Ralph Eli Johnson

October 23, 1931 - September 6, 2018
Ralph passed away peacefully in Red Deer on September 6th following a brief stay in hospital and hospice.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife and soul mate of 45 years Catherine ("Kit"), parents Eli and Annie, sister Ruby and brother Ronnie. He is survived by his children Mark (Stephanie), Susan (Dave), Penny, Lori (Cheryl) and Chris (Richard); his grandchildren Alex, Aubrey, Katrina and Nicola; his brother Floyd (Bernice) and sister Sharon.

Ralph grew up in south eastern Saskatchewan and began married life farming. Early on, when hail destroyed crops, he went to work "just for the winter" with an oil service company. He never returned to farming, progressing rapidly in that same company from which he retired 30 years later as Regional Manager for Central Alberta. Outside of work and family Ralph gave generously of his time when and while he could to Sacred Heart Parish, various charities and political organizations.

There was nothing Ralph enjoyed more than fishing, a passion he shared with and instilled in family and friends alike. At his Red Deer home of 49 years he planted a garden and flowers every year and kept family and friends well stocked with tomatoes and his homemade raspberry jam and chokecherry syrup. Ralph was an ardent fan of the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Toronto Blue Jays through thick and thin, rarely missing a broadcast of their games. Many of the catch phrases from his running commentary will long remain in the family lexicon.

A funeral mass for Ralph will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 18 at Sacred Heart Church, 5508 48a Ave. Red Deer. In lieu of flowers the family suggest a donation to the Red Deer Hospice Society or a charity of the donor's choice.