My Father

My father was a good man who loved everyone around him, especially my mom and me. He always tried to keep everything active and fun even on the low days.

My father was always there when I needed help and advice. One thing I will always cherish about my father is that he loved me no matter what.

My Father is a person who was very smart in history, math, and science. I always talked to him about history and science and he always taught me something new.

My dad was consistently there after school to help me with my homework. He always asked,

Hello Linda & Ian: Our family was sad to hear the news of Roy's passing.  Glad we had the time with him that we did. Everytime I open the fridge up and see the Ketchup bottle it makes me laugh and think of Roy. The summer vacation we spent at your house with the girls.  Roy had them cleaning the copper table with erasers and Ketchup.  Well it kept everyone busy for awhile.... between slug slinging, cleaning the table and walks down to the ocean we had a fun visit.  Roy and yourself were like two peas in a pod.  While you adjust to new beginnings take comfort that you have a big family and lots of friends that are your extended family.  Hugs from all of us. Cindy, Milton, Courtney and Rachel.

Dear Linda: Our sincere condolences.  Wally and I remember many lovely and funny times in Gold River with you and Roy.  The girls recall your lovely home and how welcoming you and Roy were to them. We send you warm hugs.

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 pilot's 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.

OBITUARY

Robert Roy Ralston

Passed away on JANUARY 4, 2015

Sutton's Campbell River Funeral Home

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