DORSEY: John “Ralph”, P. Eng. (Sept. 8, 1924 – Sept. 9, 2008)

It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we announce the passing of Ralph Dorsey. Ralph died peacefully at St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, surrounded by his adored family. Beloved and devoted husband to Inge (Seidel), loving father to 6 children and “grampy” to 17 grandchildren; Thea (Brian Mee, Kai & Jazzy - Dubai), Peter (Cathy Miller, Jennifer, Chris, Becky & Connor - Toronto ), Cheri (Jeff McCann, Kaitlin, Julie & Jeffrey - Toronto), Julie (Brad Boersen, Holly & Emma – Corning, NY), Lisa (Mike Boyd, Caroline, Laura & Ryan - Toronto), and Angela (Michael Buckley, Stephanie, Aliana & Matthew - Singapore), and brother-in –law to Eric Seidel (Gina , Eric & Andrea – Oakville).

Born in Charlottetown P.E.I., Ralph was the fourth of seven children born to Francis Xavier Dorsey and Mildred Farmer.

Ralph obtained an Electrical Engineering degree from St. Francis Xavier University and Technical University of Nova Scotia. With his love of engineering, his skill with numbers, and his ability to work well with people he excelled as an electrical engineer. He was a world leading expert in his field of designing motors and it took him many places such as Korea, Japan, and Brazil. When Ralph left GE Canada in Peterborough, where he worked for more than 30 years, he was Head of Engineering. He then joined Reliance Electric in Stratford, Ontario, also as Head of Engineering and subsequently set up a successful consulting business. In his early years he was a member of Knights of Columbus, later an active member of Rotary International, and recently a member of Probus.

What really defined Ralph was his love of and dedication to friends and family. He had 53 wonderful years of marriage throughout which he always had time for his 6 kids and 17 grandchildren. He was very proud of the accomplishments of his children and grand-children, but most proud of their love and support for each other and the closeness of the family that he and Inge had raised. He loved spending time with his family and visited his children in places nearby such as Toronto and Corning and in far off places including Dublin, Dubai and Tokyo. He always seemed most content at the cottage, entertaining his family and many visitors with his list of well-used but always enjoyed stories and jokes.

Ralph was an avid sportsman throughout his life. He had a 10 handicap at golf, won sportsman of the year for athletics at university and in his more recent years, in addition to golf, became an avid curler. As well as participating in sports, he loved following all sports, but none with as much passion as his beloved Toronto Blue Jays. He was a keen bridge player. He lived life to the fullest right to the end. Ralph celebrated his 84th birthday with family by his side the day before his passing, with the grace, dignity, and sense of humour that characterized his life.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, September 12, 2008 at 10:00 a.m., at the Cathedral of St. Peter-in-Chains, 411 Reid Street, Peterborough. A Celebration of Ralph’s Life will follow at the Knights of Columbus Hall. If desired, condolences to the family, directions to the church, and donations, in lieu of flowers, to the Lung Association, P.R.H.C., Mass Cards, or the Charity of Your Choice may be made at www.CommunityAlternative.ca or by calling COMMUNITY ALTERNATIVE FUNERAL HOME at 705-742-1875.

The family extends its grateful thanks to Dr. Elisa Venier, Dr. Jason Falk and the caring staff at St. Michael’s Hospital (with special thanks to the MSICU, and medical staff).