It is with great sadness that we share that Ralph passed away peacefully at his home at the Veterans' Health Centre in Moncton. He was predeceased by his wife Kathleen ("Kay"), his son Timothy, his parents John and Maude (Grennan) Skidd, and his sisters and brothers, Bernadine MacMillan, Marie Hare, Gertrude ("Hodie") McClure, Jack and Blair. He is survived by his sisters Kathleen Webster and Margaret ("Peta") Martin and his children Valerie (Michael, deceased), David, Kathleen (Grant), Angela, Andrew (Laura), Jennifer (Daniel) and his grandchildren Vanessa, Robson, Davis, Julia, Andrew, Benjamin, David and Caroline. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren Natalie and Jenna and many nieces and nephews.

Ralph was born in Bathurst and was raised in Chatham. He attended St. Thomas College where he excelled in academics. A veteran of World War II, he served in both the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Canadian Army. After the war he returned to the Canadian National Railway where he worked for 36 years, retiring in March 1979.

Ralph loved his life with Kay in Irishtown. They proudly built their own home and a little matching playhouse. They grew a bountiful garden. He spent many enjoyable hours in his workshop, making furniture for his family and rocking horses for many children. He not only crafted with wood in the workshop, he entertained there too. Neighbours and friends could swing by anytime for a good story. He did some travelling, including to Ireland and Newfoundland, but he thought that you did not really have to go very far away to find a beautiful place because it was right here in the Maritimes. Ralph loved Kay and his children. He was very proud of all that his children had accomplished. He made sure that he sent them Christmas parcels filled with Moncton treats. As he grew older he reminisced more and more often about his younger years and how much he loved fishing in the Miramichi.

Ralph's family is thankful to the staff at the Veterans' Health Centre and the Kenneth E. Spencer Memorial Home. Thank you to the Christensens for your caring. Most of all we would like to thank the Carruthers family for the love and generosity that they showed our father and brother. Ralph had the bluest eyes you've ever seen. He also possessed a great sense of humour. Farewell father, brother and friend. May God keep you safe and warm in heaven.

A memorial service will follow at a later date.