Ronald Balderston, a long time resident of Hythe, Alberta passed away on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 in Beaverlodge at the age of 94 years. Ronald Bartholomew Balderston was born on November 15, 1921 in Regina, Saskatchewan to parents Bartholomew and Ruth Balderston. Ronald's family left Saskatchewan in 1928 and resided in the Buffalo Lakes area before purchasing land east of Hythe. Ron was ten years old when they moved to the Hythe area. He attended school at Glace Lake and Hythe School where he graduated. He then attended the University of British Columbia where he studied geology. In 1942, his father's health deteriorated and Ron returned home to help his father farm. His love for knowledge never left him and in 1959, he attended the University of Alberta taking Education. He was never able to finish his university degree, but his thirst for learning endured. He was a well read, self-taught man and well versed in most topics from history to sports. Ron loved sports and was an active participant; playing ball in the summer, hockey and curling in the winter. He loved to dance and rarely missed a country dance anywhere. He married Lola in 1950 and they moved to a quarter of land just north of the home place. They lived there for two years. Ron worked in logging camps during the winters and farmed the rest of the time. In 1950, Ron and Lola moved their house from the north quarter to the yard just west of Ron's parents. Ron and his dad built a barn and they began to raise purebred Aberdeen Angus cattle. In 1966, Ron accepted the postmaster position in Hythe. He felt strongly about living in the community where one drew a salary, so they sold the cattle and moved to town. Ron continued to farm as well and eventually Brad, his son, took over farming operations. Ron was postmaster in Hythe for 22 years, retiring in 1988. During that time, he was on the Village Council from 1969-1977 and again from 1981-1983. Four of those years he also served as Mayor. Ron was an active member of the Benevolent Order of Elks, Hythe United Church, Hythe Curling Clun, and many other community organizations and committees. Ron's retirement was filled with golf, camping, fishing, wood-working, and travel. He and Lola took several trips and also enjoyed their motor home which travelled many miles all over Alberta, B.C., and into the States. Ron's love of farming never left him and he was proud that Brad continued with the family farm. He was equally proud that his grandson, Bart, is following in the same path and living in the same yard he and Lola lived for many years. Ron was predeceased by his parents, his sisters: Esther, Ruth and Beatrice, and his beloved grandson Steven Nault. Ron leaves to mourn his wife of 60 years, Lola, his son Brad (Debbie), his daughter Gayle Nault (Jacques), grandchildren: Bart (Callie) Balderston, Bob (Chrissy Jabs) Balderston, Meghan (Mike) Balderston-Mah, Remi (Brittany) Braun, and Allyson Braun, and twelve great grandchildren, as well as his sister-in-law Della Robinson and her children Brandon (Stacy) and Maggie (Kelly). A Memorial Service was held Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at 2:00 PM at the Hythe Legion. Pastor Ella Loberg officiated. A private family interment followed in the Hythe Cemetery. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Ronald to the Hythe & District Pioneer Home, Box 388 Hythe, AB T0H2C0, designated to the Hythe Pioneer Place. Very Respectfully Beaverlodge Funeral Service