RALPH JAMES LARSON

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RALPH JAMES LARSON June 12, 1929 - May 3, 2010 With malice towards none, with charity towards all Tragically at the hands of another, Ralph's life was taken from him. The only son of Harry and Louise, Ralph was raised in the Selkirk/Winnipeg area. Progressing through the school system he started his career as a teacher after graduating from the Winnipeg Normal School. After a year of teaching in Russell MB, he pursued his education in St. Louis, Missouri, where he obtained a bachelor and masters degree in social work. It was there he met and married his wife of 10 years, Paulie. His work started with the Kansas City Juvenile Court where he became Superintendent later moving to supervise an adult penitentiary in St. Louis, Missouri. Ralph contributed 31 years to the U.S. penal system choosing to retire when his father required assistance in his latter years. He and his father spent the next two years travelling, discovering the sights of North America. Ralph was an avid reader and was well versed on the current political occurrences in U.S. and Canada. He enjoyed discussing social issues and loved hearing about the travels of his visitors. His friends at the Selkirk Library kept him provided with the contemporary reading material on a variety of subjects. Being confined to his home he appreciated having the library staff bring him information from the library when he required it. Ralph was a spiritual man who believed in the inherent good in people. Having lived during the depression he had a healthy respect for work ethics and the joy of earning a living. He tried to instill his knowledge to those around him by living modestly and treating everyone with respect. Predeceased by his mother Louise (1961) and his father Harry (1984), Ralph leaves to mourn his cousins Gordon (Lorraine) Barnson, Paul and Diane, Betty Hart and family, Bob (Vickie) Barnson and family, Joyce Fore and Robert, Donna Clarke and family, Art (Donna) Barnson, Brent and Christine (David). He will be sadly missed by all who had the special privilege to know him. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society can be made. Memorial Services will be held on Monday, May 10 at 1:00 p.m. in the Gilbart Funeral Chapel, Selkirk with Pastor Stan Richards officiating. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 07, 2010