Mr. Rev. Ronald John Ansay

On February 25, 2020, Deacon Ron left the vessel of his body and fully entered into the Presence of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, whom he dedicated his life to in a mystical way of Oneness.

Deacon Ron was born on August 10, 1932–the feast day of St. Lawrence the Deacon. He attended Campion Jesuit High School in Prarie du Chien, Wisconsin, and graduated from Pius XI High School in Milwaukee. Later he obtained bachelor degrees in both psychology and theology from Loretto Heights (now Regis University). He worked for his father at A.A. Ansay Linen Supply in Milwaukee prior to moving to Denver, Colorado.

On August 13, 1955, Deacon Ron married Clara (Dolly) Emma Pohs at Holy Family Church in Denver. He leaves behind his beloved family of seven children; Christopher, Karen (Matthew) Golesh, Jeanne (Brian) Stafford, Julie (Tim) Volz, Joseph (Molli), Renee McCann, and Matthew (Kari); 31 grandchildren; and 40 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Roberta Anderson of Milwaukee.

Deacon Ron was a self-starting man who placed his trust in our Lord, Jesus Christ, and especially in the Gospel message of Matthew 6: 25-34 “Look at the birds of the air…” In 1960, he began what became Ronald Ansay Interiors, a well-respected interior design and furniture business with locations in both Denver and Aspen until 1982. Ron also began Ansay’s of Aspen Gift Shop. His real estate career took off in 1982 and he was associated with The Kentwood Company up until his passing.

On April 6, 1974, Ron was ordained in the very first class of permanent deacons for the Archdiocese of Denver and has faithfully served at many parishes in the Archdiocese.

Deacon Ron, along with his wife Dolly, facilitated over 50 spiritual retreats through all the years and many days of reflection as well as preaching, baptizing, witnessing marriages, burying the deceased, and teaching RCIA at St. Thomas More and Church of the Risen Christ. He also had his own TV program on the Catholic Channel in Denver called “Inside Passages with Deacon Ron.” At the time of his passing, Deacon Ron was the last surviving member of his ordination class.

Deacon Ron’s wife Dolly was one of his greatest loves and treasures. He and Dolly were married for 60 wonderful years prior to her death on September 3, 2015 and they had many exciting and “never a dull moment” times together.

Visitation will take place on March 5, 2020 from 4:30-5:30pm at Risen Christ Catholic Parish, immediately followed by Rosary/Vigil at from 5:30-6:30pm.

Deacon Ron’s Funeral Mass will be March 6, 2020 at Risen Christ Catholic Parish at 1:30pm; reception to follow directly after Mass at the Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows (10345 Park Meadows Drive, Lone Tree, CO 80124). He will later be laid to rest at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made and are appreciated to St Benedict’s Monastery in Snowmass (snowmassmonks.com), Sacred Heart Retreat House in Sedalia (sacredheartretreat.org), or Treeline Pass non-profit for Adults with Autism and Developmental Disabilities (treelinepass.org)

Visitation: March 5, 2020 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Risen Christ Catholic Parish
3060 South Monaco Parkway
Denver, CO 80222
303-758-8826

Recitation of the Rosary : March 5, 2020 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Risen Christ Catholic Parish
3060 South Monaco Parkway
Denver, CO 80222
303-758-8826

Vigil Service: March 5, 2020 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Risen Christ Catholic Parish
3060 South Monaco Parkway
Denver, CO 80222
303-758-8826

Funeral Mass: March 6, 2020 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Risen Christ Catholic Parish
3060 South Monaco Parkway
Denver, CO 80222
303-758-8826

Reception: March 6, 2020 3:30 pm

Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows
10345 Park Meadows Dr
Lone Tree, CO 80104
(303) 925-0004