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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
KENNEDY, Ralph John - Crossed the Bar on December 29, 2013 to be in heaven with his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ and his beloved wife Lois who predeceased him in 2010. He leaves behind his four sons and their families, Scott and Sharon and their children: Ryan, Adam and Micah (Kristin); Daryl and his children: Jonathon and Robert; Shawn and JoAnne and their daughters: Meaghan (Chris) and Rebecca; Craig and his children: Melissa and Hunter. Ralph was born on February 2, 1924 to Hilda Mae Kennedy (Tozer) and Michael John Kennedy in Antler, Saskatchewan. Ralph is also survived by his brother Bill and sisters Bernice (Nels), Barbara (Bill) and Bonnie (John) and numerous beloved cousins, nephews and nieces. Ralph attended Elmwood High School in Winnipeg and joined the Royal Canadian Navy at age 17. Ralph fought for liberty and freedom by serving his country as an ASDIC operator during the Second World War. He participated in the Murmansk Run, the Invasion of Normandy on D-Day and the North Atlantic Run, known as the most intense submarine battle in the War. As a result of his service both in the war and in the community, Ralph was awarded the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal in 2008 and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013. Following his service in the navy, Ralph became a teacher at Tec Voc High School in Winnipeg. Ralph taught for 37 years at Tec Voc in both the electrical shop and as a guidance and career counselor. Ralph was a constant fixture at any Tec Voc event and was immensely proud of the Green and Gold. Ralph made a tremendous impact on so many young lives and could even name faces in pictures back through to his inaugural days of teaching at Tec Voc. Ralph was also a night school principal at Kelvin High School in Winnipeg. Ralph loved to laugh and read, and watch sporting events. Many an unwary teacher at Tec Voc "shared" in Ralph's jokes. Ralph and several fellow teachers kept up a monthly game of cards that they continuously played for over 50 years. In 1961, Ralph moved his young family to the Municipality of Springfield where he built Valley View Farm. There, he raised and trained Thoroughbred racehorses. Subsequently, Ralph and his family moved to Hillside Road north of Oak Bank where he established his Thoroughbred training centre known as Pine Ridge Farm. Ralph served as president of the Manitoba Horseman's Benevolent & Protective Association and the Vice President of its Canadian Division. Ralph was also involved in politics and had a strong interest in the well being of his beloved Canada. Ralph served on council in the R.M. of Springfield and was a longtime supporter of Ducks Unlimited. Ralph served on the committee that established Kin Place Personal Care Home in Oak Bank and for seven years was on the Board of Directors of the North Eastman Health Association. Ralph was also a longtime hail adjuster for Co-operative Hail Insurance. Ralph was a proud member of the Canadian White Ensign Society and the Manitoba Legion. Ralph was known for his love of family, his sense of humour and his generosity, honesty and integrity. Our Dad and Grandpa was loved immeasurably by his children and grandchildren. Ralph received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour in later life. Both he and his family witnessed the Lord's grace and power in strengthening and sustaining him through both good and difficult times and circumstances. The family would like to thank the staff at Riverview Health Centre for the kind attention to Ralph over the past two and one half years. The Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2014, at 11:00 a.m., at Oakbank Baptist Church, 26033 Springfield Rd. (West of Hwy. 206), Oakbank, MB. "Those who go down to the sea in ships, Who do business on great waters; They have seen the works of the Lord, And His wonders in the deep." Psalm 107:23 & 24. (The Winnipeg Free Press 03 Jan 2014)
Ships served in:
Photo of Colin Angus, CO of HMCS PORT COLBORNE given to Ralph Kennedy by a former shipmate
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