It is with a very heavy heart that we announce the passing of Colonel (retired) Ralph Coleman, OMM, CD. Ralph died in Ottawa on September 20, 2024, at the age of 79 after an unexpected diagnosis of stage 4 colon cancer in early August. With his sense of humour intact until the end, he passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side. Our family, the Canadian Armed Forces, Ottawa’s public service and political communities have lost a trusted friend, leader, mentor, and advisor.
Loving husband to Sonia for 45 years, doting father to Oleshia (Andrew) and Linda (Matt). Proud grandfather to Alexandra, Sydney, Isla and Xavier. Loving younger brother to Judy and big brother to Richard. Predeceased by his parents Ralph senior (1968) and Roberta (2002). He will be greatly missed by his entire family.
Born and raised in Toronto, Ralph knew he wanted to join the military and attend the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC) since the age of 8. It was his calling. He enrolled in the 29th Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, as a militia Gunner on May 27, 1961. Two years later he joined the regular force and entered RMC in Kingston, graduating in 1967 with an Honours B.A. in History. He obtained a Masters Degree in History from McMaster University in 1968 and then embarked on a career that would see both military and civilian service to the Government of Canada.
Ralph culminated his military career as head of the Public Affairs Branch, serving at National Defence Headquarters from 1996 to 1999 as Director of Public Affairs Plans and Operations, Public Affairs Branch Advisor, Acting Director General Public Affairs. Prior to that, he directed the Coalition Press Information Centre in Sarajevo, Bosnia in 1996 as part of NATO’s peace implementation force; headed Canadian Army Public Affairs at Land Force Command Headquarters, 1993-96; served as Senior Canadian Public Affairs Officer in the Canadian Joint Headquarters Middle East during the Gulf War in 1991; and served with Canada’s NATO forces in Germany, 1989-93, as Chief of Public Information for Canadian Forces Europe during the end of the Cold War.
Before joining the Public Affairs Branch in 1979, Ralph served in the artillery with 2RCHA and 5RALC, served in the 1970 October crisis in Québec and was an aide-de-camp to Governors General Roland Michener and Jules Léger. After retiring from the Canadian Armed Forces in 1999, Ralph became Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Communications in the Privy Council Office (PCO).
Earlier in his career, Ralph was seconded to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) as a press officer and tour leader for a number of years, culminating in service as Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau’s press secretary, 1983-84 – a career highlight that ignited a passion for politics.
Ralph was appointed an officer of the Order of Military Merit in 1995 and in 1991 was awarded a Commander’s Commendation Canadian Forces Middle East for outstanding service during the Gulf War. In 2012 he was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for his service to Canada. Ralph retired from the Government of Canada in 2011 after 50 years of service to Queen and Country. He was appointed as the first Colonel Commandant of the Canadian Armed Forces Public Affairs Branch on June 20, 2018 and remained in this role until his passing. In total, Ralph served Canada for 63 years.
Ralph was certainly dedicated to his service to country, but he was even more dedicated to his family. No matter where in the world he was deployed, we felt his love. He was an incredible husband, father and grandfather, brother, uncle and cousin. His positivity, sense of humour, thoughtfulness, calm demeanor, family travel planning skills, and storytelling made him the heart of our family. We will miss his incredible stories, political discourse, family vacations, cheerfulness, and Dad jokes.
He loved hockey and was a goalie for many years, including the RMC team. He grew up as a Toronto Maple Leafs fan, but eventually became an Ottawa Senators fan and frequented games every season with family and friends, including his good friend Bill Aikman. His daughter, Linda, played hockey as a teenager and he never missed a game.
Friends are invited to gather in the Sacred Space of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre on Tuesday October 1, 2024 after 9 a.m. A celebration of Ralph’s life will be held at 10:00 am with a reception to follow.
For those unable to join us in person for the celebration, we invite you to register here to attend via live-stream.
In lieu of flowers or for those wishing to honour his memory, please consider donating to the Cancer Society and/or the Ottawa Heart Institute.
Digital Guestbook
Barry Frewer
John Houston
I was saddened to hear of Ralph's passing. I got to know him when he worked at the PMO and we always shared interesting inside stories every time we met. I will really miss those encounters. To the family, I just hope that the fond memories of the past can help you through these difficult days. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Major Robin Alford (Retired)RCAF/CF
Farewell my friend. You had a varied and productive career and served our country with panache, dedication and a style that was emblematic of the leader that you were. You will.be missed, but not forgotten. Per Ardua Ad Astra.
James Simiana
A true leader and gentleman, thanks Sir for your inspiration to others, and for your service to Canada.
Dan Lemire
Dear Linda,
I'm genuinely sorry for the loss of your charming and loving dad. I believe the people we love never truly leave us, even after they pass away. They continue to be a part of every action, thought, and decision. There is no expiration date on the love between a daughter and her dad.
Goodbye, Ralph. May you rest in peace.
Dan and Cheryl Lemire
Michel Charron (Bgen ret'd) Class 0f 1967
Sincere condolances to the entire Coleman family on the loss of Ralph
Rick Savin 7308
I played hockey with Ralph when we were classmates at RMC. We met again at the Canadian Embassy in Bonn in the early 80s where I was Air Attaché. Ralph was a good guy!! May he rest in peace.
Don Marsh
Ralph was a great person and the best Public Affairs officer I ever had the privilege of working with. Rest in peace. we are all better for having known you.
John Ward
I was deeply sorry to hear of Ralph's death. I had seen him just a few months ago, at a funeral, sadly, and we talked of times gone by when I was with CP and he was running defence public affairs. He looked fit and happy.
Ralph was a public affairs officer who understood both the needs of the service and those of the journalists he worked with. He served his country with honour and was an example and a mentor. I extend condolences to his family and to the public affairs branch, which has lost a respected colonel commandant.
Julie Brouillette
My sincere condolences to the family and friends.
Dear Sonia, Caroline and I extend our deepest condolences. As a friend and colleague, I am privileged to have served with Ralph for over 30 years in Defence Public Affairs. He exemplified what it meant to lead with dignity and honour while always caring about the junior members of the team and their futures. When I went to see him in his last days in hospital he talked affectionately about his love for you, Sonia; family and life. He clearly faced his end with grace and strength. Ralph, we’ll miss you.