Dear Lynne and Lyndsey,

Jan and I have had Ralph on our dinner prayer list for several years. Every time I read his name, I'd say to Jan that I need to call our old friend. Finally, today, I called and left a message. Lynne, you were kind enough to return my call and let me know Ralph passed away on January 30th. I have no idea why no one informed us of his passing, but we both deeply regret not knowing. Plus, I should have followed my instincts and called sooner. For that, I sincerely apologize. 

Without a doubt, Ralph was the most positive person I have ever known. He was always full of life and willing to give it his all in everything. I will miss his friendship. He lived life to its fullest, never questioning why he was dealt such a bad hand. His battle with cancer will most likely help many others who still suffer from that terrible disease. 

The world has lost a courageous fighter, Lynne, you and Lyndsey have lost a wonder husband and father, and his friends within the Defense Industry have lost a major contributor who maintained a sense of sanity within our wacky world.

Lynne, please keep in touch, and Lyndsey, Jan and I both wish you the best as you pursue a career in medicine.

I knew Ralph only slightly when he came with his wife (my patient) and daughter to my medical office. At that time, he was already seriously ill and he came mostly on the way to his own medical treatments. But the warm and loving relationships between these three people were very clear, as was the way that they cared so deeply for one another at this time of serious illness. Ralph was, and his wife and daughter are, admirable.

Ralph was the OC Adm Coy (2 Svc Bn,  Petawawa circa 1984). A gentleman. A fine officer.

Belatedly very sorry to hear of Ralph's passing earlier this year. He was a breath of fresh air in 2 Service Battalion 1984-85 long ago in Petawawa. My thoughts and prayers to you all.

So sorry to hear the news.  Ralph was a great guy, a good friend and a solid Canadian patriot.  Many of us in the defence business will miss him.

I want to express my deepest condolences to Lynn and Lyndsey for the loss of your husband/father.  You did not know me, but I know Ralph.  We were office neighbors in the Sterling Heights office until I left there a couple years ago.  The office owner, Ron, first introduced us because we have something rare in common: we were both fighters of multiple myeloma.  Ralph and I had long talks together, comparing our cancer fighting experiences.  We even had the same oncologist at Karmanos!  I came to admire Ralph for his always positive attitude. I'm sure that mindset helped him fight for as long as he did.  Ralph is 21 years my senior, and I'm grateful for his brave fight, which helped improve the medical methods to combat this disease, to my benefit.  Thanks to God, and to pioneering patients like Ralph, I have been in remission since 2012. 

I was saddened to learn of Ralph's passing too late to attend his funeral.  He is a friend and a good man.  And from what I can gather from reading some of these posts, he is a wonderful husband and father.  I speak of him in the present tense because the soul, once born, never dies.  Jesus said in John 10:28 ...and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.  To my friend Ralph, we will miss you, until we see you again.

We were sorry to hear of Ralphs passing. Trevor went to school and graduated with Ralph and has many great memories of their high school days. Our deepest sympathy to your family 
Trevor and Deanna Arnold
Nipawin, Sk.

i was saddened to hear of your news from Kim. Our deepest condolences on your loss.

Lynne and Lindsey, Accept our deepest sympathy on the death of your husband and father. We will remember his infectious laugh and positive outlook on life. It was our privilege to know him, and you. Our condolences.

Sad news.  Ralph was a great guy, a good officer who lit up every gathering he attended, and served his country, his Army, and RCEME well in all his many jobs over the years.  Everyone who knew him liked and respected him.

So sorry Lynne and Lyndsey for your loss. It is not an easy thing to go through. Thinking of you ladies.

I was very sorry to hear of Ralph's passing, and would like to extend to you my heartfelt condolences. Though it had been some time since we worked together, I can still hear his laugh, which was always at the ready but never at another's expense. May peace and comfort find you during this difficult time.

Chris Bigall
Canadian Consulate-Chicago

Dear Lyndsey,
I was saddened to hear at the last DMO rehearsal about your father's passing. My deepest sympathies go out to you and your entire family. I have enjoyed our recent friendship through music and the DMO, and listening to your recent academic achievements and successes. It almost seems unfair to be confronted with such grief and sadness due to loss of a loved one, at a time when you should be able to savor many of the good things going on in your life right now. I hope you will be able to find peace, comfort, and support within your family. May his memory be eternal. I look forward to seeing you again at the DMO when the time is right for you.

Dear Lyndsey,
I was saddened to hear of your father's passing at the DMO rehearsal. My deepest sympathies to your entire family. While I didn't know your father, I have enjoyed your friendship through music and the DMO. I especially have enjoyed hearing about your recent academic successes and achievements. It seems so unfair to go through sadness and grief with the loss of a loved one, when so many good things are happening for you. May you find support, peace, and comfort in your family. May his memory be eternal. I look forward to your return to the DMO when the time is right for you.

Lynne and Lyndsey, I am so sorry for your loss. I was shocked when I heard of his passing. I didnt know my cousin well, but I always heard wonderful tales about him. Keep well and be strong. My deepest sympathies.

