August 24th, 1954 – July 8th, 2024
Ralph Edward Timmons, beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away suddenly. Born in Inverness on August 24th, 1954, he was the son of the late Eddie and the late Mary Catherine (Finn) Timmons. Ralph was known for his unwavering selflessness and passion for camping, hunting, fishing, and his love of music. Ralph touched the lives of all who knew him and left everyone smiling. Ralph passed away doing what he loved to do most: camping with his wife of 46 years, the person he loved most, Denise.
Ralph grew up in Inverness before going on to follow his university studies at St. FX in Antigonish. After two years of studying and partying, he moved to Toronto where he began working as a lab technician for Lever. This is where he met the love of his life, Denise (of Grand Étang) in 1976. They were married 2 years later and decided to move back home to Cape Breton to start a family. There was no better place for Ralph to live than Cape Breton Island; the ocean, the wilderness, and the music called to him and it showed in how he spent each and every day. Upon arriving in Cape Breton, he started as a helper on a few fishing boats throughout the 80’s before purchasing his own fishing boat: the “Flying Swan” in the early 90’s. That was eventually replaced with the “Peter Pan,” the “Cory and Kiel,” and finally was able to have his dream boat built, “L’Écossois,” where he and Denise could fish in luxury and comfort until they decided to sell the gear and retire. Throughout his entire fishing career, he graciously shared the fruits of his labours with any visiting family members who thoroughly enjoyed his perfectly cooked crustacean cuisine.
As much as Ralph loved being on the ocean, he was equally in his glory in the Cape Breton wilderness; camping, trout fishing, hunting, skiing, snowshoeing, blueberry picking, and anything else involving nature. When he wasn’t enjoying the outdoors, nothing made Ralph happier than playing the guitar and singing songs.
Even though he kept himself busy, there was always time for others. He volunteered with plenty of organizations around town including being on the board of AMAC, he was a member of the Cheticamp Search and Rescue for over 30 years, helping new hunters with firearm safety and map and compass classes, and of course he was always willing to sing a tune or seven for any event around town.
This cheerful outdoorsman will be remembered forever by his loving wife Denise, his incredible sons Cory and Kiel (Mandy), and his adored dog, Ila. Survived by his loving siblings, Ralph is remembered by his brother Donnie Timmons (Theresa), and sisters Edna MacNeil (Jimmy), Kathleen Timmons, and Jean MacDonald (Finley), and all of his loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Besides his parents, Ralph was predeceased by his sisters Mary Jesse Gallant (Doug) and Catherine (in infancy).
Cremation has taken place and everyone is welcome to join us at La salle des Retraités – Senior’s Hall in Cheticamp on Saturday, July 13th, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm for a celebration of life and sing-along. A private graveside service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (https://www.heartandstroke.ca/) or a charity that would be dear to Ralph’s heart.
Condolences
Dear Denise, I would like to pass my condolences on the passing of Ralph.
A true friend of my brother John Payne
Ralph and yourself Denise were true friends to John.
Ralph had an effectious laugh and humour which we all appreciated
So sorry for your loss Denise and to your families
Ralph was and is a good man who will be missed by all who knew him.
Michael
So very sorry to hear this news. Ralph and I were very close friends when we were younger. I was so happy to run into him on Facebook recently after not seeing him for so many years. Deepest sympathies to all the family. RIP my old friend.
Our deepest sympathy to you, Denise and the boys, as well as all the family.
condolences
So sorry for your loss Denise and family. My deepest condolences. I always loved his hunting and fishing stories. He will be truly missed
Al and Germaine Cormier July 15, 2024 11:44 am
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Hi, Denise: I was shocked when I heard of Ralph’s passing. It brought back memories about Wayne. I am sorry we were not able to see you yet as we had to take the kids back to Halifax so they could fly back home on Saturday. I would have loved to be there at L’Amac for Ralph’s memorial but it wasn’t meant to be. We got home Saturday night and both Germaine and I got Covid so we are confined at home. Hope to see you once we are clear. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the boys. God bless you. We are thinking of you.
To Denise , Corey and Kiel plse accept my heartfelt and most sincere condolences. The news of Ralphs passing has hit me very hard but I can’t imagine how difficult it must be for you loosing such a great person, a father and husband. The responses to condolences chronicled here is testimony of that. The many times we spent together as neighbours in Cheticamp will always remain with me. For many years I looked forward to coming home on military leave and linking up with both you and Ralph and watching Corey and Kiel grow up to become the fine young men they are today. . The many times we spent jigging cod and fishing mackerel from one of the many boats you had are precious memories that I take comfort in reflecting in his passing. I remember fondly the time Ralph put a mackerel hook through his thumb, not once but twice while out in the ocean. A story we recounted very time we met. I’m glad I had a chance to see him last year at my brother Harolds celebration of life. I will miss him. If there is a seat next to the good Lord in heaven for honest-to-goodness people, that where is Ralph is right now. God Bless you. RIP Ralph. Gone but never forgotten.
