Ralph Canitz

CANDITZ- After a full and rewarding life Ralph Canitz passed away in Moose Jaw on March 18, 2008. He was a complex man: crusty and kind; assertive and accepting; curious and creative. His joys in life were simple: carpentry, cards, and telling stories of his life. He was a man of action. Whatever he did, he took on 110% whether it was building a snow plough, planning a house or playing cards. Ralph loved projects. He loved to plan, and create solutions to problems. It was not unusual to find cigarette packages with little sketches on them of his latest ideas. His eyes had a different gleam when he got a hammer and saw in his hand. He built almost every building on the farm, and all of them sturdily constructed. One year, a cattle liner snagged the power line in the yard. Ralph decided, "enough of that", and he proceeded to install underground wiring throughout the farmyard. He was like a dog with a bone he didn't give up easily and seldom backed down on an issue he thought was important. He was concerned about social justice and supported many organizations that work to make the world a better place to live in. He was active in many Co-op organizations, the National Farmers Union, and the Wheat Pool. He is survived by his wife Kathryn (Moose Jaw), Glenna (Roger and Katie) Tampa; Blaine (Jackie, Anton and Aaron) Saskatoon; Brenda (David, Leighton and Madsen) Ottawa; Shelley (Doug, Gareth, Raine, Leith, and Lucas) Victoria; and Marilynn (Rick and Maggie) Saskatoon. Ralph was predeceased by his parents Ben and Rosa Canitz (Moose Jaw) and his sister Helena Tellier (Vancouver), as well as many favourite aunts and uncles. It was Ralph's wish that there be no funeral service. Kay, Marilynn, Shelley, Brenda, Blaine, and Glenna invite you to join them for a casual family gathering in celebration of Ralph's life on Monday March 24th, at 1pm at the Heritage Inn, 1590 Main St N in Moose Jaw. Memorial donations may be made to the Extendicare Resident Council, Heart & Stroke Fund, or National Farmers Union. We hope each of you will find a time to think of him the next time you walk across the prairie, hear a meadowlark sing or see the first snowflakes of winter.