Lynne and Lindsey
We are sorry to learn of Ralph's passing. He was a joy to be around at the Consulate in Detroit. His laugh would always put a smile on our faces...how could it not? Special thank you Lynne for your involvement with social committee events and being a part of our family. Lindsey, you brought so much joy and pride to your parents and us. God bless.
Cathy Rice and Bob Genereux

Lynn and Family. I worked with Ralph a number of years before becoming home-based. He was an awesome gentleman, always smiling and laughing, as well as reaching for that coffee pot! My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Take good care.

Dear Lynne and Lyndsey - I was very saddened to learn of Ralph's passing.  I enjoyed working with him during my posting in Detroit in the mid 1990s.  Sincere condolences.  May his memory be a blessing to you both.

Barbara and I send our condolences, Lynne and Lyndsey.  Ralph's public service, dedication, determination, sense of humour, and love of life and family will be remembered by many.  You provided tremendous support.  Our thoughts are with you.

John Tennant, former Canadian Consul General, Detroit (1998-2002)

It was with sadness that we learned of Ralph's death. We have such good memories of Ralph as a young boy, a handsome and dedicated service man and then a devoted husband to Lynne and father to Lyndsey. Our love and heartfelt thoughts are extended to Lynne, Lyndsey, Lois and David.
Jim, Marg, Ian,and Marybelle Tingley , North Vancouver

My very deepest sympathies. Having known you all for quite some time, I understand what a devoted family you are, and how much you cared for each other in times of need. I always admired Ralph's courage in the face of a long and serious illness, and your own steadfastness in supporting him.
Sincerely, (Dr.) Bob Frank, Kresge Eye Institute

So sorry to hear of Ralph's passing, my deepest condolences to you Lynne and Lyndsey.  I have many good memories of the Thanksgivings our families used to share together.

My heartfelt condolences to the Reich family. 

Over the years, I had the opportunity to deal with Ralph many times. His assistance to me and others has always been most valued and appreciated.

We will miss him.

Norman Weir,CD

I met Ralph a couple times over the earlier years in RCEME, a lively spirited person as I recall.  Our sincere condolences and prayers to Lynne and Lyndsey.

my condolences to you both 
Very nice that you were both able to be with him in his last days 
May all of your good memories be what keeps you up when you feel down 
Take care of each other .... Hugs 
Karen carscadden

Lyndsey, 
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family have always held such a special place in my heart. I will be thinking of you and your sweet mom.

I am so sorry for your loss.  My prayers are with you both in this sad time.  I know he was very proud of you Lyndsey.

I first met Ralph in Detroit at TACOM and he hosted me a number of times for visits.  Never a dull moment with Ralph and he set on the path of being a Liaison Officer later in my career at Aberdeen Proving Ground.  There was never too much that Ralph could do for you and I regret that I lost touch with him over the years.  My deepest condolences.

I wish to offer my sincere sympathies and condolences to Lynne and Lyndsey. I will always remember him for his great support and friendship when my family and I spent three years in Detroit as the Liaison Officer at TACOM. 
God bless him for his great heart and good nature, he will be missed by all.

Yves Turgeon

My deepest sympathy to you both.  I first met Ralph in early 1970 at the RCEME School in Kingston.  We were both there doing on job training while we waited for our classification training to begin.  We hung out together throughout our three classification training phases.  We sure had a lot of fun - how can you not when you are with Ralph.  If I remember correctly he won the sword as the top officer on the Phase 4 course.  I haven't seen him for so many years but I can still visualize the twinkle in his eyes and his infectious laugh.  Rest in peace my old friend.

Ken Kirkland (LCol Ret'd)

Deepest sympathies. Remember all the good times and love that was had. May he RIP. Love you dear! <3 xo

Our thoughts are with you. Remembering lovely times together when we were at selfridge guard base. Mervyn and raph had good times together.   Jill and Mervyn  Felixstowe UK

My sincerest condolences to you and Lyndsey, and to both of your families. You are in my thoughts. 

I hope you find strength and solace knowing there are many who are thinking about, and praying for both of you.

All my love.

Lynne and Lindsey, I am so very sorry for the loss of your beloved husband/father.  I know how much he meant to you.  Having suffered a terrible loss myself recently let us just know that our loved ones are resting in peace!  They are our angels in heaven.  . Rest in peace Raplh and give a kiss to my Ashley for me.  See you when my time comes.

My deep sympathies go to both of you, Lynne and Lyndsey. It was always a pleasure to be in Ralph's company with his upbeat attitude and great humour. The office sure felt different after he retired. It is an honour to have known him, and he will be truly missed by many friends.

Sorry for your loss Lynn. Thinking of you and your daughter in these trying times. Hugs

Our sympathy to Lynne and especially Lyndsey as a former player with our Sweet Mountain Strings Folk Music group.

Deepest condolences to you both. Ralph was a great friend and I will treasure many great memories of our shared time together in Shrivenham and Ottawa, including your wedding! Even now, thinking of those times, brings a smile to my face. He was one of a kind and he will be missed.

