With a few tears but many more wonderful memories, the family of Ralph Gerald Heighton of Pictou must share the news of his peaceful passing, surrounded by those he fought hard to remain with, at home, during one of his favourite events - “Friday Night at the Ranch.”
Ralph spent 89 busy years raising five children and 13 grandchildren along the way.
The story of Ralph began on January 9, 1926 when he was born to Mary (Sutherland) and Ralph Heighton of Pictou.
Ralph was educated in Pictou and was attending Pictou Academy when WWII and the call of service urged him to join the Royal Canadian Navy. He served on several ships in the North Atlantic.
V-E Day found him back in his beloved Pictou, and soon after began his varied work career at Ferguson Industries.
It was during this time that Ralph began the pursuit of Jean, who would later become his bride of 60 years.
Ralph went on the work in sales, primarily plumbing equipment, with William Stairs Son and Morrow and later as co-owner of Frizzels.
As the Administrator of the Edward Mortimer Place, he oversaw construction of the facility, and was a much loved and respected boss to many.
The pride of his career however would be his years at the AEF #144 Pictou, from which he retired in his 87th year as the Community Liaison Officer, Chair Community Advisory Board.
The many projects completed and the many members he mentored and encouraged are amongst his greatest accomplishments.
He was affectionately known as “the Admiral” at the AEF, or to Steve simply “Skipper."
Community service was a way of life for Ralph, be it his lifelong service and loyalty to the Conservative Party, his years on Pictou Town Council as deputy mayor, his work on the Pictou Lobster Carnival where he also served as chairman, many years as a school board member and as a devoted member and past president of the Admiral Murray Naval Veteran Association.
Ralph was a lifetime member of St. James Anglican Church, Pictou. He was never afraid to fight for what he believed was best, and was a tireless letter writer to assert the cause. His stenographers (Jean and the staff at the 'Force’) can attest to this.
Left to miss him and share the memories are his wife, Jean (MacKeil) to whom he was devoted, and she to him. He raised his children to believe they could accomplish anything. They always knew he had their backs no matter how things turned out: sons, Andy (Sharon) and Ralph Jr.; daughters, Pam Rannelli (Michael), Mary MacCallum (Bradley) and Lesley (Tracy MacCarthy, daughter Megan); grandchildren, Kate Starkey (Dale), Alison Heighton-Lamb (Brent) and Mark Heighton (Alexandra), Luke (Rita) and Christine (Justin) Rannelli, Sarah and Kathleen MacCallum, Bobby and Cole MacIvor, Sophie Heighton, Logan, Keil and Leigha MacDonald.
Dad enjoyed many, many wonderful friendships through the years, and cherished them all. Saturday breakfast club at Sharon's Place was his favourite weekly ritual. Many world problems were solved and political strategies argued over plates of home fries.
Dear to his heart were cousin and best friend, Bruce Heighton; special friends, Murray Porter, Steve Tucker, Donnie Murray, Peter Fraser and Art MacDonald.
The AEF members will forever hold a special place with us, for the many years of respect, service and devotion they showed to Dad. Even in later years with his vision failing and his steps a little less solid, we always knew he was in the best of hands when he was at work.
Those who departed before will be welcoming above, he was predeceased by his parents, sisters-in-law, Margaret and Anna; brothers-in-law, Alfie, Fred, Ralph, Blaine and John.
We are forever grateful to Dr. Gerry Farrell, nurse Rhonda Langille and the whole palliative care team and VON. Dad’s last few months were made very comfortable by special caregiver Dawn Matheson from Pictou County Home Health Care.
Visitation will be 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Tuesday in McLaren Funeral Home, Pictou. Funeral Service 2 p.m. Wednesday from Pictou United Church with Rev. Mary-Beth Moriarity officiating.
Remembrances of Ralph may be given to Aberdeen Palliative Care Society or a charity of one’s choice. Family flowers only please.