It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ralph L. Nelson on September 6, 2025, at the age of 87.
Born in Drumheller, Alberta, Ralph was the son of Gustav Nelson and Elsa (Strand), both deceased. He was predeceased by his two sisters and three brothers, and is fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, and his sister-in-law Joyce Nelson.
Ralph was first married to Margaret McPherson (deceased), with whom he shared two children: Sandra and Andrew (Michele). In 2002, he remarried Gayle Pautz, gaining a stepdaughter, Jessica (Jacques Cormier), and two cherished grandchildren, James and Jayden Cormier.
A proud veteran, Ralph joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1956 through the VENTURE Program. He trained as a pilot with the U.S. Navy in Pensacola, earning his wings in August 1960. His distinguished service included flying the CS2F-1 Tracker aboard HMCS Shearwater and HMCS Bonaventure. Later, he transitioned to the role of Supply Officer, serving at Shearwater and aboard HMCS Margaree. Ralph concluded his career at National Defence Headquarters, contributing to major capital projects until his retirement in 1998.
After his retirement, Ralph spent many winters in Florida with Gayle and enjoyed traveling around the world. A passionate sports enthusiast, he was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees and also cheered for the Chicago Blackhawks and the Edmonton Eskimos.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the dedicated staff at Perley Health’s veterans’ section for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Perley Health would be deeply appreciated.
A memorial service for Ralph will be held on September 22nd at Beechwood National Memorial Centre (Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services), located at 280 Beechwood Avenue in Ottawa. Visitation will take place from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. A reception will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., with interment to follow at 4:00 p.m.
“My boat struck something deep.
Nothing happened.
Sound, silence, waves.
Nothing happened?
Or perhaps, everything happened
And I’m sitting in the middle of my new life”.
-Juan Ramon Jimenez
Digital Guestbook
Richard Duffield and Leonora Duffield
Bruce Richardson
Along with Dick Duffield, Ralph and I were on the Supply Officer's Course at HMCS Hochelaga in Montreal
Don Uhrich
My sincerest condolences. Ralph and I served together at HMCS Venture in 1958. Fair winds and a following sea.
Bill Janzen and Marlene Toews Janzen
We never met Ralph and we became neighbours of Gayle only recently but we would like to extend our condolences to her as well as out best wishes for strength and grace as she lets go of these two decades plus with Ralph and goes into the future without him.
Lorna Donaghy
Ralph was a kind generous man full of good humour - always ready with a laugh and if the occasion warranted, the best Manhatten ever - wished there was time for more of them. You will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know you.
Bruce Hirst
So sad to hear of Ralph’s passing. We first met in 78 when we were together in the “new ship” program management office. Over the years we spent many times at the Mess and each other’s homes. Fair winds and following seas my friend!
Ralph and I were classmates on our Supply Officers Course at HMCS Hochelaga. Lots of memories and always reminded of them because his wedding gift to Leonora and I, a gilded tray, has remained on my bedside table for the last 59 years. Ralph was a regular attendee at our annual Pussers' Reunion in Ottawa and always enjoyed being one of the few who posed for the photo under the White Ensign signifying that he had sailed under the White Ensign. RIP dear friend. Dick