Ralph Smith
Obituary
SMITH, Ralph…
Unexpectedly with his wife by his side, Ralph Smith of London passed away on Friday, February 2, 2024 in his 91st year. Ralph was the beloved husband of Irene for nearly 70 years. He was the proud and supportive father of Kevin Smith and Sandy Perry and her husband Larry. Dear Papa of Kaley Bill. Predeceased by his sister Ruth Curtis (the late Lyle). Ralph will also be missed by his five nephews, one niece, and his many friends and neighbours.
Ralph worked for Suncor, finally retiring as Manager of Real Estate and Development of Western Ontario after 36 years. After his retirement, he spent many years as a treasured volunteer with Children’s Aid and the Power and Sail Squadron. Ralph loved taking the family to Florida when they were young and later in his marriage travelled extensively with Irene. He was an avid curler, but sailing was his great passion, becoming a long-term and valued member of the Fanshawe Yacht Club. The Smith family wish to thank their dearly loved neighbours for all of their support, especially over the last few years.
Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Ralph’s life will take place on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 from 2:00-4:00 pm at the Mocha Shriners, 468 Colborne Street, London. In memory of Ralph, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com
My sincere condolences Irene,Kevin,Sandy,Larry and Kaley. Sorry for the loss of your beloved Ralph a dear husband, father and grandfather. A dear friend for over 50 years. I will miss him. God bless him and I will remember hm with prayers.
Irene, Sandy, Kevin: so sorry for the loss of your husband and father. Ralph was a special fellow: hard working, fearless, fair minded and very devoted to his family. He entrusted Suncor legal issues to me early in my career. I was privileged to learn a lot from him. Our best times were spent sailing. Initially, he and Wayne Parker needed ‘fillers’ to help pay for bare boat trips to the BVIs. Ralph was the ultimate teaching skipper who let you make mistakes, helped you laugh at them and patiently led you in the right direction. He was also the leader when it came to having fun. Those sailing weeks were therapeutic. Ralph was also a generous person who gave back by volunteering. He was a class act (with a bit of help from Irene). May he rest in peace.
Our prayers are with you for Gods peace and comfort as you go through this time of sadness.
Dear Irene, I was so sorry to hear about Ralph’s passing. I worked with Ralph for 25 years as we were both Real Estate managers. I enjoyed my relationship with Ralph. It’s a sad time. My wife Pat passed away on January 14th. She had been in long term care with Alzheimers for 7 years. We just have to pick up the pieces and move on….but it’s not always easy.
Take care Irene Bob Doran
I have very fond memories of our volunteer time at CAS. Ralph helped
me with different parts of the work and I so appreciated it.
Thoughts and Prayers to All
Dear Irene and family. At Fanshawe Yacht Club, we were all very sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. Here is a short tribute to Ralph as posted on our 8 Bells website page where we share tributes to sailors we have lost: Ralph Smith was a long time member of Fanshawe Yacht Club. He was Commodore of FYC for part of 2006 and was editor of the Dockside Scuttlebutt club newsletter for many years. Fanshawe Yacht Club was his favourite place and he very much enjoyed spending his time there catching the breeze when he could on his sailboat Cygnus, or gabbing with the other sailors on the dock when the winds were too calm for sailing. He was a dedicated volunteer both at FYC and other organizations in London. He had a great sense of humour and loved to tell jokes and funny stories about his travels. He will be greatly missed. Fair Winds Ralph.
Love and Hugs, Carleen H FYC website coordinator https://fyc.on.ca/wp-v1/in-memoriam-8-bells/