Rice, Ralph Edward
Ralph passed away peacefully at home on Friday, April 15, 2022 surrounded by family at the age of 84.
He is survived by his loving partner Eileen Weber.
He leaves behind his daughter, Marsha Rankin and his step-children Carol Kollen, John (Louise) Sheridan, Tom (Steph) Sheridan, Bonnie (Brad) Parkes, Rick (Lori) Sheridan, Stephanie and Kris Comrie.
Left with cherished memories are his grandchildren Hannah (Lucas) and Tim Rankin, 14 step-grandchildren and several step-great grandchildren. Ralph will be missed dearly by his sister Mildred Thompson and brothers Waverley (Carol), Harold, Ken (Linda), Barry (Ann) and Dennis (Donna) and their families. He was predeceased by his parents Karl and Irene (Kentner) Rice, his brother Robert and his wives Cheryl (Wickens) and Imogene (Hewgill-Sheridan). He will forever be in the hearts of the Rice, Wickens, Kerst/Comrie, Sheridan and Weber families.
Ralph worked from the age of 16 at the Thornbury Co-op in the feed mill and eventually became the mill manager. He and Cheryl owned and operated Bayshore Bowling Lanes for close to 20 years and they also owned Brownies Smoke Shop.
Everyone who knew Ralph knew him to be a kind and gentle man who loved spending time with his family and friends. He was well-known to be a tease to all the young nieces, nephews, cousins and grandkids. Most will remember a good tickle and lots of laughing. Ralph looked forward to his annual hunting trips with his brothers and friends. Many stories of hunt camp adventures have been shared over the years. Ralph loved to play cards. It didn’t matter what game he played, he always had a good time with family and friends. Until his final weeks he was the president of the local card group and looked forward to each week’s games.
The family would like to thank Dr. Remillard and his staff, the Care Teams provided by Home and Community Care for the excellent care Ralph received in the last month. Special thanks to Carol Kollen and Bonnie Parkes for the extra care in Ralph’s final days.
Ralph’s family will receive friends for a public visitation at Ferguson Funeral Home in Meaford on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 from 4 until 7 p.m. We ask that masks are worn and that all Covid-19 rules and restrictions are respected to keep everybody safe. A private service of committal and interment will be conducted at Thornbury-Clarksburg Union Cemetery.
As your expression of sympathy, donations to the Meaford Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
Details
Public Visitation from 4 until 7 p.m.
Private graveside service at Thornbury-Clarksburg Union Cemetery.
Saturday, April 16, 2022
Our sincere sympathy to all the family of Ralph.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Murray and Ilene Stephens
Saturday, April 16, 2022
We are so very sorry to hear if Ralph’s passing. I spent many, many days at the bowling alley playing cards with Cheryl and always loved visiting with them both.
Ralph will be very missed.
Our deepest condolences to the entire families
Saturday, April 16, 2022
We are deeply saddened by this news, and send our sincere sympathy to all the family. The sky will shine a little brighter with a new star tonight.
Gwen, Brent & Sherrie, and family
Saturday, April 16, 2022
To all Ralph’s families
Thought and prayers to you all God bless
Rip Ralph until I see you again
Cherie Thompson (Hogg)
Saturday, April 16, 2022
Sincere condolences to all the families of Ralph Rice. I met him playing cards..such a friendly person.
Saturday, April 16, 2022
My sincere sympathy Marsha to you and your family for the loss of your father. I’m sure you will cherish the memories you have of him.
Saturday, April 16, 2022
Eileen Weber and family, i am so sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing My thoughts are with you.
Saturday, April 16, 2022
We will miss that huge smile and little jokes! He was a great man. I’m happy to have known Ralph for so many years. He was the best boss anyone could ever have! So many memories. Thinking of you all at this sad time.
Lisa & Terry and family
Saturday, April 16, 2022
We are so sorry for your loss lots of good memories of the bowling alley and smoke shop. Our deepest condolences to Marsha and the whole family keeping you in our thoughts
Peter ,Katherine(Turmaine) and Glenn Poirier
Saturday, April 16, 2022
Very sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing …he was a true gentleman .Our sincere condolences to all the
family .
Gary & Beverlee Dillon
Saturday, April 16, 2022
Our sincere condolences Marsha. Ralph was always a great friend.
