Ralph Edward Gardner: On July 15, 2002, Ralph Edward Gardner, late of
Olds,
Alberta, passed away peacefully at the Red Deer Hospital. He was the fourth
child of William James Gardner and Christine Anne Irwin.
He was born on October 26, 1919, in Calgary, Alberta. When young, he moved
to B.C., first to Vancouver and then on to Kaslo. At the age of 13, he moved
with his family to Tupper, where after the war, he would marry Hazel Irene
Phillippe of Irma, Alberta and raise his family. He later moved to Pouce
Coupe and then traversed to Prince George when after 20 years, in 1996,
moved to Olds to be near family.
At the commencement of World War II, at the age of 19, Ralph expressed his
patriotic duty by joining the army. He served in Halifax, England, Holland
and France. He was a Legion Member and took pride in his country. At his
Memorial Service, the Olds Legion members graciously honored him with the
Last Post Rites and Honor Guard.
Throughout his life, he enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing and cooking.
He was an avid crib player and thoroughly enjoyed the poetry of Robert
Service and at every opportunity would recite many of them from memory. He
spent much time in providing service to family and others.
He is predeceased by his parents, son Kenneth, granddaughter Deanna Ramsey,
brother Samuel and sister Coral Kach.
He is survived by his wife, Hazel; his sons Bill and Victor; daughters Bette
Lou Ryan and Valorie Ramsey; grandchildren Mark and Jamey Ramsey; Wendy
Foster, Paul and David Gardner; Mick, Robb and Cindy Ryan:
greatgrandchildren Jason and Brandon Frazer; Mackenzie Ryan; and Robin Ryan.
He is also survived by his brothers Frank and Bill.
The funeral service was held July 19, 2002, at the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-Day Saints, Olds Ward, with Bishop Wesley Jackson officiating.
Interment followed with a private family gathering at a later date.
Arrangements were conducted by Mountain View Funeral Chapel of Olds. If
friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to The War Amps, 1 Maybrook
Drive, Scarborough, Ontario M1V 5K9