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Ralph McBean Obituary

Ralph Lachlan McBean September 27, 1939 - June 1, 2009 COLUMBUS, GA — Dr. Ralph Lachlan McBean passed away peacefully June 1st 2009 at Doctor's Hospital here in Columbus, Georgia. Dr. McBean left us after a brave battle with cancer and related health issues. Dr. McBean made many valiant recoveries and continued to save the lives of hundreds of feral cats through the great work of his founded organization Allied Cats of Columbus. Dr. Ralph McBean practiced cardiology for over 20 years and counseled and directed his colleagues in medicine long after he became unable to actively practice due to his health condition. He graduated from the University of British Columbia and attended Harvard University. He received his Medical degree in 1972 from Albert Einstein College of Medicine. His contribution and benevolence in the field of medicine must certainly have resulted in the betterment, and saving of many lives. Doctor McBean is survived by his wife, Maria, his cousins, Bonnie and Ray and his companion Gracie. Dr. McBean's ashes will be spread on the waters off Point Grey British Columbia-Canada with those of his Father and Mother. The memorial service will be held at St. George's Anglican Church, Saturday, June 6th at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. George's Anglican Church, Columbus Hospice or Allied Cats of Columbus.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Columbus Ledger-Enquirer on Jun. 4, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Ralph McBean

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Annette S

July 13, 2009

I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Gracie and to Dr. McBean's family.

I first met Ralph in the late '60s when he was completing his PhD. in physiology at Harvard Medical School--and was beginning to get interested in becoming a physician, perhaps as a result of his activities as a volunteer at a shelter for homeless and run-away youth. Even then, once in a while he got involved in rescuing animals (most memorably, a giant snapping turtle).

He had wonderfully eclectic tastes in music, introducing me to the works of Ian and Sylvia (Canadian folksingers) and of The Jackson Five.

He was truly a special person.

He will be missed.

Suzanne Daniel

June 12, 2009

Ralph Mcbean was a wonderful man. He was so kind and compassionate to animals and people too. I volunteered for him at Allied Cats for just a short while several years ago. I will never forget him. I admired him and his team greatly. What a tragic loss. He will be missed.

stormy melly

June 9, 2009

just a note to say THANK YOU
for all you did to help the FERAL CATS here in columbus georgia
we will miss you
stormy melly
& the rescued pooches
+ ZOE the feral calico cat
who adopted stormy
samoyed rescue of columbus
[email protected]

June 8, 2009

I worked with Dr. McBean at Allied Cats of Columbus; the feral cat population of this area is much healther due to his concern. Many formerly feral cats found loving homes due to his kindness.

Madeline Smith

Lynn Dey

June 5, 2009

I'm sorry Dr. McBean's journey has concluded. He had a compassion for abandoned animals and did a lot about their plight.
I met him when he rescued a baby mockingbird in 1995. His life was full in spite of his failing health. With much hard work, dedication, and devotion from his best friend, Gracie, he continued until the end. His spirit still lives and his work will continue.

Nancy Holt

June 5, 2009

Dr. McBean was a special loving man. I will miss seeing him and hearing his laugh. Lots of special cats are so thankful for him and his work.

Kim Buster

June 4, 2009

I want to give my condolences to the family of Dr. Mcbean. I had the priviledge of working with him in the Cath Lab at St. Francis. He was a great person, and he will greatly be missed.

Phyllis Spivey

June 4, 2009

Dr. McBean, you'll definitely be missed.

Debbie Blaikner

June 4, 2009

I am one of the fortunate nurses that had the opportunity to work with Dr.McBean at St. Francis Hospital in the CCU unit in the 1990's. He was a caring man, great teacher at the bedside, and always had time for your questions regarding the care of his many cardiac patients. I always enjoyed listenig to him explain the mechanics of the heart, he made it so understandable. He is and will be missed in this Columbus community!
Debbie Blaikner LPN,RN,CPAN
Director of Patient Care at St.Francis

Mark Cantrell

June 4, 2009

I had a chance to serve on the Humane Board with Dr McBean. He was a very caring man who loved his family. He had many close friends. Ralph had a calling in life to take care of animals of all kinds. He truly will be missed.

JODEE FORMER ST. FRANCIS HOSPITAL CATH LAB SECRETARY

June 4, 2009

DEAR DR.MCBEAN'S FAMILY I AM SADDENED TO HEAR OF HIS PASSING. DR.MCBEAN WILL BE TERRIBLY MISSED. I WORKED FOR 15 YEARS IN THE CATH LAB AT ST.FRANCIS AND HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET TO KNOW HIM PRETTY WELL... WHAT A WONDERFUL PERSON. WE ALWAYS ENJOYED TALKING ABOUT CATS AS I AM A CAT LOVER TOO. MAY GOD BE WITH YOU ALL DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME AND KNOW THAT YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS

Sheila Daniel

June 4, 2009

He was a wonderful man and changed Columbus. He was a blessing to my life and to all the feral cats in the Columbus Phenix City area. He was a blessing to us all.

Timothy Fansler

June 4, 2009

All my codolences go out to everyone around Ralph. He will be missed in this community more than we know. I regret I cannot be at the memorial service as I will be out of town.

Godspeed as you cross the Rainbow Bridge Ralph. I know there is a special place reserved for you in Heaven because of all you have done.

Charlotte Williams

June 4, 2009

I ran across Dr. McBean's obituary by pure accident and am sad to hear of his passing and his fight with cancer. I will always remember him as a dear and genuine man. He gave me my first job when I was in high school - I worked in his office in patient prepping/office assistant. He took an interest in me and gave me lots of advice - and I am a better person for it. I know he will be sorely missed . . . May God wrap his loving arms around you during this difficult time.
My sincere condolences,
Charlotte Carmichael Williams

Jed Harris

June 4, 2009

My condolences to the family of Dr. McBean.

Sincerely,

Jean Cassell

June 4, 2009

Dr McBean was a kind man and will be missed. We in Columbus were very blessed to have such a man looking out for our feral cat population. Through his work, thousands of cats were protected from starvation. Thousands more were not born into a miserable life because of Allied Cats of Columbus spay and neuter program. I pray that this charity will continue and that Columbus will give it the support it needs and deserves. All my sympathy and thoughts to his family for their loss.

Julia Dunn

June 4, 2009

Gracie and Ralph's family.

I am so sorry for your loss. Ralph was a man of great courage to continually fight his health issues. His contributions to educating others and his help to save the live of countless feral cats in this city will be missed. Gracie you were so good to him and a true friend. May God's peace and comfort come upon all of you.

Billy/Kathy Harrell

June 4, 2009

Kathy and I were shocked to hear about the passing of Ralph. Although we have not seen him in a long time, we still remember him as a kind person. We'll keep him and his family in our prayers.

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