Jones, Ralph S.; passed at Louise Marshall Hospital on September 7, 2013, in his 78th year. One of the real heroes of this world. A gentle man; brave, loving and true. Beloved husband, father, grandfather and great- grandfather. Ralph was born as a three pound wonder, being kept alive in a warm and cosy shoe box, placed within a dresser drawer incubator, a 1930’s miracle. As a healthy child he was fascinated with animals, pigeons, puppies, rabbits and frogs. He took them home to play, tho’ it wasn’t too long before his parents “made them disappear”. He would sneak home a few more and get into trouble again. On the bright side his parents taught him how to keep a garden, which the rabbits enjoyed. Gardening soon became his life-long hobby. The ‘Love Bug’ hit Ralph at age 14 when he began dating his 13 year old sweetheart, Jacqueline. This was said to be “Puppy love”. However, these puppies later were married and have celebrated all but a few days short of their 59th anniversary. When Ralph was 32, the family travelled through the southern USA to visit family, then travelling up the west coast, settled in Kelowna B.C. He soon realized that Ontario was the family’s home and returned. At age 38, illness became Ralph’s constant companion. He was unable to maintain his position as foreman in the Lithograph trade. But keeping still was not Ralph’s forte, his days as Mr. Mom, volunteering at the local nursing home teaching leather work and a lifelong affinity with gardening kept him active. His dream of living in the country was fulfilled in the 1980’s when he and his wife moved to the Saugeen area. Always in our hearts, Ralph, with his sense of humour and positive attitude is sadly missed by his wife Jacqueline; son Thomas and his wife Heather Jones of Quadra Island, BC; son Stephen and his wife Christine Jones of Milton, Ontario; daughter Joyanne and her husband Tony Estey of Angus, Ontario; Grandchildren Adam and Chantelle Estey; Erin and Samantha Jones; Great grandchild Autumn Estey (daughter of Adam); His sister Millie and her husband Fred Beadle and many nieces and nephews. As per his wishes; family, friends and acquaintances are invited to attend his home on Saturday, September 21, 2013 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. to celebrate his life – please come and share your stories. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the England Funeral Home, Mount Forest. On line condolences may be made at www.englandfuneralhome.com
