Norrish; Ralph. It is with great sadness, we announce the passing of our husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Ralph Norrish. Ralph passed away suddenly on the 23rd of October at Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster at the age of 88. Ralph was born August 3rd, 1925 on the family farm in Saskatchewan, the 6th of 8 children. He was born to Jean and Albert "Ernie" Norrish. He moved with his family to Chilliwack in 1934. It would be here that would always be called home. In 1941, Ralph quit school to work at the Vancouver Shipyard building landing barges. He continued to hone his skills by helping to build an airport in Port Hardy as a carpenter's apprentice. Ralph then joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1943, where he trained as an air gunner and was posted to Mon Joli, QC. Shortly after, he was transferred to the Air Force Reserve in 1945. Ralph was an active business man involved in various endeavours throughout his life. He owned and operated Norrish Bros. Construction with his brother, Wes, as well as a building supply business. Other businesses included Central Sand and Gravel in Prince George during the late 1950s. At this time, Ralph was also involved in real estate. When Central Sand and Gravel was sold, the brothers purchased Robertson Bros Ready-Mix. The business became Cascade Tru-Mix, offering ready-mix concrete, masonry supplies and coal. Eventually, property on Tower Road was developed for the business. The original Cascade Tru-Mix site in downtown Chilliwack was redeveloped as commercial property and it still remains in the family. In his spare time, his hobbies included curling, woodworking, travel, and gardening. Ralph always had an avid interest in aviation and trains. Ralph will be remembered for his generosity and thoughtfulness; his love of all things sweet including Freda's pies and Jennifer's shortbread; his subtle, witty sense of humour and his persistently optimistic and determined attitude. Ralph was predeceased by his wife Margaret in 1991, as well as his parents and four siblings, Aubrey, Jean, Ruth, and Irene. He will be sadly missed by his three brothers, Wesley, Harold, and Albert, the numerous nieces and nephews, and many family members and friends around the world. Ralph leaves behind his beloved wife of more than 20 years, Freda Atkinson, her children Steven (René), Stuart (Rose), Bryan (Arlene), David (Ingrid) and their families. Ralph is survived by his son, Don, grandson, Richard (Cara), granddaughter Jennifer (Brian) and great-granddaughter Aria. A memorial service will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, November 2nd at Woodlawn Mt. Cheam Funeral Home, 45865 Hocking Ave, Chilliwack, BC. Online condolences may be offered at www.woodlawn-mtcheam.ca.
Woodlawn Mt. Cheam Funeral Home
45865 Hocking Ave., Chilliwack BC V2P 1B5 604-793-4555