Ralph Gerald Ensign, formerly of Carmangay, passed away Saturday June 15, 2002 at his home in Peter Dawson Lodge, Vulcan at the age of 79 years.
Ralph was born May 6, 1923 at Retlaw, Alberta to George and Rose Ensign. He attended a small County school by Picture Butte and received his high schooling in Picture Butte. On completion of his education he worked on the family farm at Barrhill for a short time, prior to joining the Army during WWII. He served as a member of the Motorcycle Brigade and received an honorable discharge in the early 1940’s, when he injured his ankle. Ralph then returned to Barrhill and worked on several farms in the area. On October 8, 1949 he married Opal Cutforth in Carstairs, and they began their lives together. He continued working on numerous farms in the Enchant, Lomond, Carmangay and County of Vulcan areas and in 1970 began working for Bob Shearer. In 1972 they moved into Carmangay and eventually purchased the Shearer farm in 1973. He raised Charolais Cattle and grain farmed until his health started to fail in 1997. He continued to reside on the farm until the spring of 1998 when Ralph and Opal both moved into Peter Dawson Lodge, where he has resided since.
Ralph loved his family, especially his grandchildren and great granddaughter. In his younger days he played guitar and sang with his neighbor and brothers for entertainment. He was extremely fond of country and western music. He also showed an interest in carpentry, and enjoyed working on several projects, including building houses with his nephew Rex Cannady in the early 1950’s. His true pride and joy were his Charolais Cattle. Ralph spent many hours working with his cattle and enjoying every minute , to him his cattle and farming were everything.
Beloved husband for 52 years of Opal of Vulcan, loving father of two daughters Beverley (Duane) Talbot of Calgary, Barbara (Hayward) Noel of Cardston, four grandchildren, Craig (Doreen) Talbot of Calgary, Angela (Jarrod) Shiflett of Beaumont, Texas, Brad Noel of Lethbridge, Ryan Noel of Cardston, a great granddaughter Emily Talbot of Calgary, two sisters Fern Russell of Calgary, Georgia Housenga of Brooks, a brother Gordon Ensign of Castor, numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Ralph was predeceased by three sisters Violet, Lucille, Doris, two brothers Gene, Robert and his parents.
Funeral service Thursday June 20, 2002 at 1:30 p.m. at Peter Dawson Lodge, Vulcan with Rev. Henry Friesen officiating.
Casket Bearers Bob Shearer, Duane Talbot, Hayward Noel, Craig Talbot, Brad Noel and Ryan Noel.
Interment Carmangay Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, tributes in Ralph’s memory could be made to the Peter Dawson Lodge Memorial Fund Box 760 Vulcan, TOL 2BO.
Funeral arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Directors. Telephone 485-2633. E-mail condolences to vulcanfuneralhome@hotmail.com.