Ralph Wilfred Bannerman

In Loving Memory: Ralph Wilfred Bannerman (January 7, 1940 - September 8, 2024)

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ralph Wilfred Bannerman, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend.  Ralph passed away peacefully at the Baldur Personal Care Home in Baldur, MB on Sunday, September 8, 2024 at the age of 84. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, love, generosity, good humour and countless cherished memories. 

Born on January 7, 1940 in the town of Baldur, Manitoba, Ralph was the son of Alex and Sara Bannerman. He grew up in Baldur in a close-knit family alongside his 10 siblings: Ruth, Roy, Margaret, Ruby, George, Ivy, John, Elaine, Grace and Bob. He was the fourth youngest of 11 children.

As a young adult, Ralph worked for Monarch Lumber and then in 1959 transferred to Unity, SK. He met his future wife, Sharon, in Unity in 1960 and were wed there in 1962. They then moved to Saskatoon, SK for 2 years where Ralph again worked for Monarch Lumber.  In 1964, they relocated to Winnipeg, MB for 2 years where he worked in the Transcona area in the lumber business. In 1966 Ralph & Sharon moved to Baldur where they established Bannerman Lumber that served the community for many years. He ran the business until his retirement in late 2002.

Ralph was a beloved figure in the community, known for sharing his extensive knowledge of the municipality and its history.  He was also the cornerstone of Bannerman family gatherings and the family's unofficial historian, cherishing the opportunity to connect with each member.  A devoted family man, Ralph's legacy extends beyond his immediate family. He taught his loved ones the importance of living life to the fullest, creating a lasting impact on their lives.

In his spare time, Ralph enjoyed a variety of sports (curling, hockey, baseball), trapshooting, gunworks, leatherworks, carving, woodworking and construction. His true love was the outdoors. He was an avid big game and bird hunter who also loved camping, fishing and canoeing. He had an immense knowledge of trees, plants, local wildlife and nature in general. You could quite often see him mowing and working on his acreage in Baldur. He was an ardent reader of Westerns, especially by the author, Louis L’Amour.

Ralph will always be remembered for his gentle spirit, laid back nature and utmost patience.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Sharon (nee Buchanan), son Jeff (Laurie), daughter Carla (Brad), grandchildren Beau, Jazmin & Sophie.  He is also survived by brother Bob (Janet) Bannerman, sister Elaine Kavener, sisters-in-law Shirley Bannerman and Sylvia Bannerman as well as  numerous nieces, nephews & extended relatives.

Ralph was predeceased by his parents Alexander & Sara, siblings Ruth Lockhart (Jim), Roy Bannerman (Irene), Margaret Cook (John & Bert), Ruby Belmore (Frank), George Bannerman (Shirley), Ivy Wray (Raymond), John Bannerman (Sylvia) and Grace Harder.

A Private Family Graveside Service will be held at the Baldur Cemetery on Monday, September 30, 2024 at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Ralph’s memory to the Baldur & Area Endowment Fund (payable to the R.M. of Argyle), Box 40, Baldur, MB, R0K 0B0.

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