Saturday, April 16, 2022
Ralph was a fine gentleman in the truest meaning of the word, comforting to know he can be united again with his family who have already passed the vale, the resurrection is a sure thing. May you find comfort in this assurance.
Saturday, April 16, 2022
Our sincere condolences to Ralph’s family and all the Rice families, who will have so many special memories to help bring some comfort during this time.
Sincerely,
Keith & Barb Dooks
Saturday, April 16, 2022
My sincere condolences to Marsha and family. Also, to Eileen Weber, his partner.
I used to work with Ralph at the coop many years ago. He will be deeply missed at the walking club and playing cards at the community hall. Ralph always had a twinkle in his eyes. RIP Ralph.
Saturday, April 16, 2022
Our thoughts are with all of the family at this time. Remembering Ralph as a gentle, man, who was loved by everyone and everyone loved him. Hold on to the memories and all the special times that were spent with him.
Linda Teed and Family
Sunday, April 17, 2022
To Ralph’s family and friends,
Our deepest sympathies to everyone… Ralph was such a great guy and will be missed very much.
-Love, Wayne and family.
Sunday, April 17, 2022
Marsha, Mildred, Wave, Harold, Ken, Barry, Dennis & families – my deepest sympathies go out to all of you! I have so many good memories of cousin Ralph – laughter is certainly a huge part of those memories. Keep your memories close and enjoy them each day as we move forward without Ralph in our midst. He will be missed!
Sending you All a virtual hug, Bonnie
Sunday, April 17, 2022
Dear Marsha, Millie, Wave, Harold, Ken, Barry, Dennis and Eileen:
We are so sad to lose another cousin, Ralph was such a “fun cousin” growing up, I loved his mischievous smile! He always had a bright twinkle in his eyes!
Everyone has their own memories to keep him alive forever – ones to be cherished.
May God be with you all on this Easter weekend and for the many days ahead.
Sincerely (and sending hugs),
George & Lynn (Kentner) Cornfield.
Sunday, April 17, 2022
Our sincere sympathy to Ralph’s family. He was a nice man and will be missed by all who knew him. Susan & Perry Hoadley. Grief is the price we pay for love
Sunday, April 17, 2022
To all of Ralph’s family. I can’t tell you how sad this news was. I was fortunate enough to work with Ralph as a part time employee at the Thornbury COOP when I was younger. I can tell you that it was a privilege working with him and he had a real influence on me. What a gentleman for sure and integrity galore. Wonderful memories to hold on to, and with time each one of them will bring a real smile to our faces. Thinking and praying for you all.
Peter
Sunday, April 17, 2022
Our sincere condolences to Ralph’s family.
Al and Marg Lowe
Sunday, April 17, 2022
Sending condolences to the entire Rice family for this loss. Thinking of the wonderful times spent together and thought of Ralph often. He will certainly be missed.
Sunday, April 17, 2022
Rick & Lori
I’m so sorry for your loss
Sunday, April 17, 2022
I have many fond memories of Ralph, Cheryl, and Marsha while working at the family bowling alley! Such a wonderful, caring family who truly cared about their community! My thoughts and prayers are with your family! This kind, gentle soul will never be forgotten! Hugs!
Sunday, April 17, 2022
Condolences to the Rice family, certainly a gentle man that will be so missed in the community. Ralph always took time to chat and made your day a little better!
Love to all, Lori Reekie Adams
Sunday, April 17, 2022
Dear Marsha, Hannah, Tim, Rice Family, Sheridan Family, Kerst/Comrie Family & Eileen
We are so saddened to read of Ralph’s passing. Marsha, I am so sorry that you again are having to grieve a loved one, so soon after the passing of your beloved husband. I have many great memories of your Mom & Dad when they owned and lived at the bowling alley. Spent many hours of fun there. Ralph continued on with life after Cheryl’s passing and made new family connections. All of you will have wonderful memories of a very gentle man. Cherish and share them.
Hugs to all of you.
Sunday, April 17, 2022
Our condolences to all of the Ralph’s family…back in the days of bowling at the alley Barry and I remember many fun party’s with Cheryle and Ralph… so sorry for your loss..
