Born in 1934 to Marie and Edgar Mellanby, Ralph grew up in Essex, Ontario where his love for sport and sense of community were nurtured. He remained close to his roots all his life. After graduating University, he began his television career in the entertainment and sports world and his achievements have been well documented over the years. He earned many prestigious awards including 5 Emmys, inducted into many Halls of Fame, and an honourary Doctorate from the University of Windsor. He is best known for his two decades as Executive Producer at Hockey Night in Canada where he initiated many innovations in broadcasting, as well as introducing many talented and familiar personalities to millions of hockey fans. Other notable achievements: '72 and '76 Canada-Russian series, his work in all Olympic Games from 1976-1996 including 1980 "Miracle on Ice" in Lake Placid, earning him one of of his Emmys, 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary where Ralph headed up the world feed for CTV and culminating with the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.
Beyond the sports arena, Ralph loved hobnobbing with celebrities, politicians and academics. Along with his business partner, Brian Robertson, they were instrumental in bringing to television the award-winning Royal Canadian Air Farce series and the televised productions of the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards, along with numerous episodes of the game show "MusicQuest". With CFCF in Montreal and the CTV network, Ralph produced many entertainment specials including the first televised Celine Dion show.
Moving to Niagara in 2006 was the beginning of another era. Old and new friends welcomed him into in the community and their lives, he joined Niagara-on-the-Lake tennis club, White Oaks Sports Club and became resident "celebrity" of his neighbour Eagle Valley Golf Course. Ralph was immediately embraced by the 'retired' hockey community, which kept him busy with many activities. He had two books published in his early years in Niagara, helped initiate and organize celebrity roasts for the Steve Ludzik Parkinson Foundation, and spoke at numerous charity events when asked. Ralph's family, lifelong friendships and new best friends were cherished the most and he was always happy to help many people along the way. When he could no longer play his beloved tennis and be active in the community, he became a fixture on his front porch and loved to share a glass of wine and good conversation with his friends and neighbours.
He is deeply missed by his wife, Gillian, children Scott (Sue), Laura (Bryan), brother Jim (Margaret) and sister Louise (Michael) and their families, and grandchildren Courtney, Carter and Nicholas.
A special thank you to the wonderful staff at St. Catharines hospital who cared for Ralph in his final days.
A funeral service is not planned at this time. Should you wish, a donation in Ralph's name, to The Steve Ludzik Foundation, which supports the wonderful work done at Hotel du Shaver's Parkinsons Rehabilitation Centre, would be appreciated.
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