Ralph passed away peacefully at his home in Salmon Arm, BC with his family by his side after a long courageous battle with cancer.
Ralph was predeceased by his parents, Thomas (1966) and Selma (1995) Paynton. He is survived by his loving wife Jacqueline of 57 years, his four children, Dwayne (Debbie) of Windlaw, BC, Corrie (Doug) of Fernie, BC, Pat (Ray) and Blair (Derry) both of Kelowna, BC, his siblings, Clifford (Gladys) of San Bernardino, Calf, Delores (Ed) of Edmonton, Alta, Rose (Norman) of White Rock, BC, Larry (Donna) of Burns Lake, BC. He will also be sorely missed by 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
Ralph was born in Barrhead, Alberta and came to Salmon Arm with his family as a child in 1946. He attended school in Salmon Arm and helped on the family farm in Mt. Ida. Ralph met Jacquie at a dance in Gleneden. They were married in 1955 and made their home in Salmon Arm after their honeymoon to Niagara Fall. Ralph worked hard, but always made time to enjoy the local dances, the lake, and baseball games with friends.
Ralph spent a few years working in the forest industry before becoming a dairy farmer in 1958. Ralph and Jacquie worked hand in hand throughout the years. After building up the diary farm to a successful operation, Ralph returned to the forest industry for a few years. Ralph and Jacquie were fortunate to be able to semi retire in 1980 and so began their yearly trek south to Arizona for the winter. Winters were spent perfecting his golf game, exploring the desert, dancing and playing cards with friends. Summers were spent working hard from dawn to dusk as berry growers at their beloved Morningside Farms. With access to all those berries, Ralph successfully tried his hand at wine making, which soon became legendary amongst all that tipped a glass or two with him.
Ralph was always able to appreciate the humour of life and kept us all laughing with his stories. He had a great knack for problem solving and inventions. Ralph lead by example and quietly inspired those around him to excel and challenge themselves to be the best that one can be.
Words cannot capture how much Ralph will be missed by everyone who knew him, but as a husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, he was one of the best and touched our hearts deeply.
Cremation with interment to follow at the Mt. Ida Cemetery Columbarium, Salmon Arm. Arrangements are in the care of Bowers Funeral Home and Crematorium, Salmon Arm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Salmon Arm Hospital Foundation, PO Box 265, Salmon Arm, BC VIE 4N3
Friends and family of Ralph are invited to a Celebration of Ralph’s life, which will take place on Saturday, August 11th, 2012 at his home in Salmon Arm from 1 – 4 p.m. The family would like to thank all those who participated in his care over the years at the Cancer Clinic, Salmon Arm Hospital, Cancer Foundation, and home care workers for their compassion and support during his illness.