RALPH WALTER NYE

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RALPH WALTER NYE Ralph Walter Nye, aged 77, died at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Saturday, July 6, 2002 after a courageous battle with emphysema. He was born September 9, 1924 in Winnipeg, MB to Charlie and Ruby Nye. Whether he was delivering the tea sandwiches made by his mother, or his newspapers, Ralph quickly developed his ability to deal with the public - a skill that would follow him throughout his life. Ralph served in the R.C.A.F. during the Second World War. After the war, he drove a delivery truck for Drewerys Dry Gingerale. He moved to Brandon from Winnipeg in 1949. One of his frequent stops was the Golden Gate Cafe, where he met his wife Jean Williams. Ralph got his first job selling cars at Breen Motors. This started a long and successful career in the automotive sales business. From there Ralph went to Western Motors. In 1960, Ralphs friend and brother-in law, Dick Page passed away. Dick and his wife Vi operated the Dairy Queen at 18th and Park in Brandon. Ralph purchased the business and was at the DQ until 1973. He then went back to selling cars at Murray Chev Olds where he achieved several sales awards. He continued in automotive sales at several other dealerships in Brandon until his retirement. Ralph was an avid sportsman. His great love was curling and he participated at all levels - from club curling to major bonspiels throughout Western Canada and all of this while actively serving on the MCA. He was a proud promoter of the City of Brandon and was instrumental in getting the Brier to Brandon in 1963. This paved the way for other major curling events to be hosted in Brandon. Ralph was an Honorary Life Member of the Manitoba Curling Association since 1971 for the work he had done for the sport of curling. He was very proud that like his father, Charlie, they were both life members of this association. He was also honoured as a life member of the Wheat City Curling Club. In 1971, Ralph was the coach of Manitoba School Boy Provincial Champions, skipped by his son Murray. That was such a proud and exciting time at the Canadian Championships in Kamloops. In later years, he loved the sport of golf and was a member of the Glen-Lea Golf Course. Ralph was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 3. Ralph is survived by his longtime friend and companion, Cecile Chicoine and family; son Murray Nye and wife Karen Mitchell; daughter Debbie Nye and husband Don Collyer. Two grandchildren, Rhys Collyer and Dawn Affleck (Don). One great-granddaughter Caedey Affleck. Brother Bud Nye and wife Catherine; and sister Eileen Gregg and husband Ken. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Ralph was predeceased by his father Charles Edwin Nye and his mother Ruby Nye and dear sister Peg Roberts. The service celebrating Ralphs life was held at Brockie Donovan Chapel on Tuesday, July 9, conducted by Mona Franklin. Warm reflections of Ralph were given by Bob Jenkins. Honorary pallbearers were Brian Fowler, Grant McPhail, Greg Winter, Vern Sinclair, Ed Polnick and Miles Mitchell. The urnbearers were grandchildren Dawn Affleck and Rhys Collyer. Donations in memory of Ralph may be made to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation, Special Equipment Fund, 150 McTavish Ave. E., Brandon, MB R7A 2B3. God, grant me the serenity To accept the things I cannot change, The courage to change the things I can, And the wisdom to know the difference. Arrangements are in care of Brockie Donovan, Brandon, 204-727-0694.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 13, 2002