The family of Ralph Demers is saddened to announce his passing on March 30, 2026 at the age of 86 years.
Ralph grew up on his family farm in Grand Pointe, working alongside his father at the tender age of 5, he would tell us. During the course of his life, he worked at many places but mostly recalled his days at Ontario Steel and Eaton Springs. Ralph’s hobby of woodworking kept him busy in his garage, making shelves, stools, shadow boxes or anything we asked for. He was also a pretty good handy man being able to fix things around the house.
Ralph really enjoyed getting out of the house and going for drives to Mitchell’s Bay. We all share many memories of his love of ice fishing there in the winter. An old fashion country music fan at heart, some of Ralph’s favourite artists were Kenny Rogers, Roy Orbison, the Melody Ramblers and Loretta Lynn. He appreciated any music with a good fiddler, because it reminded him of when his father played the fiddle. It was his love of music that drew him to local dances and he always enjoyed a good game of cards (euchre) with friends.
Ralph had a love for good food, especially his famous bologna sandwiches. He enjoyed going out to a restaurant for a meal and knew where all the local hot spots were. He especially liked Yeck’s in Ridgetown for their huge burgers and fries. Although he lost most of his vision, he had the ability as a passenger to direct you to any destination without error. His bright blue eyes and warm smile will be etched on our hearts forever.
Ralph is predeceased by his parents Ernest and Regina Demers of Grande Pointe, his brother James Demers, his son William “Bill” Demers and his grandson, William “Will” Demers. He will be lovingly remembered by his partner, Dorothy Gough, his children: Melody (Bruce) Robertson, Jean (the late Bill) Demers, Wayne (Laurie O’Rourke) Demers, Charlene (Glen) King, Darlene (John) Rylett, and Christine (Joseph) Zink. He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren: Robert (Heather) Demers, Jacqueline Demers (Chris) Kolodziej, Ryan (Casey) King, Chantel King-Therrien, Max (Kristy) Rylett, Brittany Rylett (Matt Smith), T.J. (Sarah) Rylett, Brooke (Lincoln) Smith, Jerzie Rylett, Kala Zink-Smith, Joseph “Joey” Zink (Kelsey Zondag), Haley Zink, and many great grandchildren, and friends.
A private family visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home. Ralph will be laid to rest with his parents and brother in the Saint Philippe Cemetery in Grande Pointe.
If you would like to make a charitable donation in memory of Ralph, you can dedicate donations easily on the Diabetes Canada Website https://diabetes.ca/ or the Chatham Kent Health Alliance Website https://ckhaf.ca/donate/
The family would like to thank all the staff at the Chatham Kent Health Alliance, 2nd floor team for the incredible care and compassion given to Ralph and his loved ones.
