Ralph James Senga
May 19, 1937 – May 16, 2018
Ralph was born on May 19, 1937 in Prince Albert to Stanley and Nellie Senga, the middle child and only son. He was predeceased by his sister Jo and parents. Ralph is survived by his wife of 53 years, Shelia, and their three children: son, Dean (Ida) grandson James (Danielle) and great-grandsons Josh and Jarome, granddaughter Jenna (Chad) and great-grandson Kane, grandson Kyle (Desarai) and great-grandson Nash; daughter, Lana, granddaughter Alyssa (Karly); son, Jason (Janelle) and granddaughter, Quinn, and grandson, Theo. He is also survived by three sisters: Anne, Sylvia (Don) nephews David and Trevor and their families; and Sandra; Sheila’s three siblings: Wayne (Betty Lou) nephews Ron and Craig, niece Tracy and their families; Joyce (Jim) nephew Stacy and niece Lindsey and their families; Lloyd (Kathy) nephews Dustin and Dallas and their families. Ralph is also survived by numerous good friends who were like family to him. Ralph taught school for the Saskatoon East Unit for 4 years and the rest of his career was at Northern Lights School Division in Northern Saskatchewan. He taught one year in Sandy Bay and in La Ronge from 1967 through 1991. He was a passionate and dedicated educator who strived to bring out the best in his students. While teaching at Churchill Community High School in La Ronge, Ralph started the Outdoor Education program: building canoes, camping and paddling all over the North. He coached volleyball, basketball and years of curling, with one of his former students celebrating a silver medal at the Olympics in Salt Lake City in 2002. Then there was hockey. He loved hockey. He coached minor hockey and refereed for many years. Ralph took in as many La Ronge Ice Wolf games as he could. In his later years, while spending time in Saskatoon, Ralph attended hockey games where La Ronge youngsters played. Ralph was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed countless good times with his family and friends golfing, hunting, fishing, and picking berries. Ralph loved the North and all the people in it. After a long teaching career, he worked in construction, corrections, the local golf course, and finally in maintenance/gardening for the Campling family. He finally retired at the age of 80 and passed away three days before his 81st birthday. Less than 6 weeks before his passing he shoveled 3 roofs of snow, snow machined for 40 miles and went ice fishing. He was a man of action. We will celebrate Ralph’s life with a come-and-go BBQ at Kikinahk Friendship Center in La Ronge on June 9, 2018 from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. This will be a time for visiting, sharing stories, and reflecting on how Ralph affected your life. Casual apparel is encouraged; feel free to wear shorts and sandals. No flowers please. Donations can be made to the Cancer Society or Churchill Community High School Athletic Program.