RALPH (RUDI) GERMUTH
MARCH 3RD, 1933 – JANUARY 10TH, 2004
Affectionately known as Opa, Rudy, Ralphus, Ralphie-Mouse and Gerschmooth.
He was also known as the Austrian Navy, when on the Douglas Channel.
Ralph is survived by his loving wife and soul mate of 45 years, Elske, daughter Sarina, son Philip (Charmaine), grandsons Trevor, Aaron, Kyle and Kosh, granddaughter Kassianna and daughter-in-law Shannon Ferguson.
Predeceased by his cherished dogs, Toby, Cindy, Amber and Sam. Ralph also leaves to mourn his passing many close friends and acquaintances from the community and other places around the world.
Born in Eckberg Austria, to Elise and Rudolf Germuth, Ralph moved to Canada in 1953 and then to Kitimat in 1955. Ralph worked at Alcan from 1955 to 1958, for Crossan Cartage from 1958 to 1963. In 1963 Ralph opened Ralph’s Chevron, where he sold Mercedes-Benz, British Leyland, Honda Motorcycles, International Harvester and Chrysler products. Ralph’s Chevron was a commitment of Ralph’s and his family. He retired in March 1993.
Ralph met his soul mate Elske at the YMCA (now Riverlodge) where Elske volunteered after work. They were married in 1958 at the United Church. From 1958 till the present they led a very happy and active life, first raising their children and pets, then giving their grandchildren (both two legged and four legged) their love and devotion.
They spent many happy times with family and friends camping, boating, skiing, mushroom picking, hiking, entertaining on their back deck or in their home. Their doors (cabin, boat and home) were always open to friends. They also found time for each other with numerous trips down Douglas Channel on the Elratosa and vacations in Hawaii and Mexico. They also enjoyed their weekly Wednesday soaks at the Mount Layton Hotsprings. Ralph’s latest passion was golfing and he was working on getting Elske behind the club. He also was an avid gardener with a passion for growing the biggest tomatoes and sunflowers.
Ralph was an active member of the Gyro Club since 1965. He was also a 30 year member of the Kitimat Yacht Club where he served as Commodore for a time. He was a proud Canadian and Kitimatian, who was eager to boast of the community and Canada when the occasion arose.
Ralph lived his life with gusto. He always said he would rather go while being active and busy than sitting still and having no memories. Ralph has left fond memories for all of us.
His life touched so many. He will be remembered with fondness for his friendship, his generosity, his keen sense of humour, his sense of commitment to family, friends and the community he lived in.
Ralph, you’ll always remain with us – you were an inspiration to us all.