It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ralph Humphrey Sr. Ralph left this world peacefully with his two favourite women by his side.
He was born at home to Henry and Anne Humphrey on May 24, 1930 in Ignace, Ontario. He passed away on August 6, 2010 in Trail, BC.
As a young boy of 6, he would go trapping with his father. On occasion he would tire in the deep snow so his father would have to carry him and the pelts back home. He would sleep on the pile of pelts that his father had in his pack.
At the age of 14, he started his first business getting firewood for some of the town’s people of Ignace. Just he and his trusty horse named Dick with wagon in tow.
At 18yrs, he went into logging and also held down a job with the CPR freight hauling. Still in his spare time, he would do welding and mechanics work for the Ignace Airways. By 26yrs, he landed a job being a Switchman with the CPR and accomplish Switch foreman by 1962. He then incorporated his own construction company modestly named Ignace Contracting. He employed many friends and family. Giving his sons experiences that made him proud. His accomplishments included Road construction to basements to forestry and contracts for the highways and mines. Ralph barged equipment over water and hauled into far deep lands to his worksites.
In 1974 he moved his family to Castlegar, BC. He got into the Boilermaker trade starting at the Kootenay Canal of that year. He retired from Boilermakers Local # 359 in the year of 1993. Ralph was proud of his work accomplishments in heavy construction, Revelstoke Dam, Mica Dam, 7 Mile Dam and the many Pulp Mills in BC. In this time, He got his pilot’s license and purchased his Piper Cherokee. He flew across Canada and even one time had to emergency land his air craft on the Yellow head highway. The police gave him a safe takeoff after he refuelled his plane.
In 1980, he married Roma, they continued to create beautiful things together. They built their marital home on the rock in Robson. Ralph ran his business, Rock Bluff Welding and Backhoe services from their home. Family and friends would stop in and have a famous bon fire that you could see from all over the area. Ralph worked his business until the time that they sold the big home and moved to a smaller place. This never stopped Ralph from working. He would build trailers, do welding and fabricate anything for anyone. When Ralph built something it was built the right way which was his way.
Ralph and Roma had many adventures and lived to the fullest travelling in their motor home and compiling many more memories. They were best friends as well as husband and wife. Their life together was very busy merging two families which presented challenges but together they made it work.
He loved to tinker, travel, tell stories, fly planes, MacGyver and build the biggest bon fires around. Ralph will always be remembered for his great laughter and love of life. He made a difference in the lives of so many.
He is also a member in good standing with the RC Legion Br #170 for 32 years.
Ralph is pre-deceased by his parents Henry and Anne Humphrey and his Son Ralph Jr., Brothers Arthur, Hank, Murray, Gordon, Sisters Eunice (John) Kuznak, Geraldine Miniely.
Ralph is survived by his loving Wife Roma, Brother Albert, Sisters Marion, Flora, Myrna; His Children Colleen (Tony) Hewlett, Crystal Nutter, Shane Humphrey, Art Humphrey.
Step Children; Jess (Sandra) Davis, Lea Lemky, Jim (Michelle) Meiklejohn, Hazel (Lee) Davis, 21 Grandchildren, 7 Great Grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
There will be a funeral service for those who wish to attend on Saturday August 21, 2010 at 10 AM at the St. David’s Church 614 Christina PL in Castlegar, BC.
Reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, if you wish to donate, donations can be made to a charity of your choice.