RALPH DAVID ELLIOT

It is with crushed hearts having to announce the passing of Ralph David Elliot at the age of 81, on December 16, 2025, at Riverview Health Centre. Ralph was diagnosed with cancer. Without ever complaining, he fought to stay on earth for as long as possible.

Ralph is survived by his wife Fran; daughter Shawna; grandchildren, Soren, Nathan and Emmett; sisters, Dawn and Debbie; and brother James (Marilou).

Ralph was born September 13, 1944 in St. Lambert, Quebec to Georgina Rose and Ralph Elliot. He grew up in Mackayville, later living in Greenfield Park.

Ralph married Frances Marie Demers in 1968, they celebrated 57 years of marriage together, 62 years together total. In many ways Ralph and Fran could be considered storm chasers. The moment a flood, snowstorm or hail was brewing the two would hop in the vehicle to go see the action. Before covid hit, a little dog named Taco was added to the family. Small dog, big blessing, they would take Taco (predeceased) for many long walks out in Headingly Park. Ralph and Fran’s favorite song to dance to was “It’s a big old goofy world” by John Prine, this can be heard while viewing the photo tribute. The last few years their favorite place was sitting on the swing in the back yard. Before passing, he took the time to smell the beautiful flowers in the garden with Fran.

He was a loving father to two beautiful daughters, Tania Jane who predeceased him from Cystic Fibrosis, October 10, 1977 at the young age of 7 and Shawna Rae who held the little family together.

Ralph and Fran were both transferred to Winnipeg from Quebec, while working for The Northwest Company. After 37 years of service, he began tinkering with cars. Ralph formed many great friendships with Ferdie, Ralpo, Johnny and Dimitric, just to name a few.

Ralph had a great big heart for his friend Stan (predeceased) who suffered with Parkinson disease. He fixed a wheelchair accessible van to drive Stan to go for ice creams at McDonald’s.

Ralph and Fran had a great friendship with Leonard and Gayle. The four of them enjoyed playing cards or shuffleboard. Ralph and Len could be found at Tims having coffee at 7 am or working on a car in the driveway.

This past August Ralph flew back to Montreal to visit with Tania’s place of rest, family and friends. Ralph attended Jackie’s golf tournament, not to play golf but to see friends like Paddy and Mike one last time.

Before Ralph left this Earth, he made sure to have everything in order. Ralph installed a new dish washer for Fran; it took two weeks to complete because cancer had robbed him of his energy. Ralph was a car enthusiast who enjoyed talking about cars, going to car shows, repairing, buying and selling. A car was given to each one of his loved ones, with instructions left for Fran to make sure Emmett gets one when he starts to drive. Leaving something that could give everyone independence and happiness, he tried to leave the world a better place.

Shawna was his pride. Shawna’s fondest memory with her dad was walking together during any kind of rain storms, the more thunder and lightning the better. Dad would build skating rinks in the back yard to practice ringette in the winters and would cheer Shawna on at her games. Dad was at every game and practice, not only to watch but to tie her skates!!! Dad was there to show Shawna how to improve on diving skills and swimming at the pool in the summers, many ribbons, medals and trophies were won. Dad was such a joker, he told Shawna he printed up tickets and they were going to sneak onto an airplane just to fly above Montreal City. It wasn’t until Shawna was throwing up in the plane that he told her it was really a surprise trip to Disney World.

The Grandkids came along one by one until there was three. He chose to have the kids call him Pappy. This was a new chapter in his life he enjoyed. He was a busy man running after the kids while teaching them how to ride their bikes, roller-skate, play soccer and baseball. Pappy was always patient and encouraging. Winters, he was on the ice teaching them how to skate or snow blowing a hill in the front yard to slide down on. Pappy never missed a thing from kindergarten recitals, musicals, graduations, award days, volleyball games to sitting at the hospital when Soren broke their arm and needed surgery. Pappy taught the kids some valuable skills in the garage such as changing or filling up a tire with air, doing an oil change and specifically explaining to Nathan which tools were used for what. If Pappy was fixing something around the house you can bet there was two or three kids with a tool in their hand, excited to help. Pappy had the kids laughing with his silly dad jokes or tricks he would play on them. Pappy wasn’t much of a hugger; he would give fist pumps. However, Emmett is a soft soul and wouldn’t let Pappy get away without a hug. So, hugs became their thing. Because of this new-found tradition of hugging, Ralph made sure to have many more long hugs with Shawna and even had one last dance before moving into palliative care.

Fran and Shawna appreciate the care Ralph received from Dr. Susan Green, Cancer Care Hospital. Palliative Care and Riverview Health Centre nurses. Ralph had so many wonderful health professionals on his side. A special thank you to Trish and Maggie. Ralph was given comfort, dignity, pain management and treated like family.

In accordance with Ralph and Fran’s wishes, there will be no viewing or service in Winnipeg. Cremation has taken place and Ralph’s ashes will be brought back to Montreal at a later date. Donations may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in Ralph’s memory if you so desire. Fran would like to thank family, friends and strangers for their prayers through this very difficult time.

Shawna told her Dad,

“You will be busy in Heaven

being our guardian angel.”

Love you, Dad.

Fran will love Ralph

forever and ever,

Amen.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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