Boyd,
Ralph Spencer
January 2, 1931 ~
July 15, 2003
Ralph passed away Tuesday morning. He is survived by his beloved wife Anne, sons Graeme (Lucia); and Stephen (Elaine); grandchildren Natalie, Alexandra, Hayley and Ian. Sisters Eloise and Doris, brothers Lowell (Norma); and Barry (Bonnie); his Aunts Neva (Roy) and Muriel. Also, many nieces and nephews and numerous cousins.
He was predeceased by his parents William and Helen and brother Reg.
A native of Wiseton Saskatchewan Ralph moved with his family to Royston in his teens. A resident of Campbell River for nearly fifty years Ralph started out working for Elk River Timber on logging trains as a brakeman/conductor. He switched careers to bricklaying in 1953. He married Anne Menzies of Courtenay in 1956 and moved to Campbell River. He began by building fireplaces in homes, then expanded his business to commercial property construction including the Tyee Plaza, Discovery Inn, Carihi School and many others in the downtown core.
Ralph, an avid curler, was a founding member of both the Comox Valley and Campbell River Curling Clubs. He served as President of the local club, Vancouver Island Curling Association, Pacific Coast curling Association, and in 1986/87 was President of the Canadian curling Association. He was elected to the Canadian curling Hall of Fame and Museum in 1987. Ralph was pleased to be made a member of the Governor General’s Curling Club in 1994 in recognition of his service to the sport. A fiercely competitive player, he thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship of the game and the many friends he made locally and across the country from his association with the CCA and 25 year attendance at the Brier.
Ralph served on the CRTV board as director and president from 1973 to 1983. He joined Rotary in 1979, serving on many committees, becoming a Paul Harris Fellow. His proudest accomplishment was his role in organizing the construction of the Cari’s Infant and Toddler Centre.
Ralph will be greatly missed by his loving wife Anne, his grateful family and the tenants he served so faithfully over the years.
A Celebration of Ralph’s life will take place on Saturday July 19, 1:30p.m. at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, 228S Dogwood St., in Campbell River, the Reverend Elizabeth Forrestor presiding. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ralph’s name if so desired to the Campbell River District Hospital foundation, Heart and Stroke Foundation or Lupus Canada.