July 17, 1922 – October 31, 2012
Passed away peacefully at Saanich Peninsula Hospital with his wife of 63 years by his side. Ralph was born in Havelock, Ontario, the youngest of 8 children. He grew up on the family farm and at age 18, Ralph volunteered in the Canadian Army (Hasting and Prince Edward Regiment). He was wounded in Italy and taken to Toronto. While recovering in Christie Street Hospital, he met Audrey Allison who was volunteering and the two hit it off and were married on July 9, 1949. They initially settled in Toronto but moved to Stittsville, outside of Ottawa, where they raised 4 sons. Bridge was a cornerstone of Ralph and Audrey’s social life and wherever they went they would find and create a bridge club and make friends along the way. Ralph patiently taught his kids to play bridge at an early age so he would never be without a foursome. Ralph worked for Avro Canada and finished his career with Atomic Energy of Canada. In 1980, Ralph retired and moved to Brentwood Bay, B.C. In retirement, Ralph and Audrey travelled widely, wintering in California and taking trips all around the globe. Ralph was a loving and caring father who was always looking out for his kids and lending a helping hand. The first memories of the kids was camping in a small Shasta Trailer and going out to the parks of Ontario and beyond. Ralph is survived by his wife, Audrey and his sons, Steven (Jane), Paul (Marion), John (Michelle) and was predeceased by his son, David and brother and sisters, Lyle, Randal, Warden, Elfa, Laura, Alma and Elza. Ralph touched many people in his life and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the staff at Saanich Peninsula Hospital for the care Ralph received.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 10, 2012 at 2:00 pm at St. Mary’s Church at 1973 Cultra Avenue in Saanichton. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
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Graeme & Joyce Robertson
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Phil Friesen My condolences to all the family but especially to you Paul and Marion.
Paul, I met your father once briefly and he seemed to be a very kind person. Look after yourself in the busy sad time ahead.Phil
and Jackie
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Grahame Quakenbush I have lived on the island since 1959. Our family came from vancouver after moving from ontario.I don’t know if you have the book on the Quackenbushs but after tracing back i find that we had the same grandfather 1n the 3rd or 4th generation. Sorry about you loss. Grahame Quakenbush.
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Paul van der Putten Dear Audrey,
Our deepest condolance for the loss of your husband Ralph. We wish you and your sons strength in the ( near ) future.
We remeber Ralph as a kind and friendly person, specialy the trip we made with him as we went fishing for salmon on a lake in 1985. We we keep him in mind like we remember him.
All the best,
Paul en Leonie van der Putten ( and Pim and Anouk ).
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Cliff and Marian Charlesworth Audrey
You are in our thoughts at this difficult time.
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Arden Bolton our thoughts and prayers are with all the family at this time
Arden (son of Alma) and Barb Bolton
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Mark van der Putten Audrey,
Wish you all the strength for these difficult times.
Hope that your sons can support you and wish them also the best with the loss of their father.I can recall the friendliness by which I was invited into the your home on numinous occasions by both of you.
I will always keep fond memories of you both and I am sorry not to have paid you a visit the last time I was over.All the best for these dark times.
Mark van der Putten & Leontine, Sanne & Rik
Audrey,
We were saddened to hear, upon returning from vacation, that Ralph had passed away. Although we didn’t know Ralph well, we could always count on him for a cheerfull word of greeting when we encountered him in the yard. He will be sorely missed by all that knew him. Please accept our heart felt sympathy and know that our hearts are with you and take solace in remembering a life well lived.