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RALPH LYNDON
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Ralph Lyndon on May 30, 2023. Ralph lived as large as his prominent stature and was consistently referred to as "a legend" when his name came up in conversation. It was rare for him to enter a room without immediately making a connection to someone from his past and those that were with him were undoubtedly delayed due to the rambunctious exchange and raucous laughter that ensued. He was a highly skilled multi-sport elite athlete, excelling in hockey, lacrosse and football which led to his proud induction into the Manitoba Sports hall of Fame in 2021. He was recognised for his talents in all three sports over the years winning many awards and was entered into several sports halls of fame including the Manitoba Lacrosse hall of fame and his coveted UND hockey hall of fame induction where he played for the Fighting Sioux winning the NCAA Frozen Four championship in 1958. He played hockey and coached for the Winnipeg Monarchs for many years and had a year abroad with the Harrigay Racers in England, bringing both teams to victory in National championships. He continued to play in the Old Timers Hockey league well into his 60s and maintained friendships with all his former teammates until the end of his life. Lacrosse was his first love where he began at Issac Brock then the Winnipeg Orioles, followed by the Manitoba Junior All-Star team where he dominated as a prolific goal scorer, advancing to the Minto Cup finals. In high school, at Daniel McIntyre, he was the captain and leading force for the Maroons football team only losing one game in three years due in large part to Ralph's talents on the field. He went on to play junior football with Winnipeg Rods again winning a national title with that team.
Ralph started his teaching career in Transcona where he met his closest friend and fellow prankster Gerry Durreault before moving on to teach in St James-Assiniboia at Hedges Junior High and finally ending his career at Sturgeon Creek High School. Along the way, he collected friends that became buddies for life. If Ralph wasn't teaching, you could find him in his happy place on the football field at Sturgeon coaching his team to victory. He adored his students and kept in touch with many, well after retirement. Friday's after work he was a loyal patron to both the Marigold and the Silver Heights restaurant where he met up with colleagues and old teammates regularly. His keen sense of humour was enjoyed by all and his elaborate practical jokes were talked about for years. A wordsmith at heart, he loved his crosswords, rarely getting stumped on a word nor giving in to the "cheater's guide" crossword dictionary. He loved to attend his grandchildren's sporting events and always kept tabs on their progress in sports and life with great enthusiasm. He was a large man with an even larger personality but to us he was a giant teddy bear that gave hugs easily and reveled in his family's successes. It was a given Mickey would tell us, that while the Olympics were on, Ralph would bawl like a baby watching every event with an athlete's intensity.
The love of his life was Mickey Clark, and together for over 40 years they cherished their adventures in retirement with their close knit friends in Mesa and at their cabin at West Hawk Lake. Fishing was a passion for Ralph, and he loved nothing more than his time spent on the boat with Mickey or his guys weekends with his buddies at their favorite fishing holes around West Hawk. Mickey left us only six weeks ago and Ralph clearly decided that life without her wasn't going to be any fun. They are together forever now.
Ralph was born in April 1935, the only child of Lorne and Helga Lyndon (nee Stevenson) and was very proud of his mother's Icelandic roots. He was always bragging about the lack of grey hair( because he was an Icelander!) and he savoured his favourite Icelandic treats, Vinarterta and Rullupylsa.
