Roy RALSTON

RALSTON, Roy (Robert) In loving memory of Roy (Robert) Ralston, born June 19, 1944 in Aberdeen Scotland, who passed away January 4, 2015, in Campbell River. Roy is now re-united with his father (Bobby), mother (Margaret) and brother (Gordon) Ralston. He leaves behind his loving wife of 25 years, Linda, his son Ian, brother Barry (Carmen) nephews Toban and Cale, as well as aunts, uncles and cousins in Scotland and Australia and many, many friends on Vancouver Island, and throughout B.C. Roy was born during the war when young mothers had to leave the city as the baby's birth drew near, hence his arrival in a castle converted to hospital in Aberdeen. At home in Glasgow with his mother, father and extended family, he was soon joined by two younger brothers. At the age of 13, Roy moved to Vancouver, BC with his family. Roy thrived in Canada and showed his interest and aptitude for the mathematical sciences at an early age. He joined the Air Cadets and by the age of 17, had earned his pilots license. He continued to study the sciences and soon found himself training to be a diver for the University of British Columbia (UBC) Research Institute. He went on to studies at both UBC and Simon Fraser University in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Roy retained his lifelong love for these sciences and later took up astronomy as a hobby. Roy was also active as a community member, serving in local government as Councilor with the Village of Tahsis, BC, and Shop Steward with Local 185 of the IWA. He volunteered for his favourite political party, and after a career in the forest industry, Roy completed a Certificate in Conflict Resolution from the Justice Institute of B.C., subsequently working as a mediator in his community. An avid reader and skilled writer, Roy completed several articles and three works, a history of science, an interpretation of Langland's Piers Plowman and a query into mathematics. Roy enjoyed commenting on the politics of the day; in a letter to the Vancouver Sun, Roy chastised Barbara Amiel for her dogmatic stance on marriage and it brought the headline "Amiel Goes to the Dogs!" This and many more stories were the subject of bright and jovial conversation with his fellows. Roy's sharp wit and sense of humour made every conversation with him interesting and endeared him to many. His strong convictions for fairness and equality made him a champion for social justice and wherever he could, he spoke strongly against oppression and injustice. He was so well-loved and will be deeply missed. Thank you to the staff at the Campbell River Hospital, your care and compassion was wonderful and a comfort to the family. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 24, 2015 at Sutton's Memorial, viewing from noon to 2:00 pm, service at 3:00 pm and reception to follow at the Royal Coachman Paddock Room. 502 Dogwood St., Campbell River, B.C. Donations to the Heart and Stroke foundation would be appreciated.