Ralph McEwan

Ralph Douglas McEwan

March 31, 1951- June 12, 2015

It is with saddened hearts that we announce the passing of Ralph Douglas McEwan , a loving husband, father, Papa {as he was known to his grandchildren}, and great friend . He was predeceased by his parents James and Evelyn McEwan; brother James Jr. and sister Joanne.

Left to remember him as having a heart of gold, and having a very genuine and giving personality are his loving wife of 16 years Michele; children Tara (Lee) Sutherland, Karen (Ryan Coomber), Cameron (Sara Solomon), Carrie (Travis) Dubois, Stephen (Joelle) Thiessen; honorary son Dave ( Jen) Nelson and mother of his children Kathy Martin.  As well as his grandchildren Mason, Mya, Owen, Hannah, Dylan, Brandon, Rachel, Damion, Kyrian, Rochelle, Julienne, Hailey, and Carter.

He will also be lovingly remembered by his siblings, Bruce (Cheryl), Glen (Sonya), Norm (Jill), Murray, Ken (Michelle), Diane and Don; brother and sister-in-laws Denis (Paula) Meyer, Pierre (Cheryl) Meyer, Marie (Alfred Talbot) Louis (Guylaine) Meyer, Diane Whitford, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Over his lifespan Ralph touched many hearts. He was an incredibly genuine man, always ready to help someone out. No matter who he met, the first thing he did was give them a strong but firm handshake.  He had a vast wealth of knowledge and was always ready to strike up a conversation, whether it was about the war (which fascinated him as his Father was a WW2 veteran), the universe, sports, or just about anything. It could take a few hours before you were done.  He was an avid reader and loyal Bomber fan. He was a genuine and caring man with a warm heart and bright smile, but first and foremost he loved his family and friends and will be remembered and held dearly in our hearts. He will not be forgotten and will be deeply missed. Ralph knew how to ease problems and sorrow with a little quote; “Character is what you know you are, not what others think of you”; that is how Ralph lived his life, Others first, before himself. When his children were growing up, they spent many summers camping at Falcon Lake. While his children were playing in the lake, Ralph would either be in the camper cooking, which he loved to do, or sitting in a lawn chair on the waters edge reading his book. Sunday dinners were important to him, as they were a special time with his family and friends. During the last few years, he enjoyed going to Alberta to see his grandchildren. He also enjoyed going boating on Sylvan Lake and driving up to the mountains. Papa loved his grandchildren and would do anything for them, including having them over for sleepovers, attending sporting events, taking them to the park and even going tubing with them.

Over the last 30 years working for Standard Manufacturers, he made numerous long lasting friends, (“you know who you are”).  Ralph could be counted on to help mentor new employees and share his wealth of valuable experience. His co-workers will miss his sense of humor and work experience. Thank you for your time and friendship.

A private celebration of life will take place later this summer. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Ralph’s memory to the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Mb, CE 501, 840 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB, R3A 1S1.

“I thought of you today, but that is nothing new, I thought of you yesterday and days before that too. I often think of you in silence, I often speak your name, all I have is memories and your picture in a frame, memory is a keepsake in which I’ll never part, now peaceful in your keeping, I have you in my heart.”

I lost the love of my life, leaving a void that will never be replaced. Life is too short, I will never grow old with my Ralphie.

You are now free to be with your angels.

Love you forever Chele.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com