PONTO Ralph It is with great sadness that the family of Ralph Ponto announce his passing April 21, 2008. He was born in Bentley, Alberta on June 24, 1929, the oldest child of the late Fred and Audrey Ponto. In 1932, along with his family, he moved to a farm in the Eckville area, where resided until moving to Calgary in 1971. Although Ralph enjoyed country life, he soon adjusted to city life, working at various jobs prior to spending a few retirement years in a seniors complex. Due to poor health he moved to the Dr. Vernon Fanning Center at the end of 2000 and to New Port Harbour Care Centre April 2005 where he resided until his passing. Ralph will be lovingly remembered by his 2 brothers Ray (Barb) Ponto of Fairview, Alberta, Dennis (Ingrid) Ponto of Sylvan Lake; his 3 sisters Shirley (Lewis) Heyler of Brooks, Alberta, Mavis Bush of Calgary, Carol (Glen) Bigam of Edmonton; his sister in law Marie (Mike) Beck of Rocky Mountain House, as well as 14 nieces and nephews and 13 great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father in 1978, his mother 1995, his brother Harold in 1968, brother in law Malcolm Bush in 1995 and nephew Sheldon Ponto in 1997. Ralph attended the School for the Deaf in Saskatoon from 1943-1947. Regardless of his disabilities (being deaf and never learning to speak) he enjoyed life and people. He always carried a pen and note pad, ready to visit with anyone who had time to spend with him and will be remembered by many. The family would like to extend their sincere "Thanks" to the staff of New Port Harbour Care Centre, for their excellent care and kindness. A Service of Remembrance for the late Ralph Ponto will be held from the Sylvan Lake Funeral Chapel, Sylvan Lake on Thursday April 24, 2008 at 2 pm with Pastor Bob Roth officiating. A private interment to take place in the Red Deer City Cemetery before the remembrance service. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made in "Ralph's" name to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, NWT & Nunavit 100 – 119 14 St NW Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Sylvan Lake and Rocky Funeral Homes and Crematorium, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements. 403-887-2151