jeff) and Richard, grandchildren Katelynn Holtorf and Eric Bayha and his sister Elizabeth. He was predeceased by his parents Jack and Helen and his grandson Christian Holtorf.
Born in Kenora, Ontario, Ron moved to the Northwest Territories in 1953, where he would spend most of his life, deeply embracing the land and its people. It was there that he met Donnetta, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and mutual respect. Ron and Donnetta celebrated 51 wonderful years of marriage.
Fort Smith was Ron’s home until the forest fire evacuation in 2023. Due to ill health, Ron was unable to return home. He tried very hard at St Joe’s to get strong enough to go back to Fort Smith but unfortunately that was not to be.
Ron was a lifelong learner with a passion for reading and continuous growth. Education was important to Ron. After dedicating a few years teaching elementary and high school Ron transitioned to Aurora Collage administration where eventually he retired as president. He made a lasting impact on countless students and colleagues. He also gave generously of his time, volunteering in the community and serving as a town councilor. His humor and genuine kindness touched the lives of everyone he encountered, and he cherished the many friendships he formed along the way.
Ron loved the land, the people, and the spirit of the North, and he was deeply proud of his home in the Northwest Territories. His legacy will live on through his family and the many people whose lives he touched.
On behalf of Ron, the family would like to thank all the many friends and healthcare staff who helped him on his journey.
A celebration of life will be held at a future date in Fort Smith, NT. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to a local food bank, a cause that was dear to Ron’s heart.
He will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
I was so surprised to hear of Ron’s passing, he and I worked at Thebatcha College in the 70’s, I always considered Ron to be a stand up comedian and he never knew it, that was his way and everyone felt the same .he will never be forgotten.
To his wife who I remember well and his young children, especially Roger, who can’t forget Roger?, My deepest condolences. to them all.
Thanks to Hellen Evans for letting me know,
Carl Georgian
Brantford, Ontario,
My Sincerest Condolence to Donetta and family. Ron was a stalwart member of council when he served with me. I always enjoyed speaking to him and whenever I saw him at Tim’s for coffee with his friends I always made certain to say hello. Ron helped and guided me during my time as Mayor and for that I am truly thankful. His knowledge of and championing of the need for clear consistent policy for organizations is one of the main things he instilled in me. Farewell to you Councilor Holtorf, you will be missed.
Bradley Brake
I was so, so sad to hear about Ron. He was such a formidable presence in my life during my years in the North. I loved working for him, traveling the snowy highways, pulling off in Kakisa or Ft. Providence or all the other communities where he always knew someone. He reminded me of the great sociability of my own home, growing up. A man who understood and honoured the value people placed on their own lives. He taught me about the North. My deepest condolences to Donetta and his family.