GLENGARRY - Ralph Francis Downey, 74, Glengarry, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 13, 2012 in the Halifax Infirmary, QEII, Halifax.
Born December 4, 1937 in Great Codroy, Nfld., he was a son of the late James Alban and Rose Elizabeth (Young) Downey. Ralph was an educator for 35 years, serving as principal at the former Plymouth school, and then as teacher at Dr. W. A. MacLeod Elementary School, Riverton, finishing his teaching career at Frank H. MacDonald Elementary School, Sutherland’s River. He enjoyed farming and looking after his animals. Ralph was a great supporter of 4-H and often a judge at 4-H events. He would often assist young people to fulfill their 4-H requirements by permitting them to “adopt” his goats or sheep for a period of time. He was a member of the Sheep Producers Association of Nova Scotia. Ralph will be remembered for his kindness to others and will be sadly missed by those who loved him.
Surviving are many nieces and nephews; sisters-in–law, Bridget Downey and Lucy Downey, Codroy Valley, Nfld.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by sister, Margaret; brothers, Bertram, Kevin, Fintan, Aloysius, Walter and Robert; nephew, David; sisters-in-law, Jean and Evelyn.
The family will receive visitors 6 – 8 p.m. Monday in P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home, New Glasgow from where funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday in the chapel with Father Peter MacDonald presiding. Interment will be in Lorne Cemetery. www.pkmacdonald.ca