Sunday, May 17, 2020
It is with sorrow that I earned of Ralph's passing when speaking with my Mom this past weekend. I had recently been in touch with Joe, and when I asked about his Dad, the prognosis was not good. Unfortunately, this has been the case and Ralph has left us. Having grown up along "The Shore Road", Ralph was a larger than life figure in the eyes of a small boy, especially with his stature! Students had the adventures of the daily school bus ride to the Canso Consolidated Elementary School in Middle Melford in the day, and having Ralph at the wheel always ensured a safe trip for all onboard. This was a testament to Ralph's skills at the wheel, as well as his ability to overcome the occasional mechanical malfunction of the bus. I still recall the one occasion when Ralph used his driving skills to allow for the performance of student disembarkation at their home destinations at the conclusion of another school day in Middle Melford, from what may have been judged by some, to be a less than ideal moving school bus. Thanks to Ralph, everyone made it safely home that, and every day! Of course, if it was a student's birthday, Ralph wuld often help mark the occasion as well. Ralph also used his entrepreneurial abilities in running the school basement canteen in Middle Melford. I still remember the occasional purchase of a bag of Hickory Sticks, after perhaps jostling Ralph up from his peaceful repose on his basement cot. Being friends with Ralph's boys allowed for a childhood filled with the occasional involvement in Ralph's adventures. Whether it be piling into one of his station wagons for a ride to some destination, or helping Wade tramp a load of hay as Ralph edged his tractor along through his fields, a day in St. Francis Harbour could always hold childhood experiences when Ralph was about. He will be missed by all who knew him. I pray that everyone was able to their farewells and that Ralph's passing shall be suitably memorialized when the time is right. May Ralph rest in peace. God Bless.
