The Town of Banff has learned that a long-time resident of the community has died due to complications from COVID-19.
Mayor Karen Sorensen provides a video statement below, offering condolences to the family and friends of the individual.
Although Alberta Health Services has not yet added this death to its website, the Medical Examiner confirmed the cause of death as due to COVID-19. This morning the family confirmed the Town has permission to release this information to help people mourn for his loss.
“On behalf of Banff Town Council, our Town administration and the residents of Banff, I want to express our sincere sympathies to the family of Ron Giesbrecht,” said Mayor Karen Sorensen. “Ron lived here for over 25 years and is widely known and loved by so many in our community. Ron was only 43 and was a healthy young man who had recently started a new venture, Rundle Mountain Ink, to make a whole batch of new friends and customers in Banff.
“This is such a tragedy, showing COVID can strike anyone, at any age. Ron will be missed but not forgotten.”
Ron Giesbrecht died in his home in Banff. His younger brother has received treatment in a Calgary hospital and is recovering from the virus. The Town of Banff will be exploring with the family the placement of a memorial plaque in our community.