RALPH GROUCH

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RALPH GROUCH 1921 - 2008 Ralph Grouch of Hodgson, Manitoba left this world after a brief illness on Monday, August 11, 2008. With the aid of a midwife, Ralph was born in the Slater home near the farm where he lived nearly his complete life. As a young boy he walked three miles daily to Hodgsonville School where he obtained his education. He enjoyed playing baseball, football, guitar, riding his bike and swimming in the nearby river with his brothers and friends. They spent many summer days on the river bank, visiting, making music and conversing. Ralph was a farmer at heart. He loved the land and through hard work he developed a very prosperous farm. He worked with modern machinery, raised a large herd of cattle, produced a variety of crops from his many acres and made hay for his herd. In his spare time, he enjoyed sawing lumber with his sawmill. He would work late into the night sawing lumber for himself and the individuals he supplied. In the early 40s, he served in the reserve army in Ontario and other parts of eastern Canada. Ralph was involved with the local school board serving 14 years as secretary-treasurer for the Hodgsonville S.D. He served on the local Co-op board and Pool Elevators board and attended meetings in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. In 1947, Ralph married Eva Zuk and their two children Donna and Zenny were born shortly after. Ralph is survived by his only daughter Donna, son-in-law Ron and granddaughter Marissa, sister Lily, sisters-in-law Joyce and Olga, uncle Peter and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Ralph was predeceased by his parents Tekla and Peter, brothers Paul and Frank, son Zenny and wife Eva. Appreciation is extended to care givers at Fisher Branch Care Home and medical staff at Percy E. Moore Hospital in Hodgson. Cremation has taken place and a graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the Hodgson Cemetery in Hodgson, Manitoba. As per his wish, Zenny's ashes will be laid to rest with his father. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one's choice. Arborg (MacKenzie) Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 15, 2008