With great sadness Ralph leaves behind his children, Lori Kretchmar (Dave), Gord Lyndon (Brenda), stepdaughters, Leslie Groom (Larry), Cathy Baker (Brad) and Joanne Clark. Grandchildren. Breigh Schlepp (Michael), Matthew Kretchmar, Ryan Raposo (Heather), Ben Garvey (Kelsey), Matt Garvey (Brittney), Jon and Lauren Groom and Jackson Klewchuk; brother-in-law Peter McNab (Elana). Great-grandchildren, Oliver, Otto, Abigail, Damien, Isla, Cade and Jack will deeply miss their Big Ralphie.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 10, 2023
Condolences & Memories (12 entries)
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So sad to hear of Ralph's passing and my deepest condolences to his family and friends. Ralph's induction will remain one of my fondest memories in 33 years of working at the Hall of Fame, it was deeply moving to see his quiet pride and gratitude at this long overdue recognition of a truly gifted athlete, great teacher and coach and good friend to so many. - Posted by: Rick Brownlee (MB Sports Hall of Fame) on: Jun 27, 2023
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A great man and athlete. I played with Ralph with the Winnipeg Rods when we won the National Junior Football Championship. I went to Kelvin so we competed against each other. Daniel Mac beat us in the High School Championship. I shall never forget that game. So long Ralph it was great time. Bob Kirvan - Posted by: bob kirvan (friend) on: Jun 12, 2023
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I met Ralph and Mickey back in 1988 and they were the kind of people you took an instant liking to and became lifelong friends. I will miss the banter, the beers and cigars we always had at their cabin. I have only good memories of these two great people. RIP Ralph and Mickey! - Posted by: Patrick Land (Friend) on: Jun 12, 2023
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Many good memories of our long friendship from Hedges to Sturgeon. Fishing and camping at Shoal Lake, paddling the Red, lunches at The Heights, golf at Falcon and more. I last saw Ralph and Mickey at Sturgeon ll. So long my good friend. I would be pleased to be advised of any celebration of a legends life. Bill Backman - Posted by: Bill Backman (Friend Colleague) on: Jun 11, 2023
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It is with great sadness that I think of Ralph's passing, although I know that his sense of humour and kind heart will be fond memories for all who knew him. Having worked in St. James-Assiniboia School Division all my career it was hard to miss some of the stories about Ralph and his antics in and out of the classroom. I taught with him at Sturgeon Creek when Principal John Proudfoot entered the school in the Winnipeg High School Football League. Ralph and I became the coaches of the offensive and defensive linemen under Head Coach Roman Kopchuk, and I was inspired by his love of the technical part of the game and his enthusiasm to see the talented young men grow in their specific aspects of the sport. A highlight with Ralph was returning to U.N.D. for a coaching seminar and seeing his hockey records of achievement in Grand Forks personally. Fond memories of a great friend and true sportsman! - Posted by: Rick Strongman (Friend, colleague and fellow coach) on: Jun 11, 2023
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I met Ralph while a student at Transcona Collegiate. He was part of a very lively, involved staff during my time there. He and the many ‘young’ teachers were my inspiration to become a teacher myself. A more involved, energetic group were hard to match. They made me love the idea of becoming a member of the profession. After training and teaching in Ontario, I returned as a teacher to T.C.I. Ralph had moved close to the school and was the first one in and the last to leave. An inspiration to me as a teacher, to my husband’s love of lacrosse and hockey! A great guy! - Posted by: Wilma Hewitson Parasiuk (Student and coworker (teacher)) on: Jun 11, 2023
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Ralph Lyndon was my P.E. Teacher. He was very active and friendly. In particular, he taught me how to play Lacrosse and got me playing in a senior league for a few years. I remember his friendship and enthusiasm. Rest in Peace! - Posted by: Wilson Parasiuk (Student at Transcona Collegiate in the late 50’s and early 60’s.) on: Jun 10, 2023
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A good friend and most of all a great individual. When Ralph said he had your back you had nothing to worry. I am a better person for having been part of your life. Rest in peace Ralph. Sincere condolences to the Lyndon family. - Posted by: Gaetan Secours (Old friend) on: Jun 10, 2023
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My condolences to Ralph’s family. Ralph is now reunited with Mickey. I taught with Ralph at Hedges and do remember his practical jokes. He worked well with students who had special needs and he was their advocate. Joanne was in one of my grade four classes. Ralph - Posted by: Dorothy Young (Colleague ) on: Jun 10, 2023
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A wonderful obituary that truly reflects the essence of Ralph. Ralph was a teammate and friend on juvenile, junior and senior hockey teams…. a rollicking, fun loving excellent defenseman who thru his toughness stiffened the backbone of his teammates. Later when we joined Ralph & Mickey at events in AZ he was still the rollicking, fun loving Ralph we always knew & loved. Space prevents our providing specifics on incidents that made Ralph a true Legend! Ralph doesn’t have to worry about being forgotten as colorful stories will keep him in our conversations and hearts forever. Our condolences to all of Ralph & Mickey’s family and his many friends. - Posted by: John & Charlotte Rendall (Friend) on: Jun 10, 2023
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Met Ralph at Daniel. He played centre, I played guard.He led us in "warm up calathedicts. We kept in touch with the Daniel Mac luncheons (once a month) and then my wife and I met up with Mickey & Ralph in Mesa AZ. He was a great friendj and a few "pops" were shared at the trailers and Longbow Golf Course's 19th hole He always had a great story to tell and a "hearty" laugh, even on himself. He was a great guy andf will be missed by his family and all of his friends. - Posted by: ron rentz (long time friend) on: Jun 10, 2023
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A great Soul and is a "Legend". Rest in peace Ralph. - Posted by: Wally Neves (Friend) on: Jun 10, 2023