Mr. Ralph Clair Graefer

July 2, 1941 - December 28, 2020

Ralph Graefer of High River, Alberta passed away peacefully on December 28, 2020 at the High River Hospital, at the age of 79 years with family at his side. A charismatic man has left our lives but not our hearts. Ralph is survived by his wife of 57 years; Lucille; daughter Carolyn, grandsons, Jordan, Nathan (Dominique); great-granddaughter Everly; brothers Steven (Pamela), Gerald (Joan); brothers-in-law, Irvin (Elizabeth), Ivan; sister in-law Yvonne (Jim) and many nieces and nephews. Ralph was predeceased by his son Wayne, and parents Adolph and Edna. Ralph was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and remained a true Roughrider’s fan. He enjoyed camping, fishing, a good round of golf and most of all gatherings with family and friends where he could tell stories and express his political views. Ralph was a 55 year lifetime member of UA of Plumbers and Pipefitters, Local 496. Ralph you have left us with a lot of memories to keep in our hearts. The family wishes to thank Dr. Ogoke and the palliative care team at the High River Hospital for all their support and attentiveness. Memorial Donations may be made to the High River District Health Care Foundation, 560- 9th Ave. SW, High River, Alberta T1V 1B3, www.highriverhealthfoundation.ca. Caring for the family is Lyle Reeves Funerals of High River (Craig Snodgrass) 403.652.4242. --------------------- Ralph's Message: I want to thank family and friends here today to celebrate my life, and what a life I have had. As some people know I have often said I‘ve had the greatest life of anybody I know. I met and married Lucille the most beautiful girl I have ever seen. She became my best friend and then my angel. We had 2 beautiful children, Carolyn and Wayne. I want to thank my daughter Carolyn for just being Carolyn. The way she lit up a room when she came in, how proud I was watching her move up in her career and all the accomplishments she achieved with her Company. I enjoyed watching my two Grandsons Jordan and Nathan grow up. I had so many laughs with them two boys I could write a book. They grew up to be two fine young men. Nathan married Dominique who became my Granddaughter and blessed us with a Great Granddaughter, Everly. I am so very proud of them. I want to thank my brother Steve and Pamela, Janice and Denise for all the fun times we had, family dinners, travelling on vacations, golf games and the laughs playing games with all the kids in Steve’s backyard I want to thank my brother Gerald and Joan, Terry and Brian for the many, many laugh filled miles we travelled, hunting and fishing and golf games with the boys. I remember the great times with Lucille’s side of the family. Reunions with Mike and Elizabeth, Laura, Victoria, and Natalie, the holidays with them here and in Halifax, the family visits with Jim and Yvonne, Jess and Jeremy, lunches and family dinners with Ivan. I look back with very fond memories with neighbors who became friends in Dover and Rundle, the fun bunch of Canadians and Americans we met in Yuma thru our many winters being snowbirds. I so enjoyed the happy hours and get togethers in Polo Park. I appreciate the help and support they have given me. I thank my brothers and sisters of Local 496 with whom I worked with over the years. What an amazing group of people. To my family and friends don’t mourn for me as you see now, I had the greatest life of anyone I have ever met. Goodbye and God bless you, one and all Ralph __________________ A Message from Carolyn My Dad will always be remembered for his quick wit, sense of humour and the laughs he brought to any social event. And what a story teller he was. My fondest memories growing up as a little girl with my Dad were date nights with my Mom. I would watch my Mom put her make-up on and Dad would pour himself a rye and go to the piano and play his favorite song, Blueberry Hill. As I became a young woman it was my Dad who gave me the confidence that I can do anything. He would always say to me “You have the world by the Balls kid, take it” One of my favorite activities, which has given me many smiles and laughs with my Dad is fly fishing, how I used to love watching my Dad cast his rod and I swear, him and I would have to walk where no man has gone before to get to the best hole. My Dad was my best friend, my mentor and he will always be my Hero. Give Wayne a big hug from me. I love you Dad and Thank You for the way you loved my Mom