Ralph Milum
Obituary
Obituary for Ralph Milum
July 9, 1947 – January 28, 2023
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ralph Milum, beloved husband, father, grandad, and friend. He was only 75 years old and although his life was cut short because of aphasia and Alzheimer's, he lived a life full of laughter, adventures, and time spent with those he loved most.
Ralph was born on July 9, 1947, the fourth child of Gordon and Phyllis Milum. He grew up in Golden BC with a childhood filled with many adventures helping out in his family's dairy and getting up to no good with his best friends. Determined to find his own way in the world Ralph left home at young age where he worked building the snowsheds on Roger's Pass and diamond drilling in mining camps. Through these early adventures, Ralph's friendly, easy-going personality and hard-working attitude allowed him to easily find work around the province.
Ralph married the love of his life, Sheila, in 1970 and together they worked hard to build a family and group of friends who loved to spend time together. When Ralph became a dad to his two girls, Carolyn and Susan, he embraced his new family life with kindness, laughter, and empathy. His three girls were his everything. Ralph's door was always open for friends whether they needed a friendly conversation or help, and he would do anything he could to help those around him.
Ralph loved to play cards, especially crib. He was very lucky at games and in crib he counted 29 three times, with once being in his crib! Ralph enjoyed making wine, even crushing the grapes in his early wine making days. His drive for adventure and family time continued with many camping trips, picnics, and weekend getaways that involved crabbing, cards, campfires, friends, and wine. As his girls got older, Ralph and Sheila travelled for curling tournaments, golf vacations, or abroad with a trip to Po1tugal and many cruises. Traveling and experiencing new places was great, as long as Sheila was by his side.
Ralph worked for Dairyland for a short time, Woodward's as a driver and ending with BC Transit. Through his time at Woodward's, Ralph made many wonderful friendships. These friendships that he created lasted a lifetime. Driving for Woodward's was a great job for him as he was able to interact with people and drop in and visit his in-laws, Al and Muriel Dorey, always when Muriel had just finished baking cookies. If he was driving in North Delta, he would surprise Carolyn and Susan by picking them up in the delivery truck which was always a highlight for them.
In 1997, Ralph became a granddad when his first grandchild Caitlyn was born. lt was being a Granddad that Ralph once again showed everyone just how loving, thoughtful, and generous he was. Some could argue that being a granddad was a role Ralph was made for. In 2000, he was blessed with his first grandson, Jake and then in 2008, Matthew arrived giving Ralph his top three. From car rides and walks to pancakes and golf, Ralph was an amazing grandfather. His love and pride for his three grandchildren was always at the forefront of his conversations with others.
If you were lucky enough to know Ralph, you know you were blessed. His thoughtfulness and sense of humour made being around him a gift.
We will be holding a celebration of life for him "Ralphie style" at his house, 10155-171A Street from 1:00 - 5:00pm, Saturday, February 25, 2023. Please feel free to drop in and share a memory, a laugh, and a game with his family.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to a charity of your choice in Ralph's name.
Ralph Milum, always loved, forever missed, never forgotten. July 9, 1947 - January 28, 2023
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