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.
I learned so much working along with Ralph in strategic communications over 10 years in PCO-IGA! He was and will still be an inspiration for me to be strategic, to deal with people and issues effectively and in a classy manner, and to be nice and empathetic with others. I am grateful to Ralph for many things that are work-related, but on the human side as well. I think that what's sticks to me today more than ever. My sincere condoleances to Sonia, Linda and all the family.