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Obituary: Ralph Blackport

(Charles) Ralph Blackport, age 89, passed away at the Nokomis Health Centre on Sunday January 17, 2016.

Ralph was born near Lockwood, SK to Jacob and Mary (Fischer) Blackport, on November 25, 1926 residing for most of his life on the farm east of Lockwood.

Predeceasing Ralph were his parents, brothers Bill and John, John's wife Edna and her son Jim Mackenzie.

Ralph's passing is mourned by his sister Katherine (Dolly) Blackport, brother Richard, sister-in-law Gudrun Blackport, nephew Doug Blackport (Lois Davidson), niece Maureen (Lorne) Bartel, niece Charlene Mackenzie (Jim Brown), niece Lori (Terry) Fogg and great nieces and nephews Kate; Kelsey, Brett, Jolene, Bryce and Rebecca; Jennifer; Neil, TJ and Logan; Jim's daughters Loretta and Crystal; and their families.

Ralph farmed his own mixed farm until 1989. He was a hard worker, milking cows, tending the pigs, caring for the work horses, selling eggs, maintaining the yard and buildings, and harvesting with his brothers. Whether hens, or hogs or cows or calves, the bedding was always fresh, the hay thrown down from the loft. For a short while he worked construction in Manitoba with his brother John. He was lineman for the rural telephone company, built phone lines and maintained both crank and the new dial phones on party lines. He was also the caretaker for the Lockwood cemetery for many years.

Ralph was very community-minded, a kind man, considerate and generous with his time and skills. He had a way of quietly showing up when help was needed, whether it was a building being raised, roof repaired or other projects, Ralph would be there. He would be found helping set up for Sports days, picnics, homecomings, bartending and enjoying the company of community friends. He never missed an auction sale.

Throughout his life he participated in sports: curling, fishing and softball (biking as far away as Lampard for games), coached a girls' softball team (Charlie Brown's Angels) and helped organize pickup ball teams.

Ralph and Richard lived with and took great care of their mother til her passing in 1995. Ralph also gave personally of his time to friend Dick Genge through Dick's long illness and passing. Ralph was fortunate to have Richard with him for the 10 years after his heart attack.

A private family gathering will be held at Lockwood Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you think of Ralph when you find yourself performing a random act of kindness. For online condolences, tributes or to make a donation to Lockwood Cemetery Fund “In memory of Ralph Blackport” please visit www.fotheringham-mcdougall.com.