Ralph James Martin

On the morning of May 10, 2022, at the age of 92 years, Ralph Martin passed away at the Swan River Valley Health Centre.

Ralph was born in Swan River, June 21, 1929, to Leonard and Sybil (Foster) Martin. He lived almost his entire life in the beautiful Swan River Valley. He was the second youngest of four children. He attended Floradale School. Following school he worked at various jobs in the local area helping farmers, employment in Victoria, BC painting ships, followed by a stint in Cold Lake-Sherridon driving taxi.

One day while waiting for lunch at the local bakery, Woodies Goodies, he met a beautiful Pretty Valley girl by the name of Nonie Neely and the rest was history. They were married on Oct 29, 1952 in Swan River. Together they shared nearly 58 years of love and laughter.

Dad’s early family days in the Floradale district were filled with the business of farming and raising five children. Dad was particularly proud of the fact that he harvested sixty crops. Winter brought on a busy season in the bush logging and operating a lumber mill with his dad, Leonard and his brother Lloyd. In addition to farming, construction became a big part of the summer schedule. Over the course of a busy lifetime of operating Triple M Construction Ltd., Dad and his sons built over 100 houses and other various farm and commercial buildings in the surrounding area. Dad was careful to pass along the importance of every task being completed to the highest quality of craftsmanship.

Hunting with friends and later his sons was a regular occurrence and an important means of providing for his growing family.

Dad and Mum moved into town in 1996 and continued to have very busy days. After moving he rarely missed a day back out at the farm. Dad enjoyed many years of curling, first in Minitonas and later in Swan River. He was a Life Member of the Swan River Curling Club and took great pride in the renovations of the curling rink.

Coffee shop outings were special times to be shared with family and friends.

In January 2021, he was reunited with their biological twins who were born to Ralph and Nonie in 1952. Meeting Barry and Bev brought great pleasure to the final year of his life. This event has been a blessing for the entire family.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving family. Son: Blaire (Mary) children Scott, Karla (Richard) Brown, Brett and Emma; son: Gary (Donalda), children Kris (Teri), Lane (Makayla) and Hudson; Laraedo and Dayson; Tyler (Jess), Jase, Pascal, Lane and Sam; Deanna (Nathan) Chess and Wesson; Disa Gale (Steve Belous)) Emmett and Elliot; Terry Gale; son: Clint (Donna), children Amanda (Pav) Patel and Cory (Mackenzie); daughter: Jan (Duke) Rodnisky, children Justine and Carson, Rhianne (Kris) Vleugels and Lila; daughter: Rhonda (Kevin) Rusk, children Marissa (Brent) MacDuff, Emily, Eli and Everett; Chelsey (Curtis) Giesbrecht, Grace. Son: Barry (Lorna) Kusler, children Cheryl (Colin) Phaff, Trevor (Tara), and Graham; daughter: Beverly Doiron, children Renae (Kelly) Auger, Noah, Jacey; Joelle (Jason) Tschritter, Koby, Bryden; Dallas (Kristy) Nittel, Darian, Evan, Ava. His sister Beth Galbraith, sister-in-law Leah Martin, brother-in-law Norman Neely, sister-in-law Madeline Krumm, brother-in-law, Larry (Gladys) Neely as well as many nieces, nephews and a large extended family.

He was predeceased by his loving wife Nonie, his parents, Leonard and Sybil Martin and in-laws, Jim and Vida Neely; brother Lloyd Martin; sister Doris Hilding; brothers-in-law Arvid Hilding, Ken Galbraith, Clarence Krumm and Mervyn Neely and sisters-in-law Shirley Neely and Freda Neely.

**Proof of vaccination may be required to attend the funeral service.**

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