On December 30, 2023, passed away in his 94th year at Huron Hospice. Predeceased by his beloved wife Eleanor (Brodrick). He is survived by 2 daughters and three sons; Kimberley (Rick Larin) of Kemptville, Ann (Paul Harrop) of Haliburton, Stephen (Karen) of Meaford, David of Meaford & Mexico and Greg (Cindy) of Seaforth, stepson Doug Scott (Anna), stepdaughter Liz Scott (Rich Fletcher, 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren, also his ex-wife Marjorie Irvine of Owen Sound, his brother Ron (Laurene) of St. Mary’s and sister-in-law Valerie Brodrick. Predeceased by his brother Gordon, his sisters-in-law Bernice and Nancy and his brother-in-law Alan Brodrick. Ralph was the eldest of three sons of the late Ed Smith and Joy Smith (Cooper), born January 23, 1930 and raised at their farm home near Fullarton in Perth County. Ralph attended Fullarton Public School, Mitchell High School and graduated from Stratford Normal School, The University of Western Ontario and Toronto University. He began his teaching career in a one-room rural school (Mt. Pleasant), then taught in Hanover, Leaside and Scarborough before moving to Goderich in 1960 as principal of the senior public school (Victor Lauriston), located in the former High School).
He was superintendent of education in Huron County and principal of Robertson Public School, now Goderich Public School. Ralph retired in 1985 and worked for several years as a photographer. He was a member of the Goderich Lions Club for over 50 years, being president in 1976. Following his retirement, he volunteered as chair of the North Huron Big Brother’s Association, as a member of the Board of Big Brother’s Ontario and helped review agencies for Big Brother’s of Canada. In his spare time he enjoyed writing, – “The Concrete Statues of Apple Park” (located on Hwy. 8), “History of the Menesetung Canoe Club”, Fullarton Village History” (co-authored by his Aunt Lil Smith), a chapter of “Water Under the Bridge” -History of Fullarton Township, “History of the murals in St. George’s Church”, “Childhood Memories of the 1930’s & 40’s” and “Vignettes of a child’s Life in the 1930’s” primarily for family members. He is a past warden of St. George’s Church, Goderich and Trinity Church, Bayfield. Since retirement he and his wife Eleanor travelled a great deal, taking several cruises plus their favourite trips to the jungle in Ecuador and the North West Territory Inuit Village of Coral Harbour in Hudson Bay. His hobbies included wood carving plus Stained Glass which he continued after moving to Goderich Place, a senior’s apartment. Ralph summed up life by hoping that his most lasting legacy was that he was publicly useful, friendly and helpful.
A memorial service will be held at St. George’s Anglican Church, Goderich, on Saturday January 6, 2024 at 1 PM with visitation one-hour prior commencing at 12 Noon. In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Lions Club would be appreciated. Friends may sign the book of condolences at www.mccallumpalla.ca A graveside service will be held on Friday June 14, 2024 at 3 PM at Maitland Cemetery, Goderich
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).
David and Kathryn Yates
To Ralph’s family. I anlways enjoyed our historical conversations. He was a real gentleman , great teacher/administrator and a really nice man. Condolences to your family!.
Les Smith
Uncle Ralph was a giver. He donated his time and his experience to others without asking for anything back. He took the time to ask me how I was doing and what I was doing , my interests and supported everything I did. He made a difference with his special talents and communication with community family and friends. His heart broke after his Wife Eleanor passed I believe he followed his soul mate to the other side where they can share the best of times again. Peace
Aileen Burgin
I was a student in Mt. Pleasant public school where Ralph first began his teaching career. He was such a nice person and as a grade 7 student, I was delighted that he actually came out during the lunch hour to join us in our games. My condolences to his family.
Shirley Gettler
My condolences on the loss of a great man. My husband and I grew up in Fullarton not far from his home place, so knew him quite well and when writing the Fullarton Village Memories book we shared pictures and stories. He was so very kind and thoughtful. Hold on to your memories.
