Ralph Carruthers Addison

Husband for 66 years with his beloved wife Lillian. Loved father of Catherine Addison (Cam North-predeceased) and Dave Addison (Janelle). Cherished grandfather of Michael Addison (Rachel) and Jason Addison (Maggie). Sadly missed by cousins and friends.

Ralph was born at Winnipeg Beach and grew up in the city of Winnipeg. Like many young boys at the time, he had a paper route. During the war he spent summers at a cottage in Carlyle Saskatchewan with family friends the Crawfords, as his own father was serving overseas. Following the war his summers were spent with family in Minnesota working on the farm. He then began working as an assistant manager at a fly-in fishing camp where he looked after accounting and mostly ran the store.

Ralph attended the University of Manitoba where he graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering. Additionally, he earned his MBA from the University of Western Ontario. While working on his engineering degree he had the opportunity to work on the combustion systems for the Avro Arrow. The bulk of his career, however, was at Union Carbide with particular emphasis in the Linde Division. Ralph began in an engineering role before working his way up to Senior Vice President. Ralph’s second career began at Woodbridge Foam (later Woodbridge INOAC) where he held various managerial roles in the automotive industry.

Ralph met his future bride to be through his good friend Reg Tansony, as Lillian was Reg’s sister. Ralph and Lillian married in 1959 and enjoyed time together travelling to many different places. Their joint love of golf saw them spend much time at Thornhill Country Club where they made many wonderful friendships. They also enjoyed playing bridge at the Club and Ralph even took up curling for a number of years.

During their marriage, Ralph and Lillian welcomed a daughter Catherine and a son Dave into their lives and the blessings continued with the birth of their two amazing grandsons, Michael and Jason, through their son Dave. Family was at the core of who Ralph was and he always made time for his children and grandchildren. He mentored, loved and cherished each one of them.

Visitation will be held on Saturday April 4th, 2026 at the Kane-Jerrett North York Funeral Home 6191 Yonge St. (South of Steeles Ave.) from 1:00 - 2:00 pm.

A Memorial Service will be held in the chapel on Saturday April 4th, 2026 at the Kane-Jerrett North York Funeral Home at 2:00 pm.

A reception will be held following the Memorial Service.

Cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations may be made to the Arthritis Society of Canada or the Canadian Cancer Society.