RALPH DENNIS DEOBALD’S courageous journey ended peacefully on Saturday, March 21, 2009 at the age of 59 with his family by his side. Predeceased by his parents, Phillip and Marie, his first wife Margaret, brother Harvey and son Jamie, Ralph will be greatly missed but always treasured and forever an inspiration by his wife, Star; their children: Dion (Carol), Karen, Twyla (Terry), Robin, Lynne (Raymond), Lori, and Scott; grandchildren: Mitchell, Shelby, Chelsea, Aliesha, Brooklynn, Brenna, Emily and Eric; siblings: Roy (Kathy), Eleanor (Gordon), Barbara and Johnny (Marlene), mother-in-law Laura; twelve brothers and sisters-in-law and their families, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends. Ralph was born May 14, 1949 in Herbert, Saskatchewan. He had a zest for life and many of his childhood memories included his family farm and love for the outdoors. Ralph grew up and received his schooling in Hodgeville, Saskatchewan. His career was spent working for the Co-op for over thirty years in various locations throughout Saskatchewan. Ralph retired in 1999 and moved to Moose Jaw. In 2001 Ralph reunited with his childhood sweetheart Star and they were married on September 9, 2002. Over the last years Ralph and Star managed the Crescent Park Hideaway which was renovated into the Crescent Park Retirement Villa in 2004. Ralph’s passion included his family and friends. He always had time and a kind word for anyone he met. His love for the Montreal Canadiens, New York Yankees and Winnipeg Blue Bombers took him and his family on many sporting events. Ralph was a huge fan of Stompin Tom and liked to tap his feet to the beat of his songs. His love for animals was unique – “crows” being his bird of choice. Ralph loved to entertain others and was known for keeping family together – from the annual Deobald Family Reunion which always included his many friends that were like family to him to the annual Labour Day football game where he wore his “Blue” with pride among a sea of “green”. On March 7, 2008 Ralph began a new journey in his life – to receive a new heart. On March 25, 2008 Ralph was airlifted to Edmonton, Alberta. He went through many ups and downs from that day until his last. His journey was one of strength, inspiration and always a positive attitude. His wife Star was his rock and took this journey with him. She was with Ralph every day and every step of the way. She was truly his “Angel”. Thank you to the staff at University Hospital where Ralph spent his last year and a special thank you to everyone for all their love, prayers, support, cards, phone calls and visits. Ralph treasured them all. He left us the way he lived his life – peacefully and with dignity. His journey continues and a new chapter has begun for him. A Celebration of Ralph’s Life will be held on Friday, March 27, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre (Mae Wilson Theatre), 217 Main Street North. Reverend Doug Shepherd will officiate. Memorialization will take place at Flowing Well Cemetery at a later date. For those so wishing, memorials in Ralph’s memory may be made to the University Hospital Fund (Cardiac Unit), 8440 – 112th Street N. W., Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2B7. In living memory of Ralph, a tree will be planted in Besant Park by W. J. Jones & Son Funeral Home. Please sign the memorial register book at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries).