Ralph Jenvenne

1942 ~ 2016

Peacefully, at his home, on July 28, 2016 Ralph left us to go on his last trip. Ralph was born in Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba on March 3, 1942. He was the eldest of twelve children.

Ralph was predeceased by his father, Napoleon and his sister, Yvonne Henry(Les). He is survived by his mother, Josephine Jenvenne Julien (Paul); his sisters Virginia Hodge, RoseMarie McLeod, Celine Storrier, Terri Schwartz (Bill), Fern Kost (Bob), Louise Stroet (Adrian), his brothers, Art (Brenda), Louis (Charmian), Micheal (Kataisee) and Marc (Louise), as well as many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his stepson Eric Dumont of whom he was very fond and Eric’s mother Micheline. Probably wishing that he could have taken him with him, Ralph leaves behind his beloved cat which he always referred to as “My Boy”.
Ralph joined the Canadian Armed Forces soon after leaving school. He spoke often of the years he was in the army. He especially enjoyed the time he spent in Lahr, Germany. His love of driving big rigs probably dates from this time as he drove many large army vehicles.  Following a medical discharge, Ralph took up long-distance trucking as a career. He drove extensively throughout Canada and the United States. It was almost impossible to name a spot he hadn’t driven to, through or from. He had an almost uncanny ability to tell you the exact mileage between any number of locations. Ralph took a great deal of pride in being reliable and punctual at all times. The number of kilometres he drove during his career can only be imagined!

Ralph retired in 2007 and he returned to Lac du Bonnet where he made his home. His retirement didn’t last long as he became a driver for AgriTel Transportation in Beausejour. He worked there until health concerns forced him to stay closer to home.  Ralph became a guard for the R.C.M.P. and worked in the Lac du Bonnet and Powerview Detachments. He loved the “busyness” of this part of his life as well as the camaraderie he found with the members of the “Force” as he called it. Ralph was an active member of the Lac du Bonnet Royal Canadian Legion Branch 164. He always felt welcomed there and enjoyed being a part of the Legion community. Ralph constantly combined trips to Selkirk and Winnipeg for medical appointments with pick-ups for the Legion and the Ladies’ Auxiliary. During this time, Ralph also logged in more mileage…on his treadmill. At last report, he had walked across Canada and was well into his return trip.

Ralph was a good man and as honest as the day was long. He was a “rough diamond” but if you could see beyond the surface, you saw a man who was willing and happy to help anyone with anything if he could. He would give you the shirt off his back…cat hair included! Happy Trucking, Big R.!

A Legion Tribute for Ralph will be held on Friday, August 12, 2016 at 1:00 pm at the Lac du Bonnet Legion Hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Lac du Bonnet Royal Canadian Legion Branch 164 (Box 777 – 45 McArthur Ave. Lac du Bonnet, MB. R0E 1A0) specifying that it is for the ROOF FUND. Ralph found a home under the roof of the Legion and he would consider it a huge honour if he could help to replace that roof. Alternatively, donations can be made to Wounded Warriors Canada (310 Byron Street South, Suite 4 Whitby, Ontario L1N 4P8) or online at woundedwarriors.ca.

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com

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