Obituary of Rafael Stanislaus LIPOTH

(Known as Ralph Lipoth)

July 9, 1939 - Sec. 22, Tp. 21, Rge. 5, W.2 Saskatchewan

(13 Miles South of Grayson, Saskatchewan)

March 19, 2020 - Calgary, Alberta

Ralph, beloved husband of Mary Anne Cecilia Lipoth (nee West) of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully, in the comfort of his home, on March 19, 2020, at the age of 80 years.

Ralph was born in a farmhouse on July 9, 1939. It was the same house in which his mother was born. Ralph graduated from St. Joseph’s College in Yorkton, and went to Teachers’ College in Moose Jaw, completing his Bachelor of Education Degree from the University of Saskatchewan, in Saskatoon. He began teaching in Esterhaz (near Esterhazy), in a one room schoolhouse, which included instructing grades one through eight, and supervising students in grades nine and ten. Ralph then taught in Lloydminster -- living on the Saskatchewan side in a teacherage and teaching on the Alberta side. In 1966, he moved to Calgary, Alberta, where he met his loving wife and companion of 51 years, Anne. Their first date was to a Stampeder’s football game. They were married on June 29, 1968.

Ralph’s career spanned well over forty years, including contract work after retirement. Every year involved teaching students in grade six. He was dedicated in service to the Calgary Catholic School District and influenced the lives of hundreds of students in the Northwest, at St. Luke and St. Sylvester Schools. He loved his vocation and was recognized for teaching excellence in 1991, with a Teacher Plus Award.

Ralph volunteered many years as a coach and manager in Little League baseball and softball. He was Man-of-the-Year in Little League Baseball in 1991. Known as Mr. 50/50, he was recognized for his fundraising efforts that took Big League Baseball out of debt in 1991. He coached his son to multiple pennants and championships. In the summer of 1994, Ralph also coached his daughter to a Canadian Little League Softball Championship in Fort Erie, Ontario, and participated in the Little League World Series, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was devoted to his family and provided a balance of structure and play for his children.

In the summers in Saskatchewan, he enjoyed spending his free time with his siblings and friends -- golfing, playing baseball, going for walks, and taking courses. Ralph also enjoyed hockey and football. After moving to Calgary, he enjoyed trips home to Saskatchewan to visit family and time in the Okanagan, where he took his children fishing, built his own cottage, worked at the family cabin, and was a powerhouse in his brother-in-law Roy’s orchard and vineyard. Ralph enjoyed working on his own vehicles, yard work, family gatherings, driving into the countryside around Calgary, Anne’s cooking & desserts, and a good coffee. Memorable vacations include trips to the Yukon, Expo ’86 in Vancouver, camping in Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands), and many excursions to White Rock. He cherished his school reunions with his St. Joseph classmates and their families.

One of Ralph’s sayings was, "11-11-skyward to heaven". It does not surprise us that it was at that time that he began to take his last breaths, dying shortly thereafter, family at his side, and with prayers for the intercession of St. Joseph on his Solemnity. Dad will be most remembered for his faith in God and commitment to family. He was a faithful parishioner of St. Luke, St. Pius X, and then in his final years, at the Rocky View Hospital Chapel & Foothills Medical Centre Chapel. His greatest legacy is that his life pointed to Jesus.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Anne, his daughter, Charlene, and son, Paul, all of Calgary, Alberta. Ralph is also survived by his three brothers, Aloysius (Delores) from Melville, Saskatchewan, Alphonso (Grace), and Joseph (Cecile) of Regina, Saskatchewan; his two brothers-in-law, Brad Breit and John Hickie, also of Regina; his two sisters-in-law, Sharron West and Dorothy West, both of Calgary; his four brothers-in-law, Edward/Ted (Rose) of Killiney Beach, British Columbia, Donald West of Calgary, Roy West of Calgary, Luigi (Jan) Cusano of Calgary; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and even some great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews. Ralph was predeceased by his mother, Helen (nee Kulcsar); father, John; sisters, Barbara Breit and Bernadette Hickie; infant brother James (Jim); father-in-law John West, mother-in-law Marion West; sisters-in-law, Rita Ellen Cusano and Lorraine West; infant niece Teresa Marie West; toddler nephew Mario West; and brother-in-law Wilfrid West.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we ask that you pray for Ralph from home. A private mass and burial will be concelebrated for immediate family, by invite only. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Pius X Catholic Church (2424 – 24th Avenue NW, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, March 26, 2020, at 11 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery. Once public gathering restrictions are over, the family will arrange a memorial mass and reception for the community. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Ralph’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

The family would like to thank the staff at Foothills Medical Centre for their care of dad while in hospital with pneumonia. Also, we would like to extend our gratitude for the professional and compassionate care from medical clinic staff, consulting doctors, and especially paramedics Lester, Bryce, and Claire, who supported dad through his last hours.

If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Retired Priests Fund (catholicyyc.ca), to the FCJ Centre (fcjcentre.ca), Alzheimer Society Calgary (alzheimercalgary.ca), or your favourite charity.

In living memory of Ralph Lipoth, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.