Ralph LODER

LODER, Charles Ralph
It is with great sadness that the family of Ralph Loder announces his passing. Surrounded by loved ones, Ralph died peacefully at the age of 90 on December 6, 2012 at the University of Alberta Hospital. Born the son of Harry and Ada Loder on September 9, 1922, Ralph lived his entire life in Edmonton except for the period of his wartime service.
Ralph was a loving and devoted husband, a proud and supportive father, and a kind and indulgent grandfather. He will be lovingly remembered and cherished by Bonnie, his beloved wife and partner of 64 years, daughter Linda (Bill), sons Doug and Ken (Marcia), daughter Trish (Murray), and grandchildren Emmy, Ken, Rob, Sarah, Lauren (Tristan), Scott, Chris and Nicole.
He will also be missed by his special caregiver for the last few years, Mrs. Bodil Jensen, to whom the family will always be grateful.
Ralph cherished time spent with family and friends and always had a cheerful word for everyone he met. His vibrant personality and zest for life will be missed by all who knew him.
Ralph's working career centered on specialty advertising, a business he apprenticed with his parents. Ralph was a salesman and manager personified, successfully growing The Loder Group of companies to become, at one time, the largest specialty advertising firm in Canada. He won many awards and recognitions from his peers and was selected to the Promotional Products Association International's Hall of Fame in 1989.
Ralph loved the water and from his earliest childhood particularly enjoyed the time he was able to spend in his boats on Lake Wabamun. His love of boats led to his wartime service as an officer in the Royal Canadian Navy serving on a frigate, HMCS St. Pierre, escorting convoys in the North Atlantic. The culmination of his service occurred at the end of the war when he accepted the surrender of a U-boat which he commanded for 4 days before berthing in Britain.
Perhaps as a result of his experience in the Navy, Ralph together with Bonnie enjoyed travel, from yearly vacations in Hawaii, cruising the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, and visiting all parts of Canada and many countries across the world.
Ralph loved Edmonton and was involved in many community endeavors. His particular passions included Robertson-Wesley United Church, Rotary Club of Edmonton, Fort Edmonton Park, the Edmonton Eskimos and the Citadel Theatre. Ralph was one of the originators of the Citadel Theatre and continued to serve on its Board of Governors at the time of his passing.
There will be a private celebration of Ralph's life in accordance with the wishes of the family. Should friends desire, memorial donations to the Citadel Theatre (9828 - 101A Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T5J 3C6) would be greatly appreciated.
Gone from our sight but never our memories,
Gone from our touch but never our hearts,
You will live in our hearts and minds with love
Always and forever.
To send condolences, please visit: www.fostermcgarvey.com