A remarkable husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and dear friend to all, Ralph Wesley Goheen left us peacefully on Wednesday December 10th with family at his side. Memorably, Ralph spent the preceding day with sons, Kevin and Colin, in lighthearted conversation and planning for the return to his room and friends (particularly Victor and Bruce) at the Westpointe Retirement Home in Barrhaven (Ottawa). After an extended hospital stay and gradually declining physical health, Ralph has now been reunited with the love of his life, Helen Elizabeth Goheen (née Coates), who passed on 28 August 2024.
An incredibly supportive and cherished patriarch, Ralph will be deeply missed by all: his 2 sons; Kevin (Susan) and Colin (Julie); his grandchildren Benjamin (Alison), Casey (Patricio), Joshua (Jenina) and Taylor (Dominic); his great grandson, Maximo, and so many, many other dear family and friends.
Born just north of Port Hope, Ontario on the 5th concession, Ralph grew up on the Goheen Century Farm as the oldest brother of Doris Goheen and Barb McReelis (née Goheen) with loving parents Noray and Annie Goheen. Ralph’s sister, Doris, is credited with formally connecting Helen and Ralph as adults but they first met when Helen sang in the Bethel Grove church choir…they were 12 and 14 respectively — love was born. Married at the age of 24, Ralph became a Dad at 25, and then again at 33. He was known to say that the greatest gifts in life were his wife and family. His gentle guidance, wisdom and lifelong reinforcing support no doubt contributed heavily to Kevin’s 35 year military career (formally the Chief Dental Officer for the Canadian Armed Forces) and Colin’s climb to success in the construction industry (currently President of Battlefield Equipment Rentals). Ralph talked endlessly about his entire family and was as proud as anyone could be of each and every one.
Not cut out for farming, in 1954, Ralph began his working career in Port Hope on the highway crew with the Department of Highways (now the Ministry of Transportation), which entailed mostly line painting in the summer and snowplowing in the winter. He rose to the level of Patrol Supervisor covering principally safety concerns before joining the team at Eldorado Nuclear (now Cameco) in 1976 and then pursuing further education at George Brown college, attaining the designation of Safety Engineer, and becoming the Safety Superintendent.
Ralph was a devoted member of the Masonic Order, the Scottish Rite and the Shriners having been initiated in Port Hope Lodge #26 by his own father in 1957. Ralph bestowed the same honour on his 2 sons in 2007, 50 years later. He was also an honorary member of the Thunderbird Lodge in Chandler, AZ. On retirement in 1989, Ralph and Helen spent 26 winters away from the ice and cold at successive homes they owned in Arizona…Helen hated any temperature under 80 degrees Fahrenheit! They also travelled extensively throughout the world fostering lifelong friendships with many.
Never ones to miss out on a party, Helen and Ralph were blessed to be able to celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary in 2024, weeks before Helen’s passing. Since then, Ralph was able to spend precious time with close family members, to include his newly minted great grandson, Maximo, who is now 14 months old, travelled to his granddaughter, Taylor’s, wedding this past March, visited with brethren of the Port Hope Lodge in June, celebrated his 90th birthday in July, visited his sisters Doris and Barb/brother-in-law Sam and, on the same trip in October, celebrated with his dear friend of 81 years, “Arch” Meadows, for his 90th birthday. Finally, Ralph enjoyed an early Christmas with family a few weeks ago. Many, many thanks to his Tweedsmuir friends; Jim, Carol, Kate, Arlene, Warren, Jean and Dad’s incredible caretaker, Rasheed (Ritchie), who have kept Dad smiling and loved through it all.
Ralph and Helen have both been cremated. A Masonic ceremony is envisioned followed by a joint burial of their ashes at the St John’s Anglican Church Cemetery in Port Hope this coming spring, 2026. A notification will be made at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice Foundation (Hospice Care Ottawa) in memory of Ralph.
It has been difficult this past year and a bit to see Ralph without Helen as they were inseparable and shared so much of life together. They both were incredibly happy and content with their lives and it’s easy to imagine that they are joyfully together once again. Helen was renowned for her apple pie and devilled eggs…and Ralph for loving whatever Helen (aka “Cookie”) cooked. They both loved to play cards and it’s certain that they’ve resumed their daily rituals of Happy Hour at 4pm with friends and Phase 10 along with a wee dram of Grand Marnier before bed.
Rest in peace Dad, Papa, Grand Papa, Ralph. We will love you always!