1931 - 2010 - Pastor Ralph S. Hopper, 79, of Riverview and formerly of Dawson Settlement, with his family at his side, passed away at The Moncton Hospital on Tuesday December 7, 2010. Ralph was born in Lewisville, where his parents operated a dairy farm. He studied music for several years under the direction of R.C. Bayley and was a successful participant in music festivals. Ralph's commitment to Scouts in early years earned him the honor of being a King's Scout. He served as a Cub Master to a non-denominational Cub pack for several years and served on various group committees in the Moncton area. Ralph joined the CN in 1951 as a Morse code operator, entered management in 1957 and held various supervisory positions in the Atlantic region and Great Lakes area. He retired from the Great Lakes area in 1986. His interest in adult Education in the industrial area led him to teach public speaking for a number of years. After studying for Lay Ministry for two years, he served the Church in this capacity as he was needed. Upon retirement from CN, he accepted the call to full time Pastoral Ministry and served several charges as a caring Pastor. Ralph had a burden for the sick and shut-ins, and served Forest Dale Nursing Home, Spencer Memorial Home and the Moncton Hospital. Ralph will be sadly missed as a loving husband to wife Doris (Johnson) of 58 years. A loving father to four children, sons, Dave (Darlene) of Intervale, Pete (Lisa) of Irishtown, Andrew of Moncton and daughter, Janet Cook of Havelock; fourteen grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Pastor Ralph was predeceased by his father, Clifford; mother, Clara (Wright); sisters, Phyllis and Doris.
No visitation by personal request. Celebration of Life Service for Pastor Ralph to be held at Ferguson Knowles Funeral Home Chapel, 1657 Mountain Road, Moncton (858-1995) on Saturday, December 11, 2010, 1:00 pm, Pastor Dean MacDonald officiating. Reception in the Funeral Home Reception Centre following the service. Interment, Dawson Settlement Baptist Cemetery. In Pastor Ralph's memory, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation or a memorial of the donor's choice would be appreciated. Online condolences at www.fergusonknowlesfh.com