Obituary of Ralph Gordon Zielsdorf

Ralph G. Zielsdorf, beloved son of God, beloved husband of Shirley Zielsdorf, beloved father of Kent and Jason Zielsdorf, beloved brother, son and grandfather, was brought home this Easter Monday, 28 of March 2005, to be with Jesus his Saviour, to rest in the place He has prepared for him. Ralph was graced with a full life. He was born and raised in Calgary, AB. At the age of sixteen he committed his life to Christ Jesus at Crowsnest Lake Bible Camp. In 1966, he took Shirley Brooks as his wife and later gave life to his two sons, Kent and Jason. Ralph spent the majority of his career in the financial services industry, beginning with Rogers and Zielsdorf Insurance and later founding Zielsdorf Financial Group in 1974. He obtained both his CLU and CFP designations. Numerous achievements during his career include: Life Qualifying Member of Million Dollar Round Table for twenty-five years, ten-year achiever of the Top of the Table and the distinguished Agent of the Year award. Ralph would say, however, that his most satisfying achievement by far was the trust of his clients and the enjoyment he had in helping them achieve their own goals. His professional involvement included The Calgary Estate Planning Council, The Society of Trusts & Estate Planning Practitioners, The Chartered Life Underwriters Association and Canadian Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. Ralph’s heart and faith was also for the supporting of others in their hopes and passions, from the work of translating the Bible into every language with Wycliffe Bible Translators, to the establishment of young people making a fresh start here through International Student Ministries as well as supporting those in the arts in Calgary and Banff. Ralph wrestled for the last three years with a non-cancerous, but growing tumour located in his brain that eventually became completely untreatable and inoperable. He passed away peacefully at home with his family in the afternoon light of Easter Monday. Ralph is survived by his wife, Shirley Zielsdorf; his sons and daughter-in-law, Kent, Jason and Christy; his grandchildren, Lochlan, Ariana, and “Bump#3”; his father Julius Zielsdorf; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Daryl and Marge Zielsdorf, Doug and Linda Zielsdorf; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Judy and Brian Dunning, Joyce and Jack Bartley, and their children and grandchildren. He was predeceased by his mother, Ella Zielsdorf. Family and friends are invited to a Graveside Service at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens (Hwy #8 to Lower Springbank Road & 17th Avenue S.W.) on Saturday, April 2, 2005 at 9:30 a.m. Funeral Services will be held at First Alliance (1201 Glenmore Trail S.W.) on Saturday, April 2, 2005 at 11:30 a.m. with the Rev. Terry Young officiating. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Ralph Zielsdorf, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.