Ralph Clarence Benjamin, 89 passed away peacefully at Home in Fort Frances on March 10, 2021 with his family by his side.
Ralph was born in North Branch, Ontario on December 2, 1931 to David and Matilda Benjamin. Ralph grew up in North Branch and at just 13 years old he was logging the homestead with horse and drae; at 14 years old he went to camp in Atikokan where he continued logging until he went to work on the dredges. Ralph always loved to tell stories about his time on the dredges and in the bush.
He met the woman that would be the love of his life in a diner in 1952 while she was working. He told his friend that day, he was going to marry that brunette. On October 8, 1955 Ralph married Marion “Edna” Benjamin (nee Amorde), the love of his life. Together they travelled many places in Northwestern Ontario for Ralph’s work before they settled in Dryden, Ontario where they lived for 40 years. In 2001, they made their way back to their roots of Fort Frances, Ontario. Ralph was always known for going for walks all around town and having a conversation with whoever he met along the way. He loved his gardens and helping anyone he could. Ralph and Edna’s home was always open to friends and family. Ralph enjoyed many hours of wood working and tinkering around the garage; and he loved teaching anyone willing to learn. The last year and a half Ralph’s days were filled with much love, joy and laughter, as he spent most of them with his great-granddaughter, Aliana.
Ralph is survived by his sons Garth (Lona), and Kent (Becky), his daughter Clara( Mark), and daughter-in-law Sheila; his grandchildren Tarra (Jerry), Jenna (Matt), Shawna (Moe & Cole), Stacey (Robb), Dylan, Serenity, Cody, and Chad; and great grandchildren Aliana, Tyrone, and Mattie; his sister Alvina, brother Dean (Olga) and sister-in-laws June and Doreen; numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Ralph was predeceased by his parents David and Matilda, his wife Edna, sons Bradley, Ronald and Darryl; his siblings Alfred, Donald, Marion, Mervin, Hazel, and Alvin.
Special Thank you to Dr Ruppenstein and the CCAC staff, for their care and compassion during Ralph’s final days.
At the request of Ralph there will not be a service. Interment will take place in Little Falls Cemetery, Atikokan at a later date.
If desired memorial donations may be made in Ralph’s memory to the Tbaytel Tamarack House, 984 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 7C7. Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com
