Ralph James Perry Gerow

It is with deep sadness to announce the peaceful passing of our dear Ralph on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, after a brief but unexpected stay in the hospital, ending a long struggle with the physical and cognitive effects from sustaining a traumatic brain injury in December 2016 after slipping on ice.

After spending 32 months in hospital and rehab, he was able to come home to spend the past four and a half years cared for by his wife, Joy, enabling him to be around family and friends from the comfort of his home environment which allowed him to ‘people and nature watch’ through the south facing windows from his chair. That was a mainstay during the many months through Covid, which he didn’t catch, and the lockdown which also proved to be more difficult when his Care-Aids could no longer help.

Ralph’s family were Surrey/Tynehead Pioneers since 1936, where they ran a Dairyland Quota, dairy farm. Besides all things related to Cows, Ralph and his dad also performed custom work, (cutting hay, digging wells, fixing and repairing machinery) in the farming community until the end of 1973 with the sudden loss of his father. He was born into hard work and responsibilities with an ethical approach to everything in life. Later, he owned and operated his own commercial transport, mobile-repair service, for 30 years as a mechanic/welder/fabricator where he was well-respected by customers and suppliers alike. He loved his work where his integrity and dedication in service to the craft was evident in every job and creation.

His love for riding and racing his Harley, which he no longer could do after his illness in 2003, was the single most difficult thing for him to process, albeit he was determined to ride again no matter what. His time during the 80s into the 2000s, being involved with his friends, fellow riders, and with the riding community whether it be with H.O.G., the CMDRA, BCCOM, AIM, toy runs, charity rides, Sunday rides, racing, tinkering, road trips, … you name it, it was part of his Soul and will be forever.

He proved time and time again that he came from tough stock. He had a big personality and did nothing in a small way. Through no fault of his own, he defied death three significant times over the past 21 years making everyone shake their head in amazement including the medical professionals. His respect for the people who kept him alive was evident in his gratitude shown. He was determined to survive and make life worthwhile.

Even though he was attached to his wheelchair and walker, he still enjoyed family gatherings, his favourite TV shows, movies, home cooked meals, take-out, reading and reminiscing about the good old days, giving his cat, Stella, rides on his walker, and visiting with his Care-Aids learning all about their life story. He was an interesting fellow, and they loved his stories too. His long-term memory was intact.

He leaves to love and miss him, his loving wife, Joy, of 41 years, 5 daughters; Nicole (Shaums), Boni (Derek), Joni (Bryan), Jennifer and Nickie; 11 grandchildren; Jordan (Elle), Andrew (Jordyn), Matthew, Sadie, Joe, Kayden, Derikah, Anakin, Amberly, Isaac and Asia, brother-in-law, Bruce, many cousins and friends. He loved them all with pride and great passion. He was predeceased by his Dad, Andy in 1973, & Mom, Jean in 1989 and his cousin, Norman in 1996.

We will miss your quick wit, wry sense of humour, sense of adventure, amazing stories, stubborn demeanor but gentle generous nature rolled into one, but most of all, especially your devotion to your loved ones. Ride Free and in Peace because now you can! …

NOTE: On June 15th we had a ‘thunder/lightning/hail/rainstorm’ and out of that I, (Joy), was clearly given a precious message from him from thought to paper …

“When you hear Thunder, Think of Me. I’ll be on the Throttle, Riding Free!” (that’s my Ralph)!!

So, the fact remains, he was determined to ride again, and he found a way to make that happen! Ride and Rest in Peace my love. I’ll see you in my dreams. xo

Ralph's family wishes you to know we will gather family and friends to celebrate Ralph's Life at a future date. Joy will keep you updated as to when that will be.

In the meantime, thank you for the love and well wishes at this sad time. Your support is very much appreciated and heartfelt.

His energy remains around us all, bringing good times and wonderful memories close in thought. Thank you for being part of our life journey together, his friendships meant the world to him.