Ralph McGillivary, 80, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 23, 2018 surrounded by his family at The Moncton Hospital.
Ralph was born in Florence, Cape Breton, to parents Ralph and Helen (Dickson) McGillivary and was the youngest of three children. He is predeceased by his parents and siblings.
Ralph left Cape Breton to enlist in the RCAF where he served for seventeen years. He met and married Audrey Stewart, the love of his life, and together they raised their four children. Postings changed from coast to coast, as well as in the north, and his role evolved from flight crew officer to air traffic control. Ralph resigned from the forces to work as a civilian controller in 1972, establishing Moncton as the family’s permanent residence. He and Audrey remained in Moncton for the duration of his career until his retirement in 1998.
Ralph’s deep love for his wife and family was evident in all that he did. He was a great encourager and took a keen interest in his children’s accomplishments and those of his grandchildren. Papa/Grandpa loved having everyone over for family BBQ’s and participating in any celebration.
He will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 59 years, Audrey (nee Stewart); children, Andrew (Suzanne), Ron (Bekki), Lawrence (Janice) and Nicole Schwartz (Andy), as well as grandchildren, Abigail Burgess (Andrew), Taya, Kael (April), Arik, Benjamin, Dylan (Mallory), Dustin, Aidan, Jairus, Colin, James and Sarah; and great-grandchildren, Violet and Liam.
As a member of Bethel Presbyterian Church, Ralph served on many boards, committees and as an elder. He also enjoyed singing for many years as part of the church’s choir.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Cobb’s Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Riverview, NB. A memorial service to honour Ralph will be held at 1:00pm, on Thursday, April 26, 2018 at Bethel Presbyterian Church, Rev. Charles Cooke officiating. No visitation by request. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Friends of The Moncton Hospital Foundation, Dr. Rubin Oncology Clinic. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbsfuneralhome.ca