Ralph Weckstrom, aged 73, passed away on August 25, 2016 in Langley, BC. Ralph was born in Vancouver, BC, to Odin and Gladys Weckstrom of Port Mellon, BC. Ralph grew up in Honeymoon Bay. After high school, Ralph joined the Royal Canadian Navy and spent the next seven years traveling the globe. Upon discharge, he married Shirley Smith, and then they moved back to Vancouver Island. Ralph eventually ended up in Campbell River working as a mill wright at Elk Falls pulp mill, where he would work until retirement. Ralph enjoyed music, and lead the Sea Cadet Band for a number of years, earning a reputation as a tough, but fair, leader. He then moved on to several years of active participation as Drum Major in the Legion Pipe Band, thoroughly enjoying the travel, camaraderie, and competition (and a few Blues!). Ralph was also committed to the Royal Canadian Legion, where he eventually was elected to Zone Commander. During all this time, if you wanted to find Ralph on some down time, it was on his beloved boat, the Freja. Just a few years after early retirement he was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimers leading to him moving to the Lower Mainland in 2012 to be near family. Pre-deceased by his father Odin, and mother Gladys (2015). Ralph is survived by his children, Shanda (Craig), Steven (Sue), Sheryl, Shane (Sarah) and 7 grandchildren: Alexandra, Anika, Alaina, Easton, Eli, Ben, and Blake.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2 PM, Saturday, September 24, at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall, 301 11 Avenue, Campbell River.