VUYLSTEKE, Raphael “Ralph” Joseph (July 19, 1933 – June 1, 2021) –
It is with great sadness, the family of Ralph Vuylsteke wish to announce his peaceful passing on Tuesday, June 1st, 2021, at the Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital, in his 88th year. Ralph will be greatly missed by all that knew him and will be forever remembered as a wonderful Father, Grandfather, ‘Big-Papa’, Brother, and Good Friend to many. Ralph was a member of St. Mary’s R.C. Church, Tillsonburg and a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #3212, Tillsonburg. Ralph was a dedicated participant of St. Mary’s Knights of Columbus Christmas Hampers Program for many years, taking great pleasure in packing up the hampers and delivering a happy Christmas to struggling families. Ralph will also be remembered as a dedicated Tobacco Farmer for many years, and for a short time was the operator of Ralph’s Variety, in Otterville, before returning to Tobacco Farming. Predeceased by his loving wife of 48 years, Vivian Mary Jane (Vanderhaeghe) Vuylsteke (September 3, 2001). Ralph will be greatly missed by his loving and much-loved children: Deborah Vuylsteke, of Cantley, Quebec; Christine (Chris) Legein, of Springford; Ralph (Timea) Vuylsteke Jr., of Tillsonburg. Always a proud and caring grandfather to Tyler (Laura) Legein, Stefan (Shannon) Legein, Jacob (Jenn) Legein, Hayley Vuylsteke (Kyle), Olivia (Chad) Barclay, James-Jules Linton (Ovini), Samantha Linton (Joey), Heni (Logan) Hajdu. Proud ‘Big-Papa’ to Sully, Georgia, Clark, Emerson, Delilah, Bowen, Lincoln, Brynn, Charlie, Blake, Pierson and two “soon to be born” great-grandchildren. Survived by his sister Cecelia Van Laken (late husband Gilbert) and by many loving nieces, nephews, special close friends, and neighbours. Predeceased by his siblings and their partners Margaret Pieters (late Mitch); Roger Vuylsteke (late Paula); Andre Vanderhaeghe (late Diane); and by his parents Constant and Madeleine (Delaere) Vuylsteke.
A Private Funeral Liturgy of Christian Burial to Celebrate Ralph’s Life will be held in the Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes- Burial and Cremation Services Inc. Chapel, Tillsonburg, on Saturday, June 5th, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. by Rev. Fr. Ben Huyge, of St. Mary’s R.C. Church. Regrettably, due to covid-related attendance restrictions this will be a private family event at this time. All guests are required to wear a face covering and practice social distancing at all times. Friends, relatives, and neighbours are invited to offer their support and care by digitally attending a livestream on Saturday, June 5th. To access the livestream, please visit Ralph’s tribute page at www.verhoevefuneralhomes.com and click on the link that will be provided within half of an hour prior to service time. A direct link can be requested by emailing verhoevefuneral@kwic.com. Burial will follow in the Tillsonburg Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations can be made to the “Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital Foundation”, a cause that Ralph held close to his heart, or to any charity of your choice, via Ralph’s online tribute page or through the Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes, 262 Broadway, Tillsonburg (519-842-4238), which has been entrusted with all funeral arrangements, with confidence. The family would like to honour and thank the nurses, doctors, PSWs and support staff at TDMH. Their heartfelt care made Ralph’s last months comfortable and dignified.
Read Less
June 1st 2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Raphael Ralph Vuylsteke June 1st 2021..
Décès pour la Ville:Tillsonburg, Province: Ontario
my sincere condolences .
I may be unknown, but I picked tobacco on the farm in the mid 1970s as a Belgian student.
Coincidentally, I came across this sad message on the internet.
I have fond memories of those times with fine people.