Barry and Linda
Sunday, April 17, 2022
extending our sympathy, he was a good guy
Sunday, April 17, 2022
our sincere sympathy to entire family as I know you have many memories to share We were best of friends in our younger years and have many memories He was a great guy and a barrel of fun
Sunday, April 17, 2022
Condolences to the Family’s
Ralph was a Great Family and Community Spirited man,he will be missed.
Sunday, April 17, 2022
Extending our sympathy to all the family he was an great guy always had an smile
Sunday, April 17, 2022
It was a pleasure knowing Ralph through the walking club as well as Eileen, may he be at peace. Oz and Ellen Yurick
Sunday, April 17, 2022
So very sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing
Sunday, April 17, 2022
Sorry for your loss. Ralph was a great guy.
Monday, April 18, 2022
Our condolences to the families of Marsha, Mildred, Waverly, Harold, Ken, Barry, Dennis and Eileen.
So, so many cherished memories over the years.
Rip my friend
Ron & Sharon
Monday, April 18, 2022
My condolences to the family in the passing of Ralph.
Monday, April 18, 2022
I am so thankful for the technology today
Would never have know
I lived above the smoke shop while attending school and working at Wongs when I was a teenager
Ralph was always great, loved his stories and his jokes
So so sorry for your whole family as he was for sure a great treasure
Lori-Anne Franklin
Monday, April 18, 2022
Our condolences to you Marsha and to the whole Rice family. Ralph will be remembered for being soft spoken, fun living and for being a kind hearted sole.
“Another Angel has received their wings!”
Suzanne & Mike Duguay
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
So sorry for the loss to all of Ralph’s families. He was a kind and gentle man and he will be missed.
Harvie and Jill Reekie
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
Our sincere condolences to Ralph’s family. We shared many great times together at camp and in the Valley. He was one of the best. He will be missed
Buck and Liz
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
I’m sorry I’m not able to come to the visitation. My family has great memories of golf days and card games. Ralph was a great guy and will be missed. Thinking of all his family at this time. So sorry for your loss.
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
I am very sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing.
My deepest condolences to Marsha and all the family.
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
To the family,
When Sid and Jane passed on your news of Ralph’s passing it immediately took me back to the Saturday mornings of my youth. So grateful for his investment in youth and hosting all those children at Saturday morning bowling.
The other messages of Ralph’s character ring true in my memory as well.
May you be blessed in this journey from missing Ralph presence to treasured memories of his impact in your lives.
Ingrid Dykstra Kielstra
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
Marsha and families, so sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing, such a great man in every way, lots of memories.
Linda, Richard and Michael Hutchinson
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
We were so saddened to hear of Ralph’s passing. Wonderful memories of time spent at the bowling alley and Ralph’s smile. Our sincere condolences to Marsha, Eileen and their family.
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
Dear family,
I extend to you my heartfelt sympathies for your loss.
I was so fortunate to work alongside Ralph on various jobs for many years in the service industry. We would be mucking out stalls, pruning trees, painting barracks at the Meaford Military Training Centre, cutting grass, cleaning windows and the list goes on. He was hilarious!
A day on the job without Ralph was a day without sunshine!
He loved to talk about his family and whenever speaking of Marsha there was always a smile on his face which held such pride and admiration.
Ralph could find the humour in the most difficult situations and had communication skills that would put the best mediators to shame.
He was and will remain to all that knew him, a loving and kind human being.
I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to know Ralph in my lifetime.
May you find peace in the loving memories that you hold dear in your heart.
God bless.
Ellen Anderson
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Saturday mornings at the bowling alley were some of my best times as a kid. Ralph was always so kind and so funny.
My condolences to Ralph’s family and friends.
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Rolf will always be remembered by the Thornbury community. I have fond memories of him growing up and seeing him at the Bowling Alley. He loved his community and family. He will be missed by many! We are thinking of all of you during this time.
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
My condolences to the Rice family.
Uncle Ralph was always there for me.
I will always have fond memories
He watched us grow into young ladies.
He was an outstanding uncle and
He will be greatly missed.❤️
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
We are very sorry to hear the news of Ralph passing. Our condolences to his family. He always had a smile and kind word when we saw him. He was a genuinely nice person.
Friday, April 22, 2022
So sorry to hear the passing of Ralph