Obituary of Ralph Harper

Ralph Harper of Calgary, surrounded by his family, passed away on Friday, March 16, 2007 at the age of 87 years. He has gone with the angels, free of pain to proudly walk once again. Ralph was born in Calgary on April 1, 1919 and grew up in what is now Calgary’s downtown metropolis. He was a hard working man and dedicated to his family, city and country. He proudly served as a Lt. Sergeant over seas with the British Army, Artillery Division from September, 1939 to June, 1945. Upon his return to Canada, Ralph began a thirty-three year career with the Calgary Fire Department where he worked his way up to the rank of District Chief. His family was very fortunate in the fact that all of their homes and cottages were built by him with the same dedication and love. Ralph was also a master carpenter and spent many hours making beautiful creations for his family and friends. He and Ila traveled extensively during their lengthy marriage and enjoyed every minute of it but Ralph was always grateful to come home to his favourite place in the world, their house which was located in Boswell overlooking Kootney Lake, BC. He always had a story or joke to share and kept everyone on their toes with his quick and often remarks. Besides Ila, his loving wife of sixty-seven years, Ralph is survived by six children and their spouses, Garry (Kathy) Harper, Sheila (Paul) Crossley, Lea Harper, Janice (Jim) Foster, Julie Harper and Holly (Paul) Schoenhals; eleven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two sisters, Florence Klein and Doris Sprouse. A Celebration of Ralph’s Life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Wednesday, March 21, 2007 at 2:30 p.m. Ralph’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at the Colonel Belcher for their care and compassion over the last four years and a very special thank you to Carol Anne for her devotion and care. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the charity of the donor’s choice. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Ralph Harper, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296.