Thomas “Ralph” Abrey
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Thomas “Ralph” Abrey on Monday, January 20, 2014 at the age 71 years, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer of the esophagus. Our dad was born on April 13th, 1942 in Simpson, SK. He was the oldest of seven children born to Oswald and Irene Abrey. Dad grew up in Imperial, SK. As the oldest of a large family, he learned the value of hard work. He was raised to have a strong work ethic, a trait that he passed along to his children. We think our father was born with a tool in his hand. There wasn’t anything with a motor that our dad couldn’t fix. Our grandma was always battling with grease and oil stains. Even suffering the effects of a stroke could not stop him. Prior to meeting and marrying our mother, dad was in the Air Force. Upon discharge, he worked for farmers in southern Saskatchewan. The forestry industry brought our family to the Christopher Lake/Northside region in 1970, where dad resided off and on until his passing. In dad’s younger years, he worked hard, and he played even harder. His philosophy was ‘if you go out with the boys, you get up with the men, and you do a man’s work.’ Another trait he passed along to us. Our dad enjoyed the simple things in life, especially as he got older. Family and friends were important to him. He would often pop by, unannounced, just to say hi. Dad had a deep fondness for animals as well. He always carried treats in his vehicle for all of his “adopted” pets. The birds at Northside are not going to know how to fend for themselves now. Dad is survived by his son: Steven (Patty Waterfield); his daughter: Holly Abrey-Hare (Bart Hare); his 3 grandchildren; his 4 great-grandchildren; a very special friend, whom he treasured: Sandra Jewell; and his siblings: Carman, Donna, Stan, Howard, Cathy, Dwayne and their families. He was predeceased by his parents: Oswald and Irene; along with other friends and relatives. At dad’s request, there will be no “funeral”. Instead, there will be a “party” for family and friends at a future date. In lieu of flowers, a donation on dad’s behalf to the Prince Albert SPCA Animal Care Centre, Box 1832, Prince Albert, SK S6V 6J9 would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements in care of Northern Funeral Service, MacKenzie Chapel. Brian and Bev Stobbs, Funeral Directors. 306.763.8488 www.northernfuneralservice.ca