Ralph Edward Urban

It is with heavy hearts that we share that Ralph Urban passed away suddenly on May 16th. Ralph is predeceased by his beloved wife of 57 years Cyss, his mother Kay and his father, Ralph Sr. Left to mourn him are his daughters Debbi Baumann (Ken) and Terri Dunbar (Bob), his grandchildren Brett Baumann (Zita), Amy Baumann, Alex Dunbar, Jesse Dunbar, his brothers Rick Urban and Randy Urban (Vanda), his sister-in-law Donna Urban and many friends and family. Ralph was recently delighted to meet his only great grandchild - Penelope Mae Baumann - shortly before his passing.

Ralph was born in Yorkton Saskatchewan in 1939. His career as a wildlife biologist began after earning his MSc from the University of Manitoba. He moved his family to beautiful BC where they set down deep roots. Ralph’s hobbies (before grandchildren) were hunting, fishing, boating, curling and golfing. He was a die-hard Canucks fan, attending games when he could and tuning in on tv for every game. Family was a common thread for most everything that occupied Ralph’s time. Fishing with his brothers in Saskatchewan, wine tasting via helicopter in the Okanagan or attending regular family reunions were among his favorites.

But our dad’s greatest joy in life was spending time with his grandchildren – known to them as “Bops”. Bops spent all of his spare time first teaching the grand kids about the world around them and then watching them blossom into strong, independent children and then adults. He spent hours watching the kids in hockey, ballet, tap dance, horse shows, golf tournaments and basketball. One of his favourite pastimes was taking the whole family camping in his motorhome. Ralph, Cyss and the entire family were regulars at Mountainfest and then at Sunfest over the years – the grandkids loved to see Nanny and Bops rockin’ to country music! We will definitely miss making dad his favorite Ukrainian foods including perogies, borsht and cabbage rolls!

The family would like to thank Dr Waite and Dr Sulz for their compassionate care spanning many years. Our dad received exemplary care during his last days from staff on the fourth and first floors of NRGH and finally by the entire team in the high acuity unit. Often a “calling” leads physicians and nurses to their vocation and the rest of us owe them our greatest gratitude that they followed.