Leaving a hole larger than his big personality; RALPH ALLEN KOWAL, husband to Darlene, passed away in Lethbridge on Friday, June 14th, at the age of 65 years.

Ralph was born on August 10th, 1958, in Lethbridge to Mary Kowal and Ralph “Bud” Remington. He was the first child of what would later become a large, blended family of nine siblings.

Ralph grew up in Lethbridge, a mischievous, humorous kid. He attended Galbraith Elementary, Wilson Junior High and Winston Churchill High School. At age 18, he met the love of his life, Darlene while working at Canbra Foods. Together they journeyed almost five decades side by side, reaching their 47th anniversary on June 11th. Two souls blurred into one, happily trying each others last nerve until the end with Ralph passing the day before they needed to trim the hedge. Their proudest legacy, raising five children and welcoming twelve grandchildren.

Ralph was a social butterfly, floating daily amongst loved ones. His personality was too large to be alone; to meet him was to make a new friend. He enjoyed the simple things; good food, fast cars, a belly laugh and making an honest living. He worked as a class 1 Truck Driver for decades, operating his own trucking company and also worked for Ken French Livestock, Randa Transport and RCS Cartage. His favourite place was on the road with the radio on. When the kids were young, they often found themselves along for the ride; their favourite place to sleep. As they got older, they became accustomed to Dad’s late-night phone calls warding off the highway blues. He loved drag racing, cruising and the smell of the track. If missing, he could be found in a garage, tinkering, building and mostly bs’ing. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, here, there and everywhere. Ralph loved to join family for coffee that he didn’t drink simply because he loved “the tea”. As Grandpa, he was always there to give the kids a last-minute ride, cheer on their activities, take them to scary movies or sneak them away for a drive thru treat. He was the best Santa Claus.

Along with Darlene, he is lovingly remembered by his five children: Jennifer Kowal (Dallan Brooker), Jason Kowal (Nicole), Catherine Kowal (Jason Whitmore), Breanne Kowal and Bailey Kowal. He will be especially missed by the joys of his life, grandchildren: Hannah, Kaylee, Declan and Ember Ellerman, Brynnley, Callie and Emslea Kowal, Kaleb and Alexis Venhuis, Parker Whitmore and Carter Pemberton (his dad, Max).

Also left to mourn, his mother Mary Kowal, father Ralph (Laurie) Remington and siblings, Wendy Milligan (Dave Martin), Patricia (Alvin) Mainzer, Doug Kowal, David (Amy) Kowal, Shannon Remington, Derek Remington, Timothy (Bobbi) Remington and Angie Olsen; numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his siblings-in-law, Diane (Don) Tedesco, Violet Knox, John Nagy and families.

Ralph was predeceased by his stepfather John Kowal, his special uncle John (Carol) Toth, father-in-law, Alex (Ethel) Nagy, mother-in-Law Mary Nagy, and brothers-in-law, Leslie Nagy and Dennis Olsen. The family feels peace knowing he is reunited with his precious granddaughter, Madison Pemberton.

Join us for a celebration of Ralph’s life at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 - 32nd Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Tuesday, June 25th, 2024 at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations would be warmly welcomed to the Ronald McDonald House, Calgary (rmhcalberta.org).