Obituary of Ralph Douglas West

WEST, Ralph Douglas Ralph Douglas West, a resident of Chatham, peacefully passed away surrounded by the love of his family at the Chatham-Kent Hospice on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 in his 88th year. Ralph was the son of the late Goldwin & Irene (nee Robert) West. Survived by his wife Norma (nee Collison) West for 61 beautiful years, sister Roseann (the late Carl, 2009) of Chase, BC and sister-in-law Eve (the late Ralph, 1992) Collison & her family of Hawkesbury, Ontario. Ralph began his military career, which spanned 66 years, with army cadets at Chatham Collegiate Institute in 1942 and left that corps as the cadet commanding officer. Ralph served with 3 Regiments; the Kent, Perth and Essex & Kent Scottish. He was the Honorary Colonel of the Windsor Regiment. In 1968, he left the Scottish as a Major & was appointed to organize an open army cadet corps; The 59 Legion Highlander Army Cadet Corps. He also commanded the Ipperwash Army Cadet Summer camp. He returned to the primary reserve as Colonel & commanded the Windsor Militia District. He served on the board of the Chatham Police Commission, the Windsor Board of Commissionaires & also commanded the St. John Ambulance Brigade. He was a founding member of the Windsor Military Institute & also a member of Branch 642 Royal Canadian Legion. Ralph was a member of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem and advanced to Grand Prior of Canada. He retired from Equifax with 34 years of service. Ralph enjoyed playing tennis, golf & curling. Ralph & Norma enjoyed many trips across the country & abroad. Our thanks to the staff of CCAC, the VON, Bayshore care workers, Dr. Matsusaki & staff, Dr. Burgess & the very caring nurses of the Chatham-Kent Hospice. Our special thanks to Garna, George & Adam Argenti for their exceptional assistance. Family to receive friends on Friday, April 7, 2017 at Christ Church Anglican, 80 Wellington Street, Chatham from 12:00 pm until 1:30 p.m. followed by a Funeral Service and celebration of Ralph's life at 1:30 p.m. with Venerable Paul Millward as officiant. Interment to follow in Maple Leaf Cemetery. Friends planning an expression of remembrance are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice. Online Condolences may be left for the family at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. McKinlay Funeral Home 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham, Ontario 519 351 2040