Ralph Edwin MacGowan - 82, of Kentville, passed away Friday, February 17, 2012 in the Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville. Born in Canard, Kings County, he was the son of the late Frederick “Fred” and Gladys (Newcombe) MacGowan. He had been employed with Maritime Tel & Tel for 40 years and was a member of the Telephone Pioneers. He was a member of the United Church of St. Paul and St. Stephen, Kentville, a member of the Board of Directors of Crosbie House and a member of the Glooscap Curling Club. He was also a Past Master of Horton Masonic Lodge, Kentville and a present member of Scotia Masonic Lodge, Canning. An avid outdoorsman, Ralph owned his own Christmas tree lot and in 2004, received a special award from the Town of Kentville for his volunteer work in cleaning up green spaces and trails around the town. He thoroughly loved hockey and enjoyed playing washer toss. Ralph was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be sadly missed by his family. He is survived by two daughters, Donna (Karol) Aalders, Steam Mill; Ellen (Bill) Boyd, Kentville; four grandchildren, Charlie, Kati, Jennifer and Courtney; a great granddaughter, Lilee-Mae; a sister-in-law, Valerie MacGowan, Kentville. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, the former Thelma Robar; a sister, Ina Saunders; two brothers, Karl and Lester. Although there was no public visitation, a Masonic Lodge service was held at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 21, 2012 in the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville. The funeral service, followed by a reception, was held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 22, 2012 in the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville, Reverend Doctor Randy Crozsman officiating. A private family burial will take place at a later date in the Jaw Bone Corner Cemetery, Canard. Family flowers only, by request. Donations in memory may be made to the Parkinson Society of Canada, Crosbie House, the Valley Regional Hospital or the United Church of St. Paul and St. Stephen. The family would like to express a sincere thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff of Medical B and Medical B Extension at the Valley Regional Hospital for their kindness, care and compassion. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. On-line inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.