Raymond Ralph Oggelsby

Lt (N) Retd Royal Canadian Navy

Passed away peacefully at the Brookhaven Care Centre on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at the age of 86 years. 

Ralph Oggelsby of West Kelowna, beloved husband of the late Irene Oggelsby (nee Keller). Loved and cherished Father of Raymond (Ann), Douglas (Patricia), and Ronald (Wandalee).  Loving Grandpa to Derek, Brittany, Morgan, Joshua (Grace), Madison, and Taylor. Great Grandpa to first grandchild, Griffin. 

He was predeceased by his parents, Frederick and Harriet; brother, Don Oggelsby (Ollie); sister, Iris DeBoer (Dan); sister, Vi Sutherland; survived by (Ken) and Rose Chambers (Al).

Ralph's extraordinary life and career spanned the globe, serving over 33 years in the Royal Canadian Navy. He obtained the rank of CPO1 before moving to Ottawa and finally deciding to take his commission with the Canadian Navy. Ralph and Irene had met several great friends over the years between his postings to Victoria, Aldergrove, Saskatoon, Halifax, and eventually ending up in Ottawa. 

After his retirement, Ralph spent a few years with the Naval Reserve Unit in Ottawa (H.M.C.S. Carleton). At the same time, he spent 10 years with the Federal Public Service as a Marine Engineer Officer for the Canadian Patrol Frigate Project (C.P.F.P.).

Ralph played and coached several sports teams, including curling, lacrosse, hockey, badminton, golf, volleyball, and softball. He was always involved in his son's lives and ensured he would be at all events (when he was not sailing the seas), rooting each of them on.

Ralph also volunteered with organizations over the years, including the Juan De Fuca Hockey and Lacrosse Associations, the Kelowna Volunteer Community Policing Program, and the Royal Canadian Legion. He held various positions on the Sun Village Board of Directors, where he resided for over 28 years. In addition, he held several positions with the National Association of Federal Retirees, including Vice President and then President. 

One of Ralph's significant highlights was in 1963-64 when he was the Canadian Midwest Divisional Navy Curling Bonspiel's Founding Father stationed at H.M.C.S. UNICORN. 

Ralph had a passion for the outdoors and singing. He was an avid birder and belonged to several groups in the Okanagan. He enjoyed venturing in the Okanagan Valley with family and friends, chasing a lifer to add to his list.  

Ralph belonged to the Barbershop Quartet, located in Kelowna. He travelled to many places to entertain people with his singing. I am sure folks who knew him from his Navy days on the ship would attest to that.  

Ralph will be sadly missed but not forgotten.

The family would like to extend a big thank-you to several organizations that cared for Ralph: the Kelowna General Hospital Staff, his medical doctor, Dr. John McNern of the Lakepoint Medical Clinic, the nurses and staff of Interior Health, and last but not least, the staff at the Brookhaven Care Centre, who were there until Ralph's final end. They are an amazing group of care workers.

Anyone wishing to donate in Ralph's name can go to heartandstroke.ca or alzheimer.ca.