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.
Livre de visiteurs
Patricia Thies
Gerald Pash
Sincere condolence to all those close.
Ralph was a special mentor and friend to so many. He will be missed, and remembered for his many kindnesses.
Charlene
What a lovely tribute. It’s hard to summarize such a man’s life in an obituary, but this does the job very nicely. Our family is very sorry for this huge loss you all must bear. Bear it together.
Jacques hudon
A great human-being who in addition to all his achievements was an exceptional boss and mentor. I enjoyed every minute I worked under his direction at PMO’s Press Office and he has been an inspiration to me for all my life. Jacques Hudon
Gayle Warnock
My deepest condolences to Ralph's entire family and dear friends. Such a tragic loss to everyone and all of Canada. Ralph made all of us proud with a very distinguished career and service. RIP. Thank you for your service.
Chris Henderson
To the whole Coleman family, please accept Sally’s and my deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved Ralph. Colonel Ralph was a huge example of patience, kindness, and generosity to countless public affairs officers throughout the years and the CAF will reap the benefits of his leadership for generations. We will all miss him very much.
Kris and Véro
Ralph was a true gentleman, and one of the most dedicated officers I have ever known. He will be sorely missed.
We send our deepest sympathies for your loss.
Philip Anido
We have lost a grand friend and colleague. Ralph was an inspirational leader for all of us who served with him. He was wise and always available to share his knowledge, guidance and encouragement. I will miss him very much.
Greg Hogan
I just recently learned of Ralph’s illness and I am saddened to learn of his passing. Sonia, I too recently experienced a personal tragedy so I have a very good idea of the pain you and your family are suffering. Ralph and I met through our mutual friend Brian Smith when they were working in the first Prime Minster Trudeau’s press office. When Ralph returned to the Department of National Defence I seemed to follow in his footsteps, first as Senior Info Officer in our regional office in Winnipeg, then as Director of Exhibitions and Displays in Hull. Ralph was a consummate professional and a difficult act to follow. He was a gentleman of the old school and showed great generosity of spirit. You may not recall Sonia, but I met you at your home many years ago when Ralph invited me for dinner, along with several other “orphan” PAOs on unaccompanied postings in Ottawa. Ralph will be sorely missed. You have my most sincere condolences.
Greg Hogan
Adam Thomson
I have such admiration and respect for HCol Coleman. He was an incredible leader, devoted military member and public servant, and absolute professional. His wisdom, wit and sense of humour when teaching on the Basic Public Affairs Course was one of the highlights for students at the outset of their training. I am deeply saddened to hear of his loss and would like to extend my sincere condolences to the family. His impact on the Public Affairs Branch, and me personally, will be lasting.
So sorry for your loss. Since I am unable to attend funeral, I would like to register for online