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Ralph MCPHEDRAN

June 13, 2008

MCPHEDRAN Ralph ("Red") Harold McPhedran passed away on June 9, 2008 at the age of 77 years. He was born on December 31, 1930 in Dinant, Alberta, son of the late George and Lilly McPhedran. He was raised on the family farm just north of Camrose, Alberta. Red was predeceased by an infant brother Roy. Red grew up playing hockey and baseball and was a natural athlete. He started playing goal in the Camrose area before moving up to junior hockey in Melville, Yorkton and Prince Albert, culminating in a try-out with the New York Rangers before playing senior hockey in Camrose, Ponoka and Red Deer. Red also excelled at baseball and attended a camp for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Red met his future wife Esther Howell after one of his hockey games having noticed this attractive fan throughout the season. They were married on August 30, 1957. He went to work for the City of Red Deer in December, 1956 and joined the City Fire Department in March, 1957. He moved up through the ranks until his retirement as a Platoon Chief in December, 1987. Red took his job seriously and earned the respect of his fellow firefighters. When it came time for a getaway Red, Esther, and the "boys" would pack up the camper, hook up the boat or snowmobiles and head for the hills. Through the years Red volunteered helping out with various hockey activities, refereeing, mentoring his son Neal who followed in his father's goal pads and in later years his grandson Brett. Up until a few years ago he could be seen at the end of the rink at Red Deer Rebel games as a goal judge. With retirement came more golf, a game that Red enjoyed very much. He spent time as a course marshall at River Bend Golf Course while continuing to improve his game. He was looking forward to another round of golf with his good buddy Jim Miyauchi and was hoping to attend the 100th anniversary of the Melville Millionaires Hockey Club in July of this year. Red is survived by his loving wife Esther, and three sons: Evan (Penny) of Red Deer and their children, Brett and Jenna; Keith (Matt) of Red Deer; and Neal (Ann) of Edmonton and their children, Spencer and Kennedy Ann. Our heartfelt thanks go out to the Staff of Unit 22 and ICU at Red Deer Regional Hospital. The celebration of his life will take place in Red Deer on Saturday, June 14, 2008 at 2pm at Gaetz Memorial United Church, 4758 Ross Street, Red Deer, Alberta with reception to follow. The interment will be announced at a later date. Memorial tributes may be made to the Red Deer Firefighters Children's Charity. P.O. Box 535, Red Deer, AB T4N 5G1 or the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, #101, 5208 - 53 Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta T4N 5K2. Condolences can be forwarded to the family at www.parklandfuneralhome.com. In living memory of "Red" McPhedran a tree will be planted in the Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium Memorial Tree Park, Red Deer County, AB.