Lynne and Lyndsey, Barb and myself send our deepest condolences on the passing of Ralph, a dear friend and colleague. I first met Ralph on an overseas tour in 1971 and his humor, work ethic and professionalism stood out as key elements in a warm, friendly personality. He will be sadly missed by all his friends and associates.
                                                                                   BGen(ret'd) Bill Brewer

My deepest sympathy at your and our loss of a great guy. I knew him from his EME days back in Ottawa.Sadly I haven't seen Ralph in years as the paths of our lives had just diverged the way they just seem to. His vexing humour will surely be missed by all who knew him.
I have one small anecdote that may just bring you a smile. A number of years ago  when Ralph was still in uniform in Detroit I was sent on a course that took me there. As I would be on crutches, I called Ralph and asked him to take it easy on me - bad move on my part. When we did visit, Ralph had arranged a great tour of that HUGE main building. We walked its length 4 times when once was all that was needed. Well, I did those 4 long treks (seem to recall 5ish miles) only to have Ralph come over to me smiling broadly saying "Never thought you'd do it!"
That was Ralph!

Remember Him Well
Sincere Condolences

In knew Ralph from my days working in Land Equipment programs and at our embassy in Washington,

Sincere condolences.

Arte et Marte,

Major David.C. Blake-Knox,
Senior Logistics Operations Officer,
 39 Service Battalion, 
Richmond, BC

Hearing Ralph's laugh from down the hall at work always put a smile on my face. It brightened my day on many an occasion. Ralph liked to have fun and wanted everyone else to join in. He organized parties at work and events outside the office too. Sometimes Ralph's family joined us and that's when I got to meet his bubbly, personable wife and their beautiful, smart and multi-talented daughter. Lynne and Lyndsey, I pray the close bond you share will help you through this difficult time and bring you comfort.
Ralph's unwavering, positive attitude even in the face of adversity, and his resiliency, continues to be an inspiration to me. Rest in peace, Ralph.

My sincerest condolences.
Ralph was valued colleague and a fine gentleman. He will be missed.

You are in my prayers,

Rich Malloy
Canadian Embassy
Washington, DC

Sorry to hear of your loss. I knew Ralph through work (I am LES in Atlanta). He was an encouragement to me when I was going through chemo and radiation in 2010.

You are in my prayers.

Dear Family of Ralph Reich
Knew Ralph during my career and first met him in Germany! He was a jovial , always smiling gentleman! My thoughts are with you during this difficult time! Au Revoir Ralph!
Major(retired) Yves Pedneault RCEME

Lynne and Lindsey,

I'm greatly saddened with your loss of Ralph and extend my heartfelt condolences. As I'm out of town on business, I unfortunately and with great disappointment will not be able to attend the visitation or services.  I cherished my friendship with Ralph and his mentorship since I retired from the US Army in 96 and became a defense contractor.  Ralph, Paul Funk, Thomas Smith and I were the old guys having been with GDI Contractor's group from it's prior form in the 90s to its structure today.  As many have noted, he always had a joke or funny story to tell. He always brought us all together.  I will miss him greatly.  May God grant you comfort at your time of sorrow.

Lynne and Lindsey,

On behalf of the men and women of the Corps of Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to you and your family on your recent loss.

Director RCEME, Col Hamilton and 
Corps SM, CWO Dubuc

Lynn, I was so saddened to hear of Ralph's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Lyndsey at this difficult time. Ralph was a kind and an absolute gentlemen. I will never forget the fun times at the Consulate with Ralph on the Social Committee. He was always making sure we had a great time at our events.  He would be telling jokes and would get everyone going with his infectious laugh. He will be missed. RIP Ralph.

Lynne and Lindsay, 
I was saddened to hear the news.  My heartfelt condolences go out to both of you.  Ralph was one in a million; so positive and full of life.  Some of my fondest memories at the Canadian Consulate were spent with Ralph on the social committee.  He sure knew how to make us laugh and have fun.  That wonderful laugh will never leave any of us, nor will his vibrant spirit.  We were all so fortunate to have known him.  Rest in peace Ralph, and God bless.  Josie Castagna

Dear Lynne and Lyndsey:  I am so sorry to hear that Ralph is gone.  He was much too young.  Although we have not been in close touch the last few years I have good memories of days gone by when Ralph was growing up on the farm at Craik, Sask.  My love and sympathy go out to you both and may you get special strength to face the future without him.
Marjorie Tingley, Edmonton, Alberta.

Lynn and Lindsay,  our deepest thoughts and prayers are with the both of you at this very tough and challenging time.  Ralph was an exceptionally polite and kind person, 
we thoroughly enjoyed having him around and being part of our family, from sharing neighborhood parties, birthdays, to holidays. Ralphs unique laugh and smile will not be forgotten. 'Anything/Anytime" either of you may need please remember we are just a few steps or a simple phone call away.

OBITUARY

Ralph Reich

September 11, 1945 – January 30, 2016

Kaul Funeral Home

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