Ralph Ray Pilkington of Red Deer, Alberta passed away peacefully at the Red Deer Regional Hospital on June 11th, 2025, at the age of 86 years young.

Ralph was born in a granary near Lintlaw, Saskatchewan in July 1938. He was the only child of Nina Mary Chaddock and Reginald Philip Pilkington. In September 1938, Ralph was sent to Quill Lake to live with his maternal aunt (Anna Chaddock) and grandfather (Henry Chaddock), while his mother was treated for tuberculosis. After being reunited with his parents in 1942, the family moved to Saskatoon to be closer to medical care. Ralph met his future wife (Norma Isabel Russell) while she was scooping ice cream at the local pharmacy. They were married in the Russell family home in 1961. Together, they welcomed two sons: Phillip Noel in 1962, and Raymond Curtis in 1964. The family briefly lived in Saskatoon and Broadview before settling down in Prince Albert in the early 1970s.

With some convincing from Norma, Ralph went back to the University of Saskatchewan to obtain his education degree. After school, Ralph went on to pursue a wide range of careers. From managing his father’s landscaping business, to advising with Indian Affairs and teaching inmates at the maximum security prison, Ralph was a man of many talents. Ralph was also a member of many social clubs, including the Prince Albert Sailing Club, the Opimium Society and the Good Sam Club. He had a lifelong fascination with engines, whether it be RVs, motorcycles, quads, boats or motorized scooters.

After many happy years in Prince Albert, Ralph and Norma relocated to Red Deer, Alberta to be closer to family, where they attended many sporting events, holiday dinners and family adventures. Ralph and Norma enjoyed road trips in their RV and snowbirding to Arizona and Mexico. They loved their family pets, most recently rescuing a min pin named Diego who was deemed to be “too complex” for other families. Ralph was an avid storyteller, practical joker, expert napper and dessert connoisseur. Red Deer’s Horizon Village will never be the same without Ralph popping wheelies on his scooter or filling the local preacher’s rain gauge with wine. His impish nature will be missed by all.

He is survived by his wife Norma of 64 years, who’s still dishing out ice cream like the day they first met. Ralph is also remembered by his oldest son Phil and daughter-in-law Kelly (Houston, TX), his youngest son Ray, daughter-in-law Carmen, and granddaughters Emma and Leah (Delburne, AB).

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, neighbour, and friend. Ralph will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Per Ralph’s wishes, there will be no funeral. The family is comforted to know that Ralph is now at peace, enjoying a cold beer and his favourite ice cream.

Condolences to Ralph’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net . Please indicate “Ralph Pilkington” in the subject line.

Arrangements in care of

Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service

A locally owned cremation and funeral provider

serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta

587-876-4944

 

• Date : 2025-06-13
• Location : Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service, Red Deer AB "Locally Owned"