Obituary of H. Ralph Adrian

ADRIAN: H. Ralph - On November 22nd, 2016, Ralph Adrian of Chatham Ontario, generously accepted an invitation to help friends, family, and strangers fix things, find things, or learn things in heaven just as he did on earth. Herbert Ralph Adrian, born 1934 in St. Thomas Ontario, son of Herbert Adrian and Daisy Smith, was a pillar of wisdom, patience, and strength for his wife Rejane and children; Bruce Adrian (Janet), Corinne Chalmers (Bill), Scott Adrian, Kathy Adrian, and Janice Shaw (Steven). He was the model of kindness and generosity to grandchildren: Josh and Logan Adrian, Jodi Chalmers and Cara (Chalmers) Lackey, Kayla Adrian, Alex Adrian-Shaw and Jenna Adrian-Shaw. His brothers Ross Adrian and Larry Moore are indebted to his companionship and support. His father and mother, brother Jack, and stepfather Clifford Moore are already waiting for him in heaven. We who know and love him can testify to the impact of Ralph's good deeds and agreeable nature throughout his life. Despite his father's death at an early age and giving up school to help support the family farm, Ralph completed his education by joining the air force at just 16 years old. During his 13 years there, he met Rejane Martineau on the Boardwalk in Quebec City and they were married two years later in 1955. After a short stint as a farmer in Morpeth, Ralph joined International Harvester (now Navistar) in Chatham Ontario and worked his way up from press operator to Sr. Quality Engineer in charge of Product and Process Control. After 33 years with Navistar, Ralph's challenges with lung disease forced him to retire and he moved from Blenheim to Charing Cross and then to Chatham, Ontario. Although he endured a lot of pain from various ailments in his last years, he never turned down a challenge or opportunity to help others. He continued to serve as patriarch of his children and grandchildren with the same gusto as he did collecting electronic devices, mastering new hobbies, beta testing operating systems or just taking in a good Louie L'Amour book. We love you Dad and will miss you dearly. A Celebration of Ralph's life will be held for family & friends on May 6th, 2017 at 100 McFarlane Ave, Chatham, ON between 2:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m. Please contact Corinne.Chalmers@gmail.com (281-705-2745) for further details. Donations to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation in lieu of flowers would be appreciated at: http://pulmonaryfibrosis.donorpages.com/Tribute/RalphAdrian. Arrangements entrusted to: McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham, 519-351-2040.