January 6, 1920 – December 26, 2016
Tufts – Ralph Clifford – Just shy of his 97th birthday, Ralph Clifford Tufts of Dundas Ontario passed peacefully with family by his side on Monday Dec. 26th, 2016. Loving husband to the late Eva Lily Tufts for over 61 years, and beloved father of (David – deceased) Carolyn, (Ralph Jr. – deceased), Catherine Burke (Arthur), Gail Pellow (Bruce – deceased), Blair “Tim” (Donna – deceased), Philip (Rosanne – deceased), Valerie Snelling (Russell), Ralph will be forever remembered and dearly missed by many, many loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, extended family and dear friends. Ralph’s life story begins in Halifax NS on January 6th 1920 and his love for Nova Scotia, the water, and boats stayed with him throughout his life providing many wonderful memories and stories that Ralph was known to share of his adventures he cherished along the shores of Tufts Cove Dartmouth NS and Bedford Basin as a young boy. Ralph and Eva, a true love story, met in grade two, and married on April 26th 1940. After attending Dalhousie University Halifax NS, Ralph found early that he had a keen interest and natural skill with radio communication and he turned this passion into a long career. After starting out in Nova Scotia working for the government of Canada in communications (homeland security) during WWII, Ralph and Eva moved their young family to Hamilton, Ontario in 1951 for Ralph’s job with Bob Moody & Co. A pioneer in the radio and television industry, Ralph was the first DJ in the Hamilton and Burlington area spinning vinyl records at the Brant Inn during the 60’s, proudly supplying the live tunes for the opening gala at the Beverly Golf & Country Club EST. 1957. Ralph’s carrier grew in TV and Radio working for Hamilton Niagara Coaxial Co., and Hamilton Video and Sound. Ralph continued his passion in life for amateur radio as a collector and avid HAM Radio operator (VE3BYM), being awarded the HARC Order of Merit. Always dapper, Ralph is fondly remembered for his smart wardrobe and as a collector and hansom wearer of fine neckties and hats. Ralph loved poetry, especially keen for Robert Frost; he loved sweets, pink panther, classic movies and was a long time member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 36 and Air Force Club in Dundas. A natural historian, Ralph was known for his colourful storytelling, sharing his lifelong interests, passions and humour through the stories he told with great enthusiasm. The time he spent with family and friends while sharing these memories is a tribute to the beauty of his heart and soul. Ralph’s inspiring presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to have known him. Friends will be received by the family on Monday evening from 6-9 at the Turner Family Funeral Home, 53 Main Street, Dundas, where the Service for Ralph will be held Tuesday morning at 11 o’clock. Interment Grove Cemetery. Donations to the Dundas Salvation Army would be appreciated by the family.
Such a touching tribute to a wonderful man. Grandpa Tufts will be missed, but not forgotten. Thank you Phil, Gail & Tim and all others who crafted this wonderful recollection of his amazing life.
With Love,
Scott, Phyllis, Bradley, Joey & Katie Tufts
Sincere sympathy to the family of the late Ralph Tufts
Robert and Sandra Wournell (Tufts)
Robert grew up in Tufts Cove and knew the Tufts families that lived there.
Dear Mel and Phil and family. We are so sorry for your loss. Just remember he loved you as you did him. He lived a wonderful life and you can treasure all the good memories you had with him. Love Donna and Butch Rogers xo
Phil and family, we are so very sorry for your loss. Ralph always brought a smile to my face whenever he was around. He was such a friendly man. What an amazing write up. Sending love to you all. Scott and Roni
It was with great sadness that I read this morning about the passing of Uncle Ralph.
It has been some time since I talked with him and I remember it was up on the Mountain in Hamilton.at their apartment. I spent the afternoon with Eva, Ralph and Ralphie – as I recall it was all about the “good old days in Halifax”. It may have been 1951 and I was very young but I can still remember the Tufts moving from St. Paul Street in Halifax to Hamilton. Always remember the many visits made back to Dartmouth and all the memories of the Walsh clan when they would get together.
On behalf of the Macdonald clan I would like to send our deepest condolences to the Tufts-we are thinking of all of you during these sad times. Bruce Macdonald
albert mary lorinczi
january 01-17 Ralph and i enjoyed our years of working at Hamilton Video & Sound seen him on cameron st in dundas in his basement apartment had donuts and coffee and a nice visit talked about old times and the last time at his 90 th birthday party on king st we all still talk about the good things in life .
i will miss ralph GOD BLESS
albert
I would love to give my condolences to the Family of my Dear Uncle Ralph. Such a loving and peaceful gentleman. Fond memories will always be in my heart of you and your Family . I’m sorry l was not notified. Sending love to all Family members. R.l.P.Thank You for teaching me many life lessons .My Respect for you was an honor for me . Till we met again . Bless you.?. Love Always Eva-Lynn xo
Sending condolences from John R. Wilson of
Hamilton, On.
Just remenicing about good times with Ralph.
Jack Wilson will turn 103 in 2017.