Ralph Roy Galambos, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uppa, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully on Monday July 22, 2024 at the age of 77. He was surrounded by family, love and song as he embarked on his next journey. His passing was unexpected and caught loved ones and friends by surprise. But that was something that categorized Ralph’s life. He was full of surprises. His adventures were not for the light-hearted. His choice of careers, loves and lifelong passions encompassed the globe and left few stones unturned.
Ralph was born June 1, 1947, to George and Verna Galambos (nee Miskolczi) in Wakaw, Sask. Ralph was born into a farming family and along with his siblings George, Robert, Veronica and Jane, learned a strong work ethic from their parents at a young age. After graduating from Wakaw High School, Ralph attended teacher’s college in Saskatoon. It is there that he met the love of his life, Theresa Hanowski, and they married in May 1965. They raised three children Daune (Bruce), Grace, and Mark (Amanda) in Birch Hills. Ralph was very proud of his family including his adored grandchildren Ryan (Joanna), Nick (Megan), Zak (Maggie), Olivia (Michael), Shawn, Holden, and his special little great-granddaughter, Lindsey.
Ralph’s teaching career spanned 30 years, starting at the age of 18 in a 3-room school in Hagen and culminating as Vice Principal at the Birch Hills Elementary School. As echoed by his many students and fellow staff members over the years, Ralph was a phenomenal educator who left a lasting impression on everyone he taught or coached. Before such programs were even thought of, Ralph initiated a partnership with the indigenous community at Muskoday First Nation that brought the two communities together to jointly commit to better education for its students.
In the summers, Ralph kept busy with the family at the cabin at Candle Lake and traveling to visit the in-laws Pauline and Sebastian Hanowski, who always spoiled the family with love and homemade goodness. He had a variety of interesting summer past-times and jobs. One of his most rewarding summer jobs was three years as Manager at Camp Tapawingo at Candle Lake. It was there he honed his jack-of-all-trades skills, love for the outdoors and nature, singing and entertaining every day to throngs of young kids eager to be at camp. Many treasured memories were made that continue to this day for daughter Daune who teaches her granddaughter all of the camp songs she learned! And road trips extended beyond Kelowna to other destinations like Texas and the US West Coast. Later, Ralph and Terry made many wonderful memories motor-homing across Canada and the U.S.
When he retired at the age of 48 after teaching for 30 years, Ralph, with his best friend Terry, sought out new adventures, starting with their involvement and sweat equity at Elk Ridge Resort that helped to ultimately build it to its status as a world class golf resort. Throughout his employment at Elk Ridge Ralph worked in many different capacities – from maintenance to Starter to condo realtor, and the list goes on. Upon leaving he was granted the fitting title “Manager of All”.
During this time, Ralph and Terry started hosting tours with McConaghy Tours and traveled to many exotic locations on every continent but Antarctica - from China to Africa, British Isles to Panama Canal and everywhere in between. Branson was always one of Ralph’s favorites! Ralph and Terry were the perfect travel host pair – the entertainer and the organizer! Ralph made many lasting friendships and memories doing exactly what he loved to do!
With their winters in Pueblo El Mirage Golf Resort in Arizona and summers at Christopher Lake and Elk Ridge, Ralph kept very busy. Family was always incredibly important to him, spending quality time with siblings, children and grandchildren, the annual August Long Weekend, watching grandchildren’s sporting events, and other special occasions with brothers, sisters and cousins.
Ralph had many hobbies and passions. He always loved nature and the outdoors. He had a deep love for music and entertaining his entire life and his guitar was always close by to bring joy to his appreciative audiences. With fellow musicians in DYB and on his own, Mr. Music traveled far and wide to nursing homes, community and special family events. He got as much out of spreading his love for song as those who were so lucky to receive it.
Sports was another passion throughout his life – he loved golf, baseball, slow pitch, curling, basketball, football and dabbling with his sports card collection. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite teams including his grandkids. He was a devoted grandfather who made more noise than anyone in the bleachers!
Ralph was an avid reader and writer. He wrote hundreds of songs, poems and many short stories. He wrote a series of satirical vignettes about “Matt the Cat”, and narratives about teaching and the importance of being a positive role model to his students. Being a very spiritual man who valued his faith and relationship with God and Jesus Christ, these themes resonated in many of his writings later in life.
A lesser known fact about Ralph was his entrepreneurial spirit and curiosity that blossomed into several side hustles throughout his life.
True to his character, when Ralph was diagnosed with lymphoma in March 2024, he showed great courage and strength and fought it head on. He learned he was cancer free before being stricken with a disease that caused him to very quickly lose his final battle. He was positive until the end, never giving up hope and knowing that God was with him by his side. He died peacefully surrounded by those who loved him. Campfire songs lulled him to his final resting place.
Ralph is survived by and will be forever missed by his wife Terry, his children Daune (Bruce) and Mark (Amanda), his beloved grandkids Ryan (Joanna), Nick (Megan), Zak (Maggie), Olivia (Michael), Shawn, and Holden, great-granddaughter Lindsey, siblings, George (Irene), Veronica, and Jane (Paul), and his many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, George and Verna, brother Robert, and daughter Grace (who are all now holding him close and loving his company).
Ralph’s family wishes to thank the Oncology medical team at RUH who gave exemplary care to Ralph during his final weeks. Special thanks to Dr Mark Bosch who provided care during his cancer treatments and final weeks at the hospital. Thanks also extended to Dr Veneta Sundaram and the palliative team for their support.
In lieu of flowers, Ralph wished for donations to be made to a charity of your choice.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at St Philip Neri Parish (1902 Munroe Avenue South, Saskatoon). The service will be followed by lunch and sharing stories about Ralph.
Please share your condolences, memories and photos of Ralph.
Arrangements entrusted to Aimé Laventure.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.3