MCKELVIE, Ralph Gordon born July 22nd, 1924 in Halifax, Nova Scotia passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on April 24, 2013 (6 West Veterans Memorial Hospital). He was the son of the late Rhoda Evelyn (Turpin) and James Gordon McKelvie, predeceased by his loving wife in 2003, Ann Marie (Awalt) of 51 years and four of his five brothers; James, William, Cyril and Gerald. He is survived by his brother George (Maureen), children; Gordon (Lorraine), Pamela (Michael), David, Robert, Patti and grandchildren; Christopher, Katie, Christy (Will), Tony (Amy), and Amanda (Brin).
After graduation from Bloomfield High School in June 1942 he enlisted the Canadian Army in January 1943 and became a member of the Number 2 Canadian Army University Course Group (CAUC). After completing basic infantry training in Yarmouth, advanced infantry training in Aldershot and an officer-training course in Brockville, Ontario in October 1944 embarked on the SS Martania to England. In February 1945, he was flown to Holland and joined the Algonquin Regimen 4th Division. In April he was wounded with shrapnel and transported to a hospital in France, returning to duty in May 1945 in Oldenburg, Germany. After the war ended, he attended Khaki University in England and returned to Canada on the Isle de France in January 1946. He returned to Acadia University and in 1949 received a BSc degree in math and chemistry. He played varsity hockey for four years at Acadia, often reminiscing about his teammates, who led Acadia to two, consecutive intercollegiate championships in 1947-48 and 1948-49. He was affectionately nicknamed "Rats" McKelvie by his teammates.
In 1986, he retired after 36 years of service as Regional Director of the former Health Protection Branch, Health and Welfare Canada (currently Health Canada). He traveled extensively throughout the four Atlantic Provinces enforcing the Food and Drug Act, a legislation designed to protect the Canadian Consumer from health hazards in the use of drugs and the consumption of food in Canada.
In retirement, Ralph kept busy with community volunteer work, such as; completing income tax returns for seniors, organizing weekly card socials and other church related activities. He was a devoted and active parishioner of the Emmanuel Anglican Parish serving the church in various capacities for over fifty years. Ralph was instrumental in forming the Earl Francis Spryfield Legion, served as president for several years, and was involved in many fundraising and community activities. He lived life to the fullest, enjoying all outdoor sports, especially hockey, and spent many sunny days with his family and friends on Queensland Beach.
He was a loving, dedicated husband, father and grandfather, who will be fondly remembered as an actively engaged civic-minded individual of service for country and community.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the volunteers and staff of 6 West Veterans Memorial Hospital, as well as Patricia Grant, for their thoughtfulness and attention to his care.
Cremation has taken place. A private funeral service will be held for family and friends on Tuesday, April 30th at 10:00 am at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive in Halifax, officiated by Rev. Carson Baxter. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society or charity of choice. Online condolences can be made at www.jasnowfuneralhome.com.
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