Obituary of Ralph Philip Cook

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and papa, Ralph Philip Cook.

Ralph grew up on a farm near Moosehorn Manitoba, and later resided in Lundar, Manitoba, Canora Saskatchewan, and Niverville Manitoba, where he spent the last 30 years.

Ralph was predeceased by his in-laws Norman (1973) and Gunna (1999) Goodman; son Drew (2013); father Wesley (2021); and brother-in-law Doug Goodman (2022).

Remaining to cherish his memory are his loving wife Dorothy; son Drayton (Deanna); grandchildren Annika and Andrew; daughter Karissa; mother Martha; brother Lyle (Pam) and family; sister Alana; and brother-in-law John Goodman (Marlene) and family.

Ralph graduated high school and immediately started working for CN Rail. He worked his way to crew foreman, then track supervisor. He enjoyed his 25 years on the track but chose to take retirement. In 1982 he attained his gunsmithing certificate from Red River College and ran Ralph’s Gun Shop and Repairs for several years in Lundar. He became a Remington recommended gunsmith. He was an entrepreneur at heart and enjoyed the challenge. He was incredibly talented at fixing, repairing, and building, he’d always be excited to help build, fix or modify anything. In the fall of 2019, he retired from WM. Dyck and Sons Ltd.  He loved his job meeting people and helping them with their projects.

Ralph taught himself to play the guitar and banjo. He could sing and enjoyed entertaining at functions and playing in church. Ralph was a man of Faith and was always ready to share the Good News with anyone. He taught Sunday School and lead youth groups for several years. He had a big heart for children and young adults. Ralph greatly enjoyed sports and coached hockey for many years. He was always either coaching or cheering on his kids from the sidelines. He was a great encourager not only in sports but in life in general. His happy and fun attitude seemed to shine a little light into the lives of those that knew him. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, playing games with his children and then grandchildren, and making silly little jokes at any opportunity. 

Ralph’s life was sadly cut short by a mix of dementias that also developed into ALS.

His loving wife of 42 years cared for him at home to the end until 1 week in palliative care. He passed peacefully with his wife and daughter by his bedside. There will not be a public funeral. A private family graveside service will be held. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to Teen Challenge.

Romans 10:9-10