GASTON, Ralph
1935 – 2022
On February 6, 2022, Ralph passed away peacefully at the age of 86. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 60 years, Ann (Neily), and his children, Billy and Paula. He was a cherished father-in-law to Lisa and Roland, and much loved by their children, Ryan and Christina (Alex).
Ralph was born on the Teck Hughes property on February 19, 1935. The Gastons didn’t have much, but they had each other. Although Ralph excelled academically, he had to leave school early to help provide for his Mother and siblings. He had many different careers including Canada Post, owning and operating the Edgewood Restaurant in Kenogami, and Carter & Gaston Insurance.
Predeceased by parents Lovey Adria Malloy and Fulton Gaston and siblings Doris Lawlor (late Ray), Wallace, Marjorie (late Bob), Robert (Rose), Clifford (Barbara), and Jean. Ralph will be missed by his surviving siblings, Gerald (Brenda), sisters Muriel (late Fred) and Linda (late Paul), and sister-in-law, Susan, along with many nieces and nephews across the country.
Ralph had a strong work ethic and was determined to enjoy what he had. He took great pride in maintaining the home he built on Athenia Boulevard. He could often be seen “puttering” outside on his showstopper of a lawn or washing and waxing the family cars. He spent many happy decades at the cottage on Lake Kenogami and took great joy in hosting the annual Gaston summer reunions and get-togethers with their many friends. Ralph also worked hard to maintain the old Neily/Lockwood Family property in Mill Village, Nova Scotia.
Ralph volunteered his time and energy to several different organizations, making many lifelong friends along the way. He was a Mason, a Presbyterian Elder at St. Andrew’s and Tomstown, and served as President of the Kiwanis Club.
He was a strong all-around athlete who also enjoyed watching sports (and yelling at the TV). Ralph loved to travel, thoroughly enjoying trips to Mexico, Europe, California, and Florida. An amazing driver, he logged over 30 round trips to Nova Scotia and countless minor hockey games, tournaments, and figure skating competitions. He enjoyed reading and possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of vintage automobiles. Ralph’s infectious laugh could be heard when watching his slapstick favorites such as the Pink Panther movies and Trailer Park Boys.
We are grateful to the many health care professionals who provided such excellent care to Ralph over many years. The family also wants to recognize the team from Closing the Gap. Their support helped both Ann and Ralph immensely, allowing him to stay in the home he loved so much.
Ralph wanted to protect his kids but also prepare them. As such, he started to warn them of his imminent demise starting in 1986. It was one of his few failures. We will miss him every day.
Ralph did not want a formal service. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Teck Centennial Library (Adult Fiction) will be appreciated by his family.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of GASTON Ralph 1935 2022..
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Death notice for the town of: Kirkland Lake, Province: Ontario
Brother Ralph- He was the 5th born in our family and the 3rd boy Proper order for the Hub. I started to return to visit family in the mid 80s and stayed at the lake What a fabulous spot as a gathering depot for the clan Ralph would preside over the family love ins I can still see his smile as he recounted stories of our lives and recalled many historical moments He was always very generous with his time and support for the family Definitely very competitive When the five brudders got together at the lake to eat cow and sip a little good red wine the stories just flowed as well , a history lesson for myself He was very smart, strong like a bull and as we all know the keeper of the best lawn in Canada. Covid has kept me away the last few years I will never forget and carry lots of fond memories of him God bless him