Sincerest condolences Denise ,family and friends
Diana and Amedee Samson ( Arichat)
Very sad to hear about Ralph sudden passin he is an Uncle to my 2 neices and nephew.Sympathy too all the family😇💚
Our deepest sympathies to Denise and family.
Our condolences to Denise and the whole family. My husband and I met Ralph at l’AMAC. Ralph sang and played his guitar next to me. Always friendly and smiling. I remember I was singing Molly Malone and playing the guitar. My name is Francine Le Fort, Madame Annette’s sister and my husband is Gaëtan Forest. We live in Gatineau. Rest in peace, Ralph.
My thoughts are with you all. Denise, you are always deep in my heart with Ralph. Cory, you too. I love you all.
Clocks and spoons and empty rooms …it’s raining out tonight! What a way to end the day by turning out the lights… shoot the moon right between the eyes… am send most of me to the countryside…
My heartfelt condolences to Denise and family. Ralph was such a kind man and always had an old story about him and my father and his old Inverness days to share with me when he’d see me at the tavern. He was always so happy and so giving with his wonderful gift of music. He will be greatly missed.
I am so saddened to hear of Ralph’s passing. Thinking of you all and wishing you strength and comfort in these difficult days.
Condolences to all the family. I will always remember his laugh and how much he had fun. Always remember him from years ago playing darts at the legion. Always a smile and a friendly hello.
What an amazing person that enjoyed the wonderful life he was given, always a smile. Ralph will be fondly remembered by every one who knew him. We will be thinking of you all as you celebrate his life and all the happy memories that you shared.
If the legacy of a person’s life is measured by the lives he has touched and how much he is loved, then a big piece of Ralph will live on in all of us. There are no words that we can say to express the profound sorrow we feel today. I’ll remember his larger than life smile .. Sincere condolences to Denise and the kids and all who loved him.
While writing this I still find it hard to believe that this has happened. The vibrant, crazy fun, energetic, enthusiastic friend that I met through my husband Gerald, you made an imprint on how to live a full productive and appreciative life to me.
You sang at our wedding, and I had the good fortune of jamming with you through the years. Sincere condolences to Denise, Kiel, Cody and family.
Denise, I’m so sorry for your loss. Ralph was one of the guys in AMAC who made me feel so welcome and accepted through the years. I was so lucky just to see him smile at me. I wish we were there to celebrate his life with you and the gang.
My long time friend, it’s so hard to believe we won’t meet again in this world. From our times in High school and in Toronto you were always a great friend. The best thing that happened to you while you were in Toronto was your path crossed Denise’s and to this I pass on my sincere condolences to her and the Timmons family .
Sending condolences from the Gallant family on the sudden passing of Ralph. We were all saddened and shocked to hear the news from Brenda. So very sorry.
Our sincere condolences Denise and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Luce M and Paul Ryan
Deepest condolences Denise, Cory and Kiel. Ralph was an absolute sweetheart and loved by all who met and knew him. Sending you all my love, strength and prayers during this difficult time.
Our sincere condolences to Denise and family. May all your memories help you through these difficult times.
Deepest sympathies to Jean and all of Ralph’s family. May he have eternal calm waters and an abundance of peace in the wilderness that he loved.
My deepest sympathies to all his family, especially to Denise, Cory & Kiel, his siblings, his relatives and friends.
R.I.P., Ralph and keep making music!
Denise, Cory & Kiel ;
Like many others, speechless I became when I heard of Ralph’ passing. May you know others care & that it takes you through this painful phase of life. Thinking about all of you.
To Denise, Cory,Kiel, family and friends, I’m so sorry for your loss. Ralph was such a nice person and very talented. He will be dearly missed. Rest In Peace, my friend Ralph.
I’m so sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. He was a great guy and it was my pleasure to have met him. his sister is married to my brother Finley, whom I remember, and will always remember their stories of Ralf and Denise my heart goes out to each and everyone of you ❤️
Deepest sympathies to Jean and all of Ralph’s family. May he rest in peace and enjoy eternal calm waters and peaceful wilderness.
My sincere condolences to Denise, Cory, Kiel & Mandy, all the family and friends. Ralph had such a Wonderful presence – he will be greatly missed! I’m so sad that you lost him so suddenly but I have a feeling that’s probably how he wanted to go. He was a great guy.
I was so sorry to hear of Ralph’s sudden passing. What a great loss to the world. Ralph will be notably missed. So many things happen in life that don’t make sense. I hope you can find support and peace in these difficult times through the kind gestures and outpour of love from so many people. Denise, Cory, Kiel, Mandy, furbaby Ila and extended family, please accept my heartfelt condolences. You are never far from my thoughts, my prayers and my heart as you go through this tragic time. May we continue his legend of living life to the fullest and often simply singing! xxoo
My deepest condolences. Jean and Finley loved telling us stories of their camping trips I’m so sorry to hear of his passing.