DALBY, RALPH ARNOLD passed away on October 19, 2007 at the Lodge on 4th with his wife and children at his side. Predeceased by his parents Fritz and Anna Dalby, sisters Erna and Evelyn, brother Howard and adopted brother Roy. Ralph was born in Headquarters, near Courtenay on October 14th, 1920 and later moved to Ladysmith with his family where he graduated from high school. He met his loving wife Susan, whom he married in 1944 and in 1950 Ralph purchased Dalby's Service, which he successfully operated until he retired in 2003. Ralph was known as a people person and many customers would call to make an appointment for a simple oil change, but they had to talk to Ralph to make sure things were taken care of. Ralph leaves behind his loving wife, Susan, son Gary (Michelle), daughter Lynn Halkett (John), and grand daughters, Amy Dalby, Katrina Halkett, Leah-Michelle Halkett, and grandson Robert Dalby Halkett along with sister-in-laws Anne Boyd and Nanette Bubrink and many nieces and nephews. Ralph dedicated much of his time to the Ladysmith Volunteer Fire Department, the Rotary Club, and St John's Masonic Lodge. Most of all, he enjoyed his annual family vacations with his children when they were young, the fire department hunting trips in the 60's, fishing trips with Susan to Bamfield, where he would catch the big ones, and cruising to Alaska and the Caribbean. The family would like to thank Dr. E. Fritsch for his gentle care of Ralph. We'd also like to express our heartfelt appreciation for the dedicated care given to Ralph at the Chemainus Healthcare Centre and at the Lodge on 4th in Ladysmith. He may not have been there for long but he really was close to home. God Bless everyone.
The family will welcome a gathering of friends at the Eagles Hall, 1st Avenue and French Street, Ladysmith on Thursday, October 25th at 2:00 pm to celebrate Ralph's life. Donations in Ralph's memory to the Alzheimer Society of BC, #300 - 828 West 8th Ave., Vancouver, BC V5Z 1E2 are greatly appreciated.
Telford's Mid-Island Memorial Services.