GRIFFITHS - Griffiths - Ralph Gordon Griffiths was born June 6, 1925 in Coronation Hospital and passed away July 6, 2006 in the University Hospital following complications from a stroke. He was the second son born to Bert and Georgina Griffiths. Ralph was raised on the farm with his brothers and sisters and went to school at Midvale and to high school in Fleet. He moved to Red Deer where he was self-employed as a truck driver hauling materials for Atlas Lumber where he met his wife, Helen Borys. They were married in Red Deer in 1947. Three children were born in Red Deer, Keith, Douglas and Karen. Three were born in Coronation, Wendy, Sheila and Pamela. The family moved from Red Deer to a farm seven miles west of Coronation in 1951 and then to the farm one mile west of Coronation in 1957. The farm had dairy cows, purebred Angus cattle, commercial beef cattle, pigs and chickens and raised wheat oats and barley. In 1967, Helen and Douglas passed away due to accidents. Dad taught us to be independent; he encouraged us to work toward our goals. No favouritism, always our "Rock." In 1971, he sold the farm to Keith and Maureen, became semi-retired and continued to help with the farming and cattle operation. Our Dad had a great love for his Angus cattle and won many awards. He raised a bull he named Skyscraper. This bull won reserve grand champion at Agribition in Regina, and was later sold to a breeder in the States. Every cow had a name or number and he could tell you her life story. He was president of the Aberdeen Angus Association for a period of time, a job he became very involved in and enjoyed. He was a life member of the Canadian and Alberta Angus Associations. When he retired, Dad became a Snow Bird, making his winter home in Apache Junction, Arizona. The last 15 years he made his summer home in Viking with his dear friend and companion, Gert Haeberle. Dad and Gert enjoyed playing pool, dancing and camping, each year returning to the same resort, Golden Sun RV, and so they met with and enjoyed friends from both Canada and the U.S. They sometimes met friends at functions or traveled to visit each other at their homes. He bought a computer when he was about 70 years old and used it to have text message conversations with his friends in the States and here in Canada. He liked to email to his family and had twice weekly conversations with his Arizona friends. For his 80th birthday he got a digital camera. He was up for the challenge but was sometimes frustrated because it wouldn't do what he thought it should. Ralph was predeceased by his brothers, Jim and Charles, his parents, Georgina and Bert, his son Douglas, and his wife Helen, mother and father-in -law, William and Mary Borys, and by his son-in-law, Alvin Marlow. He is survived by his dear friend, Gert Haeberle and her family, his children, Keith (Maureen) Griffiths, Karen (John) Wold, Wendy Marlow, Sheila (Bob) Smith, Pamela (Doug) Ferguson. Also by his grandchildren, Douglas (Sue) Griffiths, Denise (Dean) Bull, Edward (Norah) Griffiths, Kevin Wold, Trevor Wold, Carrie Smith, Dan (Gillian) Smith, Kristen Marlow, Scott Ferguson and Luke Ferguson. Great Grandchildren include Austin Griffiths, Michael, Damien and Emma Griffiths. His sisters, Jean (Mike) Checkel, Ann (Tom) Rodvang, Muriel (Arnold) Bye and their families. His in-laws, Olga and Jack Robinson, Anne and Sid Morris, Rose and Boyd Jackson and their families Card of Thanks The family of Ralph Griffiths would like to thank family and friends for their care and concern over the loss of our Brother, Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather A Celebration of Life was conducted on Wednesday, July 12, 2006 in the Coronation Community Centre, Coronation, AB with Rev. David Denholm officiating at the interment service in the Coronation Cemetery. The Federal Friendship and the Sunshine Club prepared and served a luncheon to all those in attendance. Memorial contributions may be made in Ralph’s memory to the Coronation Health Care Complex or to a charity of the donor’s choice in care of Parkview Funeral Chapels & Crematorium, Box 186 Castor, AB. T0C 0X0 and would be appreciated by the family. Condolences may be sent to the family kgriff@telus. net Parkview Funeral Chapels & Crematorium of Coronation, Alberta were entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements. For further information please contact Parkview Funeral Chapels & Crematorium at toll free 1-888-882-3141.Back to Obituary page