1925 - 2023
Ralph was born at the family farm east of Olds to Bill and Muriel (Dye) Richards on November 24, 1925. He and his siblings, Mel, Aileen, Eleanor and Lucille, were all raised in the Coburn area. Ralph loved riding, he thought he might be a jockey when he got older. He was an animal lover – especially dogs. Upon leaving school Ralph started his lifelong career in farming.
He married his high school sweetheart (Jean Notley) in 1947 and together they raised five children on the family farm. They moved into Olds to Seasons Sunrise several years ago. This April Ralph moved to Bethany Didsbury.
Ralph was always community minded beginning in 1946 with installing the first power lines in the Coburn district. He was a charter member of the Coburn Community Club as well as a life member of the Olds Curling Club where for many years he was the square draw drawmaster. He served as an Alberta Wheat Pool delegate for 17 years as well he served as a board member for Olds Cooperative Association and the Mountain View Credit Union.
Farming was his life beginning in 1940 with the farm’s first purchase of a tractor. Hard work and determination saw many changes in farming practices and equipment. Ralph was always a fan of Massey Ferguson products. Notable accomplishments were being chosen as Mountain View County Farm Family Farm Award winners in 2006 and achieving an Alberta Century Farm Award in 2020 – he wore his gift from the government - an Alberta brand silver buckle - with pride.
Family always played an important role in Ralph’s life. Reunions with extended family and friends were always attended with lots of smiles and hugs. Ralph is survived by daughters Terri (Sandy) Loree of Olds; Trudy (Allan) Patterson of Brooks; Debra Hoffmann (Dan Beaudry) of Hanna; and sons Gary (Kathy) Richards of Olds; Kelly (Sand) Richards of Olds and by his youngest sister Lucille (John) Turnquist of Innisfail. He is lovingly remembered by 12 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Jean passed away in 2019.
A celebration of Ralph’s life will be held on Saturday November 4, 2023 at the Royal Canadian Legion in Olds at 2:00 p.m. If chosen, memorial tributes may be made directly to Olds and District Hospice Society, Box 4231 Olds T4H 1P8.
