Ralph Merle Richard Ferch

Died peacefully on May 24, 2015 at Tuxedo Villa, Winnipeg in his 104th year.

He will be greatly missed by his beloved wife of 76 years, Lillian (née Archer). He will also be sadly missed by sons Richard (Jane) of Ottawa and Howard (Jane) of Winnipeg, grandchildren Elizabeth, Tom, Laura, Alex and Tessa, and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, as well as Lillian's remaining siblings, Sam (Elsie) Archer, Faith (Bud Stanley) and Richard (Carole) Archer. He was the son of the late Henry and Margaret Ferch, and was predeceased by his sister Myrtle (William Metcalfe) and brothers Howard, Norbert (Amy) and Clifford (Helen).

Born and raised on a farm in Kipling, Saskatchewan, he moved to Fort William, Ontario in 1940 where he began a 37-year career as a machinist with Northern Engineering and Supply Company. He loved his craft and had a small machine shop at home. He could repair almost anything, often by fabricating replacement parts that long outlasted the originals. He was an amateur telescope maker, using lens grinding and polishing tools that he designed and constructed himself. In his retirement, in addition to golf he took up wood turning and inlay and crafted decorative bowls and vases. He and Lillian moved to Winnipeg in 1997 to live with Howard and his family. He was a kind and gentle man, and will be fondly remembered.

Thanks to the staff at Tuxedo Villa who cared for him during his last few weeks.

A family memorial service is being planned.