BROWN, Ralph Gerald
On Monday December 2, 2013, Ralph Gerald Brown passed away peacefully at the Rimbey long term care center at the age of 89 years, to spend eternity with his heavenly Father. Ralph was born to Henry and Inga Brown at Amulet, Sask. on November 2, 1924. Henry passed away two years after Ralphs' birth. Ralph attended school in Sask. and joined the armed forces in 1943. He served his country in Italy. After returning home from the war, he worked at a saw mill at Chip lake and then worked for Shelley Saw Mills by the Fraser river in B.C. On May 16, 1951, Ralph married the love of his life, Ellen Olson, from the Meadowbrook district. She would become his lifelong faithful companion and best friend for the next 57 years. After working with his brother in law, Ralph Olson, on his water well drilling rig, and working as a sawyer on a mill near Nordegg for three winters, he pursued full time farming. By then he had purchased the first of four quarters of land in the Forshee district. He and Ellen worked as a "team" and much was accomplished, including raising three children. Ralph was never scared to roll up his sleeves and help out in the kitchen. He was known for his homemade smoked sausage, usually made from wild game. He was an avid hunter, and enjoyed friends and family that would join him out west at "Ralphs' ridge", rightly named after him. He had many memories and stories about hunting. He will be remembered for his love of the outdoors, sausage making, for his ready laugh and as a loving and caring man. Ralph always enjoyed a challenge, and was a strong, hardworking man, who enjoyed his family and friends along with exceptional health, until recently. Ralph will be lovingly remembered and missed by two sons, Wendell (Wendy) of Camrose, and Tim (Brenda) of Sylvan Lake, one daughter Vicky (Brian) Hawkings of Forshee, eleven grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren, two sister in laws, Gene Olson and Marie Olson, and many treasured nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Predeceased by his father Henry and his mother Inga, brothers Orville, Arthur (Christina), sisters Remoth (Ted) Leeder, Ruth (Reg) Webb, Gladys (Archie) Campbell, Muriel (Paul) Wedlund, Joyce (Harvey) Riley, and brothers and sisters in law Gayhart (Maryanne) Olson, Richard Olson, Lillian (Louis) Hatala, Agnes (Joe) Hatala, Ralph Olson, Mildred (Bud) Lehman, and nephews Larry Olson, Brian Olson, Trevor Wedlund and niece Jennifer Hatala.
A celebration of Ralphs' life will be held Saturday December 7 at 1:00 at the Lincoln Hall. If friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to Rimbey Hospital and Care Center, Northcott Care Center or Canadian National Institute for the Blind. Expressions of sympathy can be made by visiting www.wilsonsfuneralchapel.ca.
WILSON'S FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM,
of Lacombe and Rimbey in charge of the arrangements.
403-782-3366 403-843-3388
"A Caring Family, Caring For Families"