Ralph really lived life on his own terms. Always involved in some aspect of Art, he was a prolific painter and made inventive sculptures from driftwoood. He was a proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Ralph loved the forests and ocean and was an keen gardener, including a balcony garden in his retirement home. Ralph grew up on a farm in Boharm SK and after teacher's college taught in a one room school until he enlisted in the RCAF in 1941. He was stationed in St. Thomas, Ont as an instructor of Air Frame Mechanics and became a sergeant.
Ralph and Marjorie met on New Year’s Eve 1941 in London, Ont. In 1945 they married and moved to Montreal where he worked for TransCanada Airlines. They loved the excitement of the city and had many friends.
Then Ralph took up teaching in the 'Hydro Colony' in the Abitibi for a couple of years, before they moved to Toronto. Ralph taught Art in North York for over 35 years. The family moved to Brooklin Ontario when the children were small. Upon his retirement in 1972 he and Marjorie moved to Mill Bay, BC. where they lived in a cedar home he designed. Ralph and Marjorie were members of the First Metropolitan United Church in Victoria for many years. They loved to go the Belfry Theatre in Chemainus, BC. He was an avid reader and enjoyed going to the library in Mill Bay in later in Duncan. He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Marjorie, children David (Hilary) Nancy, Myna and Mark. Grandchildren Elaine (Stathy), Stephen, Jen (Rae) and Noel (Shelley) and great-grand daughters Eva and Ella. He is also survived by his sisters Elsie (Harry), Mina (Lorne) and brother Hillis (Joanne).