Ralph Morris Pitcher

With heavy hearts the family of Ralph Pitcher, 77, Bedford, announces his passing on Jan 3, 2018. Ralph passed peacefully at Hants Co. Hospital with family at his side. Ralph was proud to be a 35 year veteran of the RCAF and his family remembers with fondness the many years spent travelling Canada and Europe, making so many dear friends along the way. Ralph’s journey was filled with so much joy and laughter which helped through the darker moments that make up the fabric of life. It seems that many encounters with family and friends begin with “remember when…”. Ralph was a story teller with a droll sense of humour and this marked his personality in everyone’s hearts. A simple gathering often evolved into a one-man show with Ralph expounding on situations, real or fictional, that left everyone helpless with laughter. Family was at the core of everything he did and his pride in his daughters and grandchildren was unbounded. He loved being the teacher of life skills to his grandchildren, from projects in the workshop to teaching the boys how to cope with nature calls in the woods. Not all lessons met with complete parental approval but they were amusingly tolerated as being part of “Duke’s” persona. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Joyce, daughters Kathryn Kristoffel, Moncton, NB, Shannon (Scott) Richards, Kensington PEI, grandchildren Kevin & Holly Baker, Nicholas, Aidan, Andrew and Kiersten Richards; sisters Judy Wheatley, Bedford, and Darlene Bain, Halifax, several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by parents, James & Muriel Pitcher of Fairview. The family wishes to express their gratitude to all the medical personnel who assisted throughout. Your compassion, skill and respect was unprecedented. The health system may not always ideally work but, without exception, the people do. Family flowers only but if you choose, a donation may be made in Ralph’s memory to the Cobequid Health Foundation, Sackville, NS, or a charity of your choice which you think appropriate. A celebration of life, Rev. Carson Baxter officiating, will be held at the Bedford Legion, 1772 Bedford Hwy, Bedford NS on Monday, January 8, 2018, at 1 p.m. with reception to follow.