Sept. 26, 1927 – Apr. 29, 2017
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ralph Beenham on Saturday, April 29, 2017 at Kamloops, at the age of 89 years. He was born on September 26th, 1927 in Paddington, London, England.
Ralph is survived by his three children Kevin (Julie), Wayne (Melody) and Marie Tracy as well as six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his wife of 57 years N.F. “Jackie” Beenham, parents Leslie and Ivy Beenham, and siblings Leslie Jr., George, Doris, and Jean.
Ralph joined the British Army in 1943 and became a Paratrooper, serving in England, Germany, Cyprus, Palestine and Egypt. After leaving the forces in 1953, he worked at Siemens Electric until he emigrated to Canada with his wife Jackie in 1955. They came here with 30 dollars in their pocket and hopes for creating a life for their family. Ralph was a longtime partner at Grayshon Electric in Richmond.
Ralph and Jackie moved from Richmond to Pender Island in 1985 before settling in Ashcroft in 1996. They came here initially to be closer to family, and loved the climate and the long hot summers.
Ralph was active in his communities, being a lifetime member of the Pender Island Lions Club and of the Ashcroft Royal Canadian Legion. He liked to help out his family at the Desert Hills ranch with the electrical and pump systems. He enjoyed watching the Stock Dogs that his brother in law and niece competed with. He also enjoyed travelling with his family and everyone close to him knew that his holidays were planned with military precision.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on
Friday, June 9th, 2017, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #113 in Ashcroft.
Donations in memory of Ralph may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #113.
Online condolences may be
made at www.tvfh.ca