January 30, 1931 – May 21, 2024 

The family of Ralph Nelson wishes to share the news of his recent passing, from congestive heart failure, at Kamloops on May 21, 2024. 

Ralph was born January 30, 1931, to Nels and Mollie Nelson of Blue River, B.C, the third of five children who grew up on skis in the Cariboo Mountains at what was then known as “the end of the road” (pre-Yellowhead highway through to Jasper and Edmonton). Through his teens, Ralph worked on his father’s horse logging show, cutting poles to be skidded down mountain sides and loaded on rail cars. He met his future bride, Sheila, in Kamloops and settled there. He commuted in a Volkswagen Beetle between home and Tod Mountain, the ski resort now known as Sun Peaks. Being fit and bush savvy, Ralph lived in a tent during the week while cutting the ski runs, such as the Five Mile. From there he hired on with Marini & Sons, beginning a long career as a carpenter and foreman on projects all over Kamloops and beyond. Ralph operated sideline ventures of his own through the years such as cedar shake roofing production and installation, log house building, and renovation jobs. He continually shared lessons in resourcefulness and the value of a job well done. Ralph passed on to his children the passions for skiing, fishing and for being in the great outdoors. Some of his favorite pastimes included wine making, the art of fly tying, campfires, and good conversation. Ralph is predeceased by his wife, Sheila (January 3, 2024) and is survived by their daughter Verity (Collin Brink), their sons Chris (Sharon) and Clifford (Kathy), and by their grandchildren Tyler and Elyse. 

The family plans to have a Celebration of Life for Ralph in the coming months. 

You may offer a message of condolence at Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services for the Nelson family.

• Date : 2024-05-21
• Location : Kamloops