Obituary of William Ralph Shearer

William Ralph Shearer was born on July 8, 1929 in Pouce Coupe to Tom & Iris Shearer. Ralph had two brothers, Clark & Ian. He was raised and lived on the home quarter for most of his life. When his health failed in the last few years he moved into the Rotary Village in Dawson Creek. He started school in the Shearerdale School and then to Doe River until grade eleven. He was very well read and seemed to have all the answers and when questioned he would tap his head and say 'high school'. He didn't get to finish his grade 12 because it meant a move to Dawson Creek and he was needed on the farm. This started his farming career and for many years we had the full gammet of animals and grain. He later worked on the ferry with his good friend Ken Rose. A job he much enjoyed because of the interaction with people. Had a small stint at the Grain Cleaning Plant and finished his working career with 30 some years with the Highways in Rolla. There were a lot of good times and laughs thorough those years. Everyone was welcome from early Sunday morning wake ups to Foster Kids. And when the grand kids started coming, Grampa and Grammas' was the place, either to stay overnight or spend the day. There were plays and skits and dress up. Ball games on the lawn or if you were big enough hand and foot canasta. One thing you didn't say around Grampa was "I'm bored" because he always has something for you to do. Rolling up the Twine comes to mind. Dad believed in family and was involved with everyone. As young boys we wrestled and rough housed around or played hockey in the living room. He had a sense of community and was very much involved in Doe River. From the Recreation Commission to 4-H to teaching First Aid or being in the annual theatre production. He organized a local Boy Scout Troup for Blaine and the other community boys. He proudly displayed his plaque when the community recognized him for 40 years of service. He worked his share of dances, was on the Rodeo committee, organized and did what ever was needed to be done around the community. He was a member of the Rolla Elks Lodge until they closed down. Whatever organization he was in he always seemed to make it to the top, whether it be Exalted Ruler or President of the Club. He loved sports. He played Baseball, Fastball and hockey. A couple of memories of his hockey career, one when hit in the eye with a puck and the other a broken finger that never closed up after. His Favorite team was the Toronto Maple Leafs and wouldn't you know it they make the playoff this year. Our understanding is that he was a pretty good third baseman in his prime. Most of our childhood Sundays were spent at picnic's in Doe River, East Doe River, Cherry Point, or Golada Creek with Dad playing ball, footraces, food booths and memories of Mum's fried Chicken, potato Salad, buns and beans. He coached the Doe River Eagles for many years. We started playing fastball when we were young and played in the league in Dawson Creek. He coached some pretty good teams and some pretty good players in those days. When he could he made all the weddings and got to hold all of his Great-grand kids. He made sure to try and connect for each birthday. He was proud of all their accomplishments. We were talking in the hospital recently about how well they were all doing considering we have Engineers, Accountants, Pharmists, Nurses, and Teachers and figured it must be in the genes. Dad was lying in the bed and up goes his hand taking all the credit. They all thought him a pretty special person. After retirement him and mum spent time camping, traveling and just being where ever they were needed. One of Dad's later hobbies was hooking rugs. I am sure we all have two or three pieces of his work. Either a birth announcement or a wedding day. It kept his hands busy and was quite upset when he hurt his shoulder and couldn't hook for a few weeks. A lot of people will remember him for his sense of humor. He was able to see the funny side of most everything and had a way of lightening the moment. Dorothy made a comment that Dad always brightened up the room when he came in. He had a great love for music. He had an old guitar that hung on the wall, but it was the countless hours of listening to the record player on Sunday morning that comes to mind. And if it wasn't Wilf Carter it really didn't count. For all his love of music, Dance was not something he never did. Lately he really enjoyed when the groups would come into the village and perform. Ralph passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2013 in Dawson Creek at the age of 83 years. A funeral service was held on Friday, April 26, 2013 at 1:00 pm from Reynars Funeral Chapel. Bev Dunsmore officiated, interment followed in the Peace View Cemetery, Doe River, B.C. Ralph was predeceased by his wife of 35 years; Selma, son; Ricky, parents; Tom & Iris Shearer, and brother; Ian. Ralph is survived by his sons; Alvie (Dawn), Ed (Kristine), Blaine (Elaine), daughter; Trudy (Brian), grandchildren; Terra & Cory Shaw (River, Jaxson & Emma), Hayley Shearer, Anndra & Mike Graff (Reece & Skylar), Marit & Chris Keen, Trisha & Matt Friesen (Brynn & Zoey), Lindsay & Paul Hawrylak (Ben), Tyler Hoffman (Gabrielle), Haley Wade and Blair Wade, brother; Clark (Elena), nephew; Tom and sister-in-law Betty Hollingshead. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Ralph to the Doe River Recreation Medical Fund RR#2, Dawson Creek, B.C. V1G 4E8. Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home and Crematorium