December 18, 1915 – March 22, 2010
Ralph passed away peacefully on March 22, 2010 to join his dear wife Rita who predeceased him in 1991.
Ralph was born in Mt. Clemens, Michigan and spent most of his career at Chrysler Corporation in Detroit, Michigan in the sales and distribution division. He retired from Chrysler in 1973 and with Rita (nee Margaret Morton Westwater) moved to join family in Victoria. Not quite ready to retire, both Ralph and Rita worked for a number of years at Westburne and enjoyed that association very much.
Ralph was very active in the Presbyterian Church including serving as a member of the Session both in Detroit and Victoria.
He was also active in the Masonic Lodge receiving his degree in 1943 (Detroit Eureka Lodge #509 F. & A.M.). He was elected Worshipful Master in 1948 and a Life Member in 1983.
He always carried a love of music with him and upon retirement to Victoria joined the Arion Male Voice Choir. Ralph was also a longtime member of Victoria Golf Club.
He moved to Parkwood Place in 1992 and started a Bible Study Group which continues to this day.
Health issues forced his move to Beacon Hill Villa late in 2009 where he again made many friends and entertained playing tunes on the piano when he was able.
He leaves to mourn him his beloved daughter Sharon and her husband Michael Morgan, sisters-in-law Jean Thomas of Victoria, Eloda Westwater of W. Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, special cousin Thelma Michels of Fairfield Glade, Tennessee, many nieces and nephews.
The family thanks both Dr. W. Beeston and Dr. M. Vaughan for their attention and care, and his long time friends Alan Dolphin, The Law Family and all the angels at Beacon Hill Villa for their gentle care and many kindesses.
We will miss his ready smile and sunny outlook but will remember him in all the champagne bubbles!
Funeral Service will be celebrated at McCall Bros. Family Chapel, Johnson and Vancouver Streets on Monday, March 29, 2010 at 3:00pm with a reception to follow in the McCall Family Centre. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice.
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Darlene & Doug Potentier
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Kathleen O'Neill Dear Sharon and Mike:
I was blessed to have developed a special relationship with Ralph when I worked at Parkwood Retirement Residence in Victoria. I still remember the moment I met him. I sat in the lobby of Parkood, waiting to be interviewed for a job posting. I’m sure I appeared to be a bit nervous. Across from me sat Ralph, waiting for someone who was coming to see him. He asked me what I was doing at Parkwood. A lovely conversation began. Almost instantly, he made me feel at ease. Somehow the conversation got to Detroit – and we found our common bond – I was from Windsor and he from Detroit. It was an instant connection! Once I was settled into my new job, our friendship blossomed. He was always pleasant, a delight to be with, and always willing to help his fellow residents at Parkwood. When I moved away to Northern BC, we continued to stay in touch. I always looked forward to my telephone chats with dear Ralph. I shall miss his lovely personality, his cheery disposition, and of course, his charm! Sharon and Michael: you were both such an important part of his life. Thank you for taking such good care of Ralph. God bless you and God Bless Ralph Peltier!
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Rev Rick Cleaver I never had a visit with Ralph where I didn’t come away feeling encouraged in my own faith. He was a man that I truly admired for his persistent and cheerful faith.
I am sorry that I never got to know his family… but I am thankful for knowing Ralph a true hero of the faith.Rev. Rick Cleaver
Trinity Presbyterian Church
Victoria BC
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Ken Wilkinson To the family of Ralph.
I first met Ralph as a young employee in the Sales Distribution Dept. at the Plymouth Plant in the mid 1950’s. (later renamed Chrysler Lynch Road Plant) Ralph was very helpful showing me the ropes as a new assistant Sales Distribution Desk Head. He was such a fun guy with a guick smile that I never forgot . He was always good for a laugh with his friend and coworker Ed Miller. He brightened our work day. I remember that Ralph loved to go to the cafeteria and lunch on a huge piece of watermelon. Moving up and on at Chrysler I last saw Ralph about fifty-three years ago. He was a special guy I never forgot. You do not forget people like him. Ralph’s family was truly blessed to have him for so many years. Now Ralph is with his God. My sincere sympathy to his family.
Ken Wilkinson
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Jack & Lois Adams We express sympathy on the loss of Ralph in
your lives. We know he will be missed by
everyone who knew him.Jack & Lois Adams
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Renee Novak Dear Sharon, I am so very sorry to hear about your father. I have such good memories of him….driving us to high school every morning with WJR news on the radio,( and us wanting music)Taking us to Metro Beach on Saturdays while he went to visit his mom, including me with your family for dinner at Pinkeys in Detroit, watching the Three Stooges in your back TV room with Soda!!!!! YOu are very fortunate to have had him in your life for so very long. He brought much enjoyment and many laughs to many people. I remember you saying that your dad quoted George Burns..saying ” Had I known I would live this long, I would have taken better care of myself!!!” What a loss for us all, BUT what a great addition to our lives. YOu and Mike have my deepest sympathy. Ole’ Ralphie will be missed by many!!!! Love to you..Renee
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Judy Pittel LaFleur Sharon,
I have you in my thoughts and prayers, ….and always remember, “On some bright tomorrow, you will meet again.”Love,
Judy Pittel LaFleur
Dear Sharon and Mike,
Doug and I just heard today of Ralph’s passing. We were away at the time on an extended vacation and of course missed it in the paper. I ran into Art Weibe today and he mentioned it.
We are so sorry to hear about your dear father, he was indeed a dear and gentle soul with a smile that lit up any room. Although we lost touch in recent years, we thought of him many times and will always have fond memories of him and Rita also. They were so very blessed to have such a loving and dedicated daughter and Mike was as loving as any son could be.
Our love and good wishes go out to you both at this time. We are sorry to have missed the celebration of his wonderful life.
Love Darlene & Doug Potentier