July 19, 1940 - January 5, 2023
In loving memory ~
It is with heavy hearts, but warmed by fond memories, that we announce the passing of Ralph Sullivan on January 5, 2023 - an amazing father, Papa and friend.
Ralph was born July 19, 1940, in Emo, Ontario to George and Mary Sullivan. Ralph, along with his brothers, George and Glenn, were raised by their mother, Mary, and grandfather, Henry, in Stratton, Ontario after their father was killed in a logging accident when the brothers were very young.
In his early twenties, Ralph moved to B.C., arriving first in Agassiz before moving to Hope, where he met the love of his life, Daryl. The two married on January 18, 1964. They settled into their first home on Raab Street prior to building the family home on Coquihalla Street where they raised their two children, Patrick and Christine, and where Ralph, along with his faithful dog Cooper lived until Spring 2022.
Ralph was a skilled mechanic and talented woodworker. Regardless of how busy life was, he always made time for his children (and their many friends). Not only did he cheer them on at hockey, motocross, swimming, and figure skating and made time for many hunting trips, but he got involved in the activities too. Ralph spent many years coaching hockey, where he encouraged the love of the sport and emphasized a commitment to hard work and sportsmanship, qualities that many of the young people he worked with, including his own children, took forward into their adult lives.
Growing up, and especially through Pat & Christy's teenage years, the door of the Sullivan home was always open - there were poker nights, pizza at all hours and omelettes cooked for anyone around at breakfast.
After retirement, Ralph and Daryl created their summertime "home away from home" at Sheridan Lake. Whether fishing, walking the dog, playing cribbage, boating or taking trips to the country store for ice cream, the memories created with friends and family, and especially those precious times with the grandchildren, will be forever treasured.
Ralph was a man who loved to fish and, as all good fishermen can, he could tell a great story (and, oh boy, could he tease those he loved!). The pride he had in his children, their spouses, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren was evident in the way he shared their successes with others, and the way his face lit up when he saw them.
Ralph was predeceased by his loving wife Daryl in 2013. He is deeply missed by his family - son Pat, daughter-in-law Cindi; daughter Christy, son-in-law Dave; Grandchildren Creigh (Dayna), Kourtni (Dalton), Shaun, Chris, Morgan, and Kyle; and Great Grandchildren Rheeder, Kinsley, Arlo, Anthony and Olivia; as well as many extended family and great friends.
Dad, the love you have shown us, the support and guidance you have given us, and the lessons you have taught us made us who we are today. We love and miss you so much.
Many thanks to our family and friends for their unwavering support during this difficult time. We truly appreciate the calls, notes and stories you have shared. Thank you to Dr. Botha and the entire staff at the Fraser Canyon Hospital and the Hope Hospice Society for your care and support.
A memorial gathering has not yet been planned. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Fraser Canyon Hospice Society at 1275 7th Avenue, Hope, B.C., V0X 1L4 would be greatly appreciated.