1934-2025
Ralph passed away at home on Monday, Oct. 6th, 2025. He was 91 3/4.
Ralph was born in Minnedosa, Manitoba where he spent his childhood roaming the hills, making egg crates and delivering groceries, often with his best friend (and nephew) Jack. He was the youngest child of Samuel Braden Andrews and Maria Walters (Reid) Andrews. He was the last of his family predeceased by both parents, sisters Winnifred (Ted), Vera (Leslie), Margaret (Harry), brothers William (Hazel, Olive Margaret) and Jack (Beatrice). He is survived by his beloved wife, Marie (Pelletier) and three daughters: Catherine (David), Janice (David) and Susan (Brian) and two grandchildren: Katelynne and Kyle.
He had the soul of an artist: loved music and poetry. He could recite poetry for hours with some accuracy. He was an absolute math whiz with a love of macroeconomics. And he had the most amazing memory for names, able to remember classmates from elementary school, and virtually every person he ever met or worked with. He loved to walk and could be out for hours, usually whistling and reciting poetry as he went. He loved to golf or spend hours on his deck enjoying the scenery around him. In younger years, he was an avid hunter, fisherman and curler. The Gorge park waterway was a favourite walking adventure and the family hopes to have a bench in his memory placed there.
He left home at 17 and joined the Royal Bank. He was with the bank for 15 years until he and mom bought a motel in Regina and moved there with 2 babies and started their careers in the motel business. They owned the Wheatland Motel in Regina, SK; the Courtesy Inn Motel in Kamloops, B.C.; the Nomad Motel in Cranbrook, B.C. ; and the Fanny Bay Inn, in Fanny Bay, B.C. He also worked for a number of years as a Loans Officer with the FBDB (Federal Business Development Bank) and the B.C. Provincial Government with the Farm Income Assurance Program.
He and mom would have been married 68 years next month.
His was a life well lived and enjoyed. He loved a good scotch and if you’re so inclined, raise a toast to Ralph and wish him Godspeed to his next adventure. Rest in peace Dad. You will be missed.
There will be no service as per his wishes. Anyone wishing to make a donation in his memory, please consider food banks and agencies that help the poor or hungry directly.
“here he lies where he longed to be; home is the sailor, home from the sea, and the hunter home from the hill”
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