Ralph Sidney Moore

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Ralph Sidney Moore, 88 years of Simpson, SK, on Friday, July 8, 2022 at Long Lake Valley Integrated Facility, Imperial, SK.

Ralph was born Leslie Parnell Green on September 4, 1933 in Regina, to his mother Mabel Green. He was adopted by Sidney & Minnie Moore of Simpson, and his named changed to Ralph Sidney Moore. They lived west of Simpson, and moved to the current family farm in 1940, where Ralph was educated at nearby country schools, Mount Lorraine and June Rose. He worked on road construction for a few years in the early 1950s, then returned to take over the farm.

Ralph began dating a new teacher at Simpson School, Margaret Walker, and they married on October 6, 1962. They had three children, Charles, Leonard, and Elizabeth.        

Being a farmer, Ralph was always bound by the weather. He diligently recorded the rainfall totals for decades, and heaven help anyone who spoke during the 6:25pm tv weather report! He recalled the dates and details of every major storm in the area and could often tell you what the weather had been like on any occasion as far back as he could remember.        

Ralph enjoyed many visits to England, including spending the entire winter of 1936-37 there with his mother. He visited again in 1968, 1971, 1978, 1984, and 2000. There was always a letter to write and a long-distance phone call to make, keeping in touch with all the England relatives and friends over the years. It was a highlight when someone from England would visit the farm, and many did.             

With a little old-fashioned detective work, Ralph discovered his biological mother’s family in 1984. Having lived 51 years as an only child, Ralph now had a brother and sister-in-law, sister and brother-in-law, nieces, nephews and many new aunts, uncles, and cousins. He thoroughly enjoyed getting to know his new family, and was proud to tell anyone his adoption/biological family story.       

Ralph retired from farming in the mid-1980s and spent his time restoring antiques. He finished his pride and joy, a 1926 Ford Model T, in time for the first Simpson Homecoming in 1986. Many antique tractors followed and he enjoyed putting on threshing demonstrations. Ralph spent several years volunteering at the Western Development Museum in Saskatoon, restoring machinery there and spending time with other antique enthusiasts. He also found friends in his antique car club and their tours together. 

Ralph & Margaret retired to Watrous in 2011, where he continued to visit with local friends and could often be found on the phone with friends and family, far and wide.        

In October 2021, through DNA technology, Ralph discovered who his biological father was. Though he didn’t get a chance to meet any of the Smith’s, he was satisfied to know the last piece of his family puzzle.

Declining health meant a move to Long Lake Valley Integrated Facility in Imperial in November 2021. Ralph’s final months were spent visiting with family and friends, in person and on the phone, as he so enjoyed doing.

Ralph is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Margaret; children Charles (Sheila), Len (Tracey), and Elizabeth (Mike); grandchildren Jenna, Sarah (Trevor), Amanda, Sandra (Anthony), Andrew, Mariah (Evan), Leah (Brady), Alex, Riley (Owen), Jake, Madison (Myles), Jesse (Brittany), and Meagan; great grandchildren Lily, Rose, Beckham, Deklan, Zarah and Tyli; sister Donna (Dave) Mason, and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, neighbours, and friends. Ralph was predeceased by all his parents, brother and sister-in-law Denis (Ann) Magill, and grandsons Michael and Russell.

A Celebration of Life for Ralph was held on Friday, July 15, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. from Simpson Centennial Center, Simpson, SK, officiated by Rev. Jo-Ann Hills. Interment followed at Simpson Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ralph’s memory may be directed to Simpson Rink (C/O: Robert Oakes, Box 441, Watrous, SK, S0K 4T0).