Ralph Francis O’Connor
We announce the passing of Ralph, who died at the age of 82 years, 2 months and 2 days. Ralph was born on September 17, 1939 at his grandparents, Patrick and Sarah O’Connor’s (nee McPherson) home at the mouth of the Rainy River. Formerly a Hudson Bay Co. Post (Nicknamed Hungry Hall) The most important goal in Ralph’s life was to seek God with all his heart and might and he and Debbie reading the Bible often, was also important to him. Ralph enjoyed all the scriptures, but one of his favourites was Matthew chapter 24. The welfare of his family was first and foremost. Ralph loved the outdoor life, fishing, hunting and sharing these experiences always with his wife Debbie.
Ralph loved people and never hesitated to help when asked. He gave to the poor often and also to the support of the Gospel Ministries. Ralph worked hard all of his life at many different jobs. After High School which he attended in Fort Frances and Rainy River. A trapper all of his years, going to school, a 4th year linesmen at Ontario Hydro, Tourist Guide. Fishing and hunting on Lake of the Woods. He also commercially fished with his dad and uncle Pat. He was an electrician with Rainy River Radio Electric. Logged with horses and later with skidders. He was also a journeyman miner with Inco in Manitoba. He owned and operated several service stations, Ralph worked for Midwest Diamond Drilling, he was a volunteer fireman and served as Deputy fire chief for 2 years. He worked as carpenter on many different building projects. Ambulance driver and attendant. Ralph also worked as a heavy equipment operator at the Nelson River Hydro diversion.
He was a mobile Air Condition Tech. Ralph and Debbie worked at their service station for 30 years. They both loved to travel. It was flip a coin and we will travel there. Ralph and Debbie’s love for each other will go on through eternity.
He earned his Guide Certificate, Manitoba Blaster Certificate, Journeymen Miner Certificate, Safety Supervisor, Licenced Automotive Technician, Lean Burn Certificate, Electronics Certificate, Automotive Fuel Metering Certificate, Cutter and Skidder and Heavy Equipment Certificate, just to name a few.
Ralph was predeceased by his father, Francis O’Connor on May 10, 1993 and his Mother Jean Delia O’Connor (nee Seally) on February 14, 2014.
Ralph leaves to mourn, his beloved wife Debbie of 37 years. His children: Melanie (Greg) Watts of Wilsonville, Ont. Cindy (Scott) MacDonald of Abbotsford B.C. His Grandchildren Trent & Hailey Watts and Ryelly and Owen MacDonald. His Stepdaughters Tawnya (Mike) Carter of Nestor Falls Ontario. Rhonda Grynol of Atkikokan, ON, Step Grandchildren Andrew Jack, Morgan & Teagan Grynol and Aden and Maya Carter. His sister Joyce Veillieux from B.C. and brothers, Lawrence (Helen) O’ Connor from Hamilton, ON, Robert (Helen) O’Connor from Grimsby, ON as well as many cousins, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.
At Ralph’s request, there will be no funeral or memorial services.
Memoriam donations may be made to the charity of your choice.