Ralph Jackson

Peacefully on Saturday, May 8, 2021, Ralph Jackson passed away at the Portage District General Hospital at the age of 71 years.

Left to cherish his memory are his children Ralph Jr. (Carla), George (Erika), Michelle (Jedd), Henry and Dave (Kristin); along with many grandchildren Dana, Rowan, Cadence, Makayla, Keesly, Caleb, Emmett and Ryder.  He will also be remembered be his sisters Marjorie Warren and Jane (Bob) Daneault; brothers Donald (Christine), Gordon (Ethel) and Malcolm (Margaret Ann); many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.  He was predeceased by his parents George and Susan Jackson, brothers Eddie and Johnny Jackson and sister Dorothy Hannah.

Ralph was born in Portage la Prairie, MB on September 10, 1949.  He went to school at Salem School and was employed with Hydro for some years but his passion was farming.  His large hobby farm southeast of Portage had many things over the years; cattle, chickens, pigs and horses. He was very close to his animals, especially his dogs.

He did not need much, he had everything he needed and was very thrifty with what he had.  Life’s extravagant were not important to him.  His family and farm were his life.  His dream was to make sure the farm gets passed down to his children and their children.  Ralph was a man of many traits.  He could literally fix anything and would spend many hours teaching his boys especially his youngest Dave who was Dad’s right hand man,  They would spend hours fixing machinery, plumbing, really anything that needed fixing he would try to fix.  Dave has fond memories of driving the tractor with Dad, gardening and planting trees.  Most of the trees on his land he planted himself, with the help of all his children.  He loved the outdoors, his animals, and talking about his Mom, Grandma Jackson who was very special to him.  He could be very stubborn and was never wrong but had the biggest heart, and would help anyone who was in need.  He could give a good argument and in most cases won.  He had a wonderful laugh and loved to joke around.  He loved to talk about his grandkids, and had the kindest heart would have helped anyone that needed it.  Ralph shared a special bond with Michelle, his only daughter, who cared for him for many years.  They shared a home together the last few years and would spend hours talking about life and family, and the importance of forgiveness and loving each other.  My Dad had a saying, he would always say when things got rough, “this to shall pass” and he was always right.  He helped her in so many ways in life, and passed on so much knowledge, along with his stubbornness.

He will be forever missed by all his family.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Portage District General Hospital for all their care and compassion, a special thanks to Dawn Hannah.

Ralph’s life will be celebrated privately.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com