Obituary of Ralph Fudge

Ralph Sydney Stewart Fudge of Stanhope Road, Lewisporte passed peacefully away at the Dr. Hugh Twomey Health Centre in Botwood, at the age of 92 1/2 years. He is predeceased by his parents ,Minnie and Peter Fudge of Brighton, sisters Bertha Bridger, Effie Fudge, Netta Fudge, Clara Roberts, brothers Raymond Fudge and Ronald Fudge and loving granddaughter, Alicia Farrell. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 71 years, Olive (nee Tilley), and only sister, Mamie Rowsell of Lewisporte, 3 daughters: Cynthia (Keith), Shirley(Mike), and Barbara( Cyril), 6 sons: Cecil(Carolanne),Dennis( Donna),Tony( Violet),Peter, Craig( Lynn), and Robert ( Rosalind), 22 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren, sisters n law: Greta Osborne ( Warwick),Joan Roberts( Amos), Mabel Starkes ( Ralph), Elsie Crewe, Joan Tilley, as well as a large circle of friends. As we honor our dad’s life, it is hard not to recognize the remarkable man he was and the profound impact that he left on anyone who was privileged to share time with him. Even though he had a quiet and humble demeanor, he was a pillar of strength to his family and a man whose dedication, work ethic and love shaped countless lives. His life journey was of one of hard work and unwavering commitment. Dad’s natural skills and talents were passed on, undoubtedly to his sons, daughters and grandchildren. His career as a cook on the CN boats, his carpentry skills and the houses that he built over the years, was a testament to his work ethic and deep sense of responsibility to the family he loved dearly. Dad, lead by example. The lessons he taught us all through his words and his actions will remain a guide for how we should live our life. As we bid farewell to Dad for now, his memory will no doubt be carried forward in each of us , a testament to the ending legacy of a remarkable man….Our Dad. Dad was an avid gardener and took an immense pride in his veggie garden. He had many loves other than his family that we cannot forget. His love and respect of nature was paramount : his love to be in the woods, harvesting logs( either for firewood or building supplies),his love to be in the shed with the radio on building wood projects, the love of his boat to either be taking a cruise down the bay or just paddling near his wharf, a skidoo ride, glassing the geese with his binoculars from his shed or the bedroom window, shovelling snow ( purely for exercise and fresh air). Dad loved to listen to world affairs, complete crossword puzzles and watch favorite TV shows after supper. One of our favorite memories is how he decorated his house for Christmas with such dedication and pride, especially outside! Dad’s daily rituals bring a smile and tear to us all as we miss him dearly: up at 7:30, breakfast for he and mom at 8, out in the shed or garden shortly thereafter, in for coffee at 10, lunch at 12, back in the house at 3 for a glass of milk, a refreshment at 5:30, supper at 6,followed by the evening news and his favorite TV shows till bedtime. It didn’t matter if the house was full, dad would shower and to bed at 10:30..as he bid Good Night to all! We will find comfort in each other and the countless memories reminisced and shared over the years. As a family, over the past few days, while trying to keep Dad pain free and waiting for that final Good Bye, we shared his love and our memories. We are especially grateful to the staff of Dr. Hugh Twomey Health Center, both Units A & B and all the other staff who embraced our dad and made him feel like family. The exceptional care and compassion for our dad did not go unnoticed. Our family will be forever grateful! As per mom and dad’s request, cremation has taken place and there will be a “Celebration of Life” at a later date to be announced. Donations in dad’s memory are gratefully accepted and will be contributed to the Salvation Army Corps in Lewisporte. Though absent Dad , You are always near, Will be always missed, always loved and always dear!