Ralph Sandford

It is with great sadness that the family of Ralph Sandford announce his passing on Friday, November 26, 2021 at the age of 77. He was born and raised in Fort Frances, ON and moved his young family to Thunder Bay in 1971.

He had been ill for many years but most recently fought kidney failure with dialysis and suffered with dementia. Despite the many health challenges he had, he was always positive and never complained. He loved joking around with nurses at dialysis and all those involved with the Dementia Café which he looked forward to attending every Sunday.

Ralph had worked in many different jobs throughout his life. First as a journeyman printer; then as a mill worker. After the mill, Ralph and Elsie owned and operated the Venice Grill for several years. He finished his career as a security guard with the Commissionaires at the Thunder Bay airport.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 58 years Elsie (Odahl); daughters Lisa Wiebe (Joel), Vicki Kuz (Ivan); son Steven (Adrianne) of Whitby, ON; granddaughters Alyssa and Rachel Sandford of Whitby, ON and step-grandchildren Kyle & Ashlyn Wiebe of Winnipeg, MB. He is also survived by his sisters, Rosemarie Steele of Denver, CO; Doris Degagne of Atikokan, ON, brother Chuck (Christine); sister-in-law Judy Holden (Gary) of Nester Falls, ON; brother -in-law Dwayne Dustin of Dryden, ON and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents Fred and Reine (Queenie) Sandford, mother and father-in-law Oscar and Stella Odahl; sister-in-law Jean Dustin and brother-in-law Roger Degagne.

Funeral Mass will be held at St. Agnes R.C. Church on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. officiated by Rev. James Panikulam, with a public visitation taking place one hour prior. Those wishing to view the service livestream may do so at the St. Agnes Parish facebook page. All family and friends attending the service in person must provide PROOF OF VACCINATION in addition to observing regular pandemic protocols.

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Society or TBRHS-Renal Unit would be greatly appreciated.