Ralph Norgrove Massey

February 15, 1935 - September 16, 2017

  On Saturday, September 16, 2017, Ralph Massey passed away at the Kin Place Personal Care Home in Oakbank, MB.

  Ralph is survived by his wife of fifty-three years, Nia (nee Grandt) Massey, daughters Lisa (Jason) Martin and Shawna (Darcy) Pierce, grandchildren Taylor, Alyssa and Hailey Martin and Kiana and Kyle Pierce, sister-in-law Vicky Varga as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

  He was predeceased by his parents Jack and Doris (nee Pitcher) Massey, step-mother Hilda (nee Elcombe) Massey, brother Bruce Massey and sister in law Louise. 

  Ralph spent his youth in Winnipeg and at the cottage at Otter Falls where he met Nia. 

  They were married in 1964.  In 1972 they built their dream home on the Red River north of Selkirk where they developed a paradise for birds and other wildlife out of a farmer's wheat field.

   Ralph began his working career with the Department of Defense. After a couple of years he moved to National Health & Welfare Department where he worked until his retirement in 1989.

   Ralph and Nia bred and showed Airedale terriers producing many champions in their bloodline. Besides his deep love for his daughters and grandchildren Ralph loved his Airedales, lilies, birds and all nature. 

  He also enjoyed camping and hiking in the Whiteshell where he and Nia found previously undocumented petroforms.

  Ralph enjoyed woodworking and puttering in his workshop where he fashioned quality outdoor furniture. His goal, when he had his leg amputation at age seventy, was to go back to his basement workshop and produce more chairs, benches, etc. And he did it!  In his latter years Ralph started painting with acrylics and created several beautiful pieces of art for family and friends. 

  Many thanks to the home care staff that helped Nia care for Ralph so he could stay at home until he entered Kin Place Personal Care Home in Oakbank in June. A grateful thank you to all the wonderful staff there who so lovingly cared for him.

  Following Ralph's wishes he has been cremated and there will be no formal service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a dog rescue program of your choice or to the Kin Place Recreational Department.

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