Rau, Ralph Kenneth
February 20, 1943- July 29, 2022
Ralph passed away peacefully early on the morning of Friday July 29 at Foothills Hospital to be with his Heavenly Father. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 58 years Shirley (neé Engel), children Delinda (Marlowe) Ulriksen & Tim (Stacy) Rau, grandchildren Nichole (Tad) Davidson, Amanda (Steve) Mason, Michael (Danielle) Ulriksen, Hallee Rau & Ethan Rau, great grandchildren Riggins Ulriksen, Oakley Ulriksen & Samara Davidson and sibling brother Glen (Linda) Rau. Ralph was predeceased by his father Jacob, mother Hilda, older brother Larry (Grace) and sister Sharon.
Born on February 20, 1943, in Trochu, Alberta, Ralph was the second of four children, raised on the family farm outside of Beiseker. After graduating from Hillcrest Christian College, Ralph married Shirley Engel on August 1, 1964, then moved to Wilmore, Kentucky, where Ralph completed a Bachelor of Theology & Master of Divinity at Asbury College/Seminary. Ralph then returned to Canada with his family where he taught at Hillcrest Christian College and pastored several Evangelical churches. Between his teaching and pastoral roles, Ralph also worked a stint at Alberta Gas Chemicals and as a heavy equipment operator until retirement.
Ralph was extremely devoted to his family, enjoying every minute he had with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was also extremely devoted to his faith. His love for God was evident in his love to lead bible studies and engage in conversation around his Christian faith, especially on creation and revelation. One of his other loves was watching and discussing sports as he was a passionate fan of the University of Kentucky Wildcats, Calgary Flames and the Calgary Stampeders. He was also an avid gardener and enjoyed sharing his produce with his family and friends.
Ralph’s family will be celebrating his life at Cochrane Alliance Church (902 Glenbow Drive, Cochrane) on Friday August 5 at 2pm. The celebration will be streamed online at https://tv.cochranealliance.com/en/c/celebration-of-life-for-ralph-rau.4787
Condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.cochranecountryfuneral.com.
