Starkey, Ralph Ernest
Passed peacefully in his 84th year on September 21st at London Victoria Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
Beloved husband of 56 years of Marlene, proud father of Chris (Cynthia) and Leora Lynne (Nolan), and dear grandfather of Robyn and Alison. Remembered with love by sister Brenda; predeceased by brothers Fred and John.
Ralph’s sense of humour was as strong as his moral compass. His generous nature made him happy to share his talents with Knox Presbyterian Church, Camp Kintail, and the ReStore, along with many individuals. He had a wealth of information and tools; if you needed to fix anything, he could show you how to do it and lend you the tool as well.
He left the family farm in Springfield for Toronto to begin his career, which included data processing in the earliest days of computers. He moved his family first to Woodstock, then Windsor, and finally to the Goderich area in 1977 to work at Champion Road Machinery as a programmer-analyst. He also ran a woodworking business, did lawn care for the township, and loved to putter in his shop.
He especially loved family vacations at the cottage where he and his brothers taught the next generations of Starkeys the joys of waterskiing, boating, and fishing. He rekindled his teenage love of motorcycles when he bought his brother’s Harley-Davidson, only giving it up at the age of 79. When the need was for brute strength rather than speed, he preferred the four wheels of his prized Kubota tractors.
Visitation will be held at McCallum and Palla Funeral Home on Sunday, September 24th from 2:00-5:00pm. The funeral will take place at Knox Presbyterian Church on Monday, September 25th at 11:00am, and there will be a graveside service at Springfield Cemetery on Tuesday, September 26th at 11:30am.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the causes dear to Ralph’s heart: the Canadian Cancer Society, Knox Presbyterian Church, or Camp Kintail (www.campkintail.ca or 519-529-7317).
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
John Banter
Marlene was sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. Over the years Ralph and I had many contacts whether for slow pitch baseball, or insurance dealings. Ralph was always a gentleman but also with quick wit. His religion always played a significant part in his life and he has now joined his maker. May he RIP
Pat Johnston
To the family of Ralph
We were sorry to read of Ralph’s passing. We are unable to attend any services for Ralph, we are out of town for a few days. We use to get Ralph to roll our lawn for us until he ripped open his hand getting the roller off his trailer. We felt so bad he injured himself that we didn’t have him come back. Thinking of you in your loss.
Neighbours Pat Johnston and Bob Desjardins
Carolanne Doig
Marlene, I am so sad to hear of this news about Ralph’s passing. In our time teaching together it was great to hear about all the wonderful times the two of you spent together and whenever I had the chance to speak with Ralph he was always a great conversationalist. My sincere sympathy to you and all your family at this very sad time. I believe that the memories you will share will help sustain you and I keep you in my prayers. CA
Nina Davis
Marlene,
I was saddened to learn of Ralph’s passing but was encouraged to read that he and family spent the day together. You may not agree now, however.
You and family will have my prayers for strength and peace.
Love, Nina Davis