Ralph Edward Galenza Strathmore, Alberta Obituary

Ralph Edward Galenza

<p>After an extremely brief and difficult battle with cancer, our family regrets to announce the loss of an amazing Husband, Father, Papa, Brother, Uncle, Friend and Coach – Ralph Edward Galenza of Calgary, AB passed away on May 16, 2023.</p><p><br></p><p>Ralph was born in Camrose, AB on Feb 9, 1955, to Edward and Edith Galenza. He grew up on a dairy farm near Hay Lakes with his 2 siblings before moving to Rimbey, AB. After graduating, Ralph moved south where he worked at a local ranch before accepting a position at Peoples Jewellers. He then went into groceries/food sales where he thrived as a salesman and enjoyed connecting with others. To many; he will forever be known as the ‘Cookie Man’.</p><p><br></p><p>In 1974, Ralph met the love of his life, Donna and they went on to have two daughters. Ralph always put his family first. He was strong, kind, loving, dedicated, proud and supportive.</p><p><br></p><p>Ralph was passionate about many activities including his 30+ years of bowling. He participated in many leagues through the years and was even awarded a Life Membership Award for his contributions as a Coach by the Master Bowlers’ Association of Alberta. He was still actively coaching the Youth Bowling League (YBC) and recently coached for the Calgary Special Olympics. He played fastball for many years, enjoyed curling, golfing, and walking their pups. He loved spending time with his wife. Together they enjoyed golfing, traveling, having a glass of wine with friends, and were even 25-year season ticket holders for the Calgary Stampeders. In 2017, Ralph retired and started volunteering at the Speargrass Golf Course. Ralph’s happiest place was enjoying the beautiful Columbia Valley/Fairmont, BC with his family.</p><p><br></p><p>Ralph was predeceased by his parents Edward and Edith. He is survived by his wife Donna; sister Janet, brother Bruce; his children, Jennifer (Clint), Stacy (Jerritt); and his grandchildren Brooke and Carter. </p><p><br></p><p>In lieu of flowers, and in remembrance of Ralph’s life and dedication to his coaching career, the family asks that any charitable donations be made in his name directly to the Shamrock Lanes Youth Saturday Bowling League. Contact Information 403-948-3404, shamrocklanes@shaw.ca or in person at 805 East Lake Blvd NE, Airdrie, AB T2A EG4</p><p><br></p><p>A celebration of life will be held on Friday, June 9, 2023, at the Shepard Community Hall from 12-4 p.m.</p>
February 9, 1955 - May 16, 202302/09/195505/16/2023
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Ralph Edward Galenza
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C
Clint Young
August 20, 2023
I am so sad for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Ralph at both Kraft and Mondelez. I learned a lot from Ralph! He was admired and adored by all of his colleagues. He was also a veteran traveller and he had a lot of great advice. I think about Ralph and ... Continue Reading
A candle was posted for Ralph Edward Galenza.
A candle was posted for Ralph Edward Galenza.
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Christine
July 6, 2023
I'm sorry to all of you, I had no idea and unfortunately know how it feels. Ralph was a great person and coach.
A candle was posted for Ralph Edward Galenza.
A candle was posted for Ralph Edward Galenza.
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Lorraine Huntley
June 10, 2023
Ralph was such an influence on my life. The father figure I never had. The man that showed me what real men were all about. Strength, love, kindness, always willing to lend a hand or jump up to drive me where ever I needed to go. The biggest cheerleader I ever had. He b... Continue Reading
A candle was posted for Ralph Edward Galenza.
A candle was posted for Ralph Edward Galenza.
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Greg and Susan Walters
June 9, 2023
Our condolences to Donna and family, we are thinking of you all at this difficult time. Ralph will always be remembered for being a friendly guy who we enjoyed when he visited the stores. We were thankful to spend some time with Ralph either golfing, talking about trav... Continue Reading
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Jeff Adams
June 9, 2023
My friends and I sat in front of Ralph and Donna at Calgary Stampeder games for at least the last 15 years. I went to the game tonight expecting Ralph and Donna to be there again, starting another season. It was a painful shock to learn Ralph is gone. He was the de facto... Continue Reading
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Jangalenza
May 30, 2023
For my little brother
A candle was posted for Ralph Edward Galenza.
A candle was posted for Ralph Edward Galenza.
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Marilyn Paxton
May 29, 2023
Ralph will definitely be missed by ALL.
The bowling centres will be way to quiet now. Ralph’s friendly and encouraging voice one could hear across any bowling center. His big hugs he gave as he greeted those at the Maters tournaments, YBC tournaments, it didn’t matter... Continue Reading
Bowling was posted for Ralph Edward Galenza.
Bowling was posted for Ralph Edward Galenza.
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Norm Bennie
May 28, 2023
Ralph was always a friendly professional, with a great personality. He always had a smile on his face, and was always ready to have coffee and share a story. It was always a pleasure to work with Ralph.
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Rachel Auger
May 27, 2023
Ralph was a great friend & coach. He will be deeply missed.
Our condolences and prayers to your family
A candle was posted for Ralph Edward Galenza.
A candle was posted for Ralph Edward Galenza.
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Jackie Jones
May 27, 2023
I have been a close friend of Donna’s for a great number of years and I have always admired her special relationship with Ralph! I send my most heartfelt condolences to Donna and the girls during this difficult time! Cherish your memories!
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