John "Ralph'" Arsenault

Age 71 of Halifax passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 1, 2021. He was the son of the late John and Evelyn (MacIntyre) Arsenault. Ralph will be deeply missed by his devoted wife Patsy (Wilson) of 50 years, their daughter Kim (Vernon) Carvery, grandson Anthony (Kaitlyn) Carvery and two great grandchildren Mateo and Malakai. He will be lovingly remembered by his siblings: Willard, Dale, Richie (Darlene), Tom, Derek (Brenda), Be, Barb (Suzanne), Sandra (Michael), Wayne, Valerie, Johnny (Carol), Carla, honorary sister in law Tina Morgan, many loving in-laws, nieces and nephews and all those he considered part of his extended family. He was predeceased by his siblings Gerald "Zar", and Donald "Ducky".

A life well lived is a precious gift. For us, that precious gift was Ralph. He was someone who made our world a brighter, better place. When you think of Ralph you can’t help but smile and remember a time when…….and the stories would begin.

Kim blessed Ralph and Pat with an amazing grandson. Anthony was the light of his life. Some of Ralph’s most treasured moments were spent with his two precious great grandsons, Mateo and Malakai. Their last adventure together was spent picking strawberries.

Ralph loved cooking and you were blessed if you tasted one of his famous egg rolls. He had a passion for cooking and entertaining that had many unexpected visitors stopping by. Ralph was also quite content to just be at home with six remotes on the go, a 65 inch TV, five air conditioners blasting and Patsy to get him a glass of Kim’s homemade wine.

Ralph worked at the Surf Club for many years behind the bar with his good friend Tapper. When the opportunity arose he and Tapper took over the Club and made it the most happening spot in Halifax. Ralph’s entertaining personality and his ability to put on the best hip of beef buffet around kept many customers coming back not just for a drink or a dance but to eat and hear a story or two.

Ralph drove for Casino Taxi for many years. If you got in a cab in Halifax, the first thing you asked the driver was if he knew Ralph Arsenault. Ralph could entertain with many cab related stories, a most favorite was the rider who wanted out because of the god awful smell.

Ralph and Patsy spent their summers at Sherwood Forest. They could be found sitting around the fire under the dome, sharing stories with good friends and family.

Ralph was a story teller, a kind man whose generosity, good humor and spirit for life will long be remembered. Raising a glass of wine in his memory and sharing a funny story or joke would be quite appropriate. For the really brave of heart, add in a piece of pepperoni.

Until we meet again.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Diabetes Association in Ralph’s memory.

Due to COVID restrictions, a visitation will take place Wednesday, July 7 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm followed by an invitation only, private family celebration of life at 2:30 pm at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, Lacewood Drive. The celebration will be livestreamed and available for viewing on the funeral home website.