Obituary of Ralph E. Snowsell

Of   St. Thomas, ON, passed   away   peacefully   at   his   residence, Seasons Retirement Community on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, in his 88th year. Beloved husband of 67 years to Margaret “Margie” (née Morley) Snowsell. Dearly loved father of Mark Snowsell (Vicki) and Rob Snowsell (Laurie). Loved   son   Paul   passed   away   in   1979.   Cherished   grandfather   of   Laura Underhill (Chris), Ryan Snowsell, Kayla Snowsell (Justin), Greg Snowsell (Brooke), and Mike Snowsell. Ralph enjoyed spending time with his great grandchildren, Lakey, CJ, Griffin, Evie, Emrie, and Owen. Dear brother of Faye Loker (late Bill), Verne Snowsell (Gloria), and Lynn Murray (Paul). Also fondly remembered by his nieces, nephews, and their families. Born in a log cabin with a sod roof in Blaine Lake, Saskatchewan, November 26, 1936, he was a son of the late Edward and Madeline (née Bolton) Snowsell.

Ralph was an outstanding student and athlete in high school and became a well-respected educator, starting his career in 1956 at the age of 20 and retiring after 35 years of service across the Elgin County School Board (with one year served in Pembroke – Renfrew County). An excellent coach of school sports teams, Ralph also coached several minor hockey travelling teams in addition to St. Thomas Cardinals baseball teams. A devoted supporter of the community, Ralph enjoyed his time serving with Locke’s Community, Central and St. Mark’s (New Vision) United Churches and the Optimist Club of St. Thomas, while frequently donating to the STEGH Foundation.

Another popular pastime was travelling and many trips around the world were enjoyed with Margie and friends, including visits to Europe, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean and much of North America. Special trips were also arranged with the family, including an incredible trip to Great Britain in 2014. In retirement, winters were typically enjoyed in Lakeland, Brookridge and Destin, Florida. 

Golf was Ralph’s ultimate passion, with memberships at Talbot Park (“The Public”), Stark’s (Port Rowan-Long Point), Belmont and St. Thomas Golf and Country Club (Union). With an incredible short game, he maintained a great handicap and would often “shoot his age” or better, at Union, late in life.

In retirement, Margie and Ralph lived in Long Point for a period of time, relishing opportunities to entertain friends and family. Fishing trips were common and when the Long Point property was sold, the grandchildren were saddened but rejoiced when son Rob purchased a cottage on Chartier Lake where friendly fishing competitions among family members became part of the tradition.

In   keeping   with   Ralph’s   wishes, cremation   has taken   place, and private interment will   be   made   in   Elmdale   Memorial   Park, St.   Thomas.   A celebration of life open house will be held at the St. Thomas Golf & Country Club, 42325 Sparta Line, Union on Saturday, October 12, 2024 between the hours of 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. with words of remembrance at 2:00 p.m. If so desired, please   consider   a   memorial   donation   to   the   St.   Thomas   Elgin General   Hospital   Foundation (re:   Transforming   Tomorrow   campaign) or Christmas Care St. Thomas. Arrangements entrusted to the Sifton Funeral Home, 118 Wellington St., St. Thomas (519-631-1160).