Bruce Shaw
When I was first appointed principal, Ralph became my mentor. He was always supportive, generous in his advice and thoughtful. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word. My thoughts are with all his family as they celebrate the life of a decent human being. Bruce
Cheryl Munroe-Wick
My heartfelt condolences go out to the whole family. Ralph was my principal at Robertson (Goderich) Public School, I continued to see him at Lions Club events, at church and around town for many years. Regardless of how many people he knew and students he had, he remembered who I was and this was a real achievement of not only memory, but his ability to create relationships. He was a role model for me. Rest in peace Mr. Smith you will be missed.
Mary Self Skarsten
Ralph and my mother (Alice Gleason Self) were first cousins and shared the same birthday. Although 12 years his senior, my Mom was always very fond of Ralph, so after her passing, I took up greeting him every January 23rd. He truly was such a kind gentleman who lived an incredibly rich life of varied interests and will be missed by so many!
Doris Harrison
Sending my deepest sympathy to the family on hearing of Ralph’s passing. It is such a short time since I attended Eleanor’s funeral, so sad for the family. When Ralph was principal at Robertson Memorial now Goderich Public I was his secretary
What a kind,thoughtful man,always giving me confidence and consideration
Dennis and Joanne Drennan
Dear Kim, Lindsay, Corey and Damian; Jocelyn and Jeremy,
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your father and grandfather. We used to run into him at Goderich Place when visiting Dennis’ dad there. He and Eleanor were always actively involved in all the activities.
Cathy Whitford
Our Sincere Condolences to Ann, Paul and Arden and to the rest of the family. It is very sad to lose a loved one but especially more during the holiday season. Thinking of all of you, Bruce and Cathy Whitford
Connie Tasker
I am so sorry to read of Ralph’s passing. What a wonderful gentleman he was, always so kind and gentle and so friendly. I volunteer at Goderich Place and I loved seeing and visiting with both Ralph and Eleanor. He is now reunited, free from illness and able to dance again! We will all miss him and I know you his family most of all, he was so proud of all of you!
Ernie McMillan
My sincere condolences to Kim, Stephen, David, Ann and Greg on the passing of your father. I have many wonderful memories of growing up in Goderich and spending time at the busy Smith home were I was always warmly welcomed by Ralph. As school principal your father was always respectful and genuinely interested in his students. I reflect back fondly on his influence on me as a mentor and role model.
Tim Martin
Ralph and Eleanor lived next door to us on Martha St.
Wonderful neighbours.
Always had time for small talk.
My Condolences to the Family.
They both will be missed.
Sharon Brown
My sincere condolences to Ralph’s family. He will truly be missed and remembered fondly. The most kind, caring principal who had a gift for understanding people. Sharon Brown
MaryAnn Barlow
My dear friend Kim and all the families,I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad was a very special person! He was a dedicated community member. His many talents and accomplishments during his long life will be remembered by the many lives he has touched.😇 We will see you on Saturday. Love MaryAnn,Bill&Family
Doris Harrison
My deepest sympathy to Ralph’s family. Seems such a short time ago I was extending my sympathy to Ralph when his dear wife passed. When Ralph was principal at Robertson Memorial,now Goderich Public School, I was his secretary, a truly great person, so thoughtful, kind and supportive.
Ken & Sylvia McGee
Ralph was the perfect gentleman. I will never forget him giving me a large stained glass picture of one of my old cars. Rest in peace Ralph, you deserve to.
Mary Wilson Prout
My Condolences to Ralph’s Family.
Ralph was my First Principal when I started my Teaching Career.
A kind outstanding man who gave so much encouragement to a new Teacher.
Ralph and Eleanor will certainly be missed. Keep your Happy Memories in your Heart.
Sincerely, Mary Wilson Prout, Owen Sound.
Cathie Rutter
Sincere condolences to the family at such a celebrated time of year. Cathie