Unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 of Lucan, at the age of 59. Cherished husband of Freda (Reinink) van der Wal for over 38 years. Proud dad of Krista van der Wal, and Michele van der Wal (Jeffrey Grison). Beloved son of Grace (Vos) and the late Heiko van der Wal. Dear brother and brother-in-law of Alberta and William den Hartog, and William and Kathy van der Wal. Ralph will be fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews.
Ralph always enjoyed being in the great outdoors. He loved to fish, hunt, or head out with his buddies on a snowmobiling trip. He always liked to keep busy farming, or taking the four-wheeler back to the bush where he made maple syrup.
Visitation will be held at Providence United Reformed Church, 447 Second Street, STRATHROY on Friday from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 PM, where the funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 22nd at 11 AM with Pastor Harry Zekveld officiating. Interment St. James Cemetery, Clandeboye.
Due to Provincial COVID-19 restrictions, each person must RSVP for the visitation and the funeral service. Please click “Register Now” below, to register.
For those unable to attend the funeral service in person, the family invites you to join with them from the comfort of your home. Stream the service live by visiting https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtN2m-q0IHtRjt0Hsejb3cA/live
Donations to Word and Deed or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family. 
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
peter dillon
I have many fond memories of business dealings with Ralph over the years. He always approached serious issues with a sense of humour. Always a smile. I am saddened that he passed at the prime of his life, after a life of hard work. My thoughts and prayers to Freda and all of the family.
Constance Hueston
Dear Freda and family – I write this with a heavy heart. My sister, Heather Biduke, and I send our deepest condolences to you. Ralph helped us for many years on the farm and was a true friend and advisor. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
George Graham
I have just hear of the death of Ralph and would like to offer my sincere condolences on your loss.
Ralph visited us once per year for our annual tank cleaning and we always looked forward to a great few days coping with the challenges of the weather and the equipment but always with a smile and a laugh. We will miss him.
Alton O’Neil
Freda and Family,
Sending you my deepest condolences on the loss of Ralph. He will be greatly missed by his neighbours and customers.
Alton O’Neil
Rolf Westerveld
Dear Freda and family,
Very sad to hear about Ralph. Although we met just once nearly fifty years ago he was my ‘big’ nephew in Canada.
Veel sterkte met het verwerken van dit grote verlies.
Greetings from the Netherlands.
Rolf Westerveld, Leeuwarden
(Son of Wim Westerveld and Liesbeth ban der Wal)
Nelson and Kathy Bilyea
Freda and family,
We were shocked when we heard of Ralph’s padding. Our sincere condolences to you Freda and your family.
Nelson and Kathy Bilyea
Caleb and Aya
Our deepest condolences, we will be keeping you all in our prayers. I still remember having fun with Uncle Ralph when visiting as a kid. We were very sad to hear of his sudden passing.
Wayne and Joan Watson
Freda,
Our sincere condolences to you and your entire family. Ralph will be extremely missed by everyone he met.
Nick & Colleen Wiendels
Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
Nick & Colleen Wiendels
Ron & Karen Simpson and Ronald jr.
So very sorry to hear of your loss , our sympathy to all of you , Ralph was a very nice man and loved his family dearly. So very sorry
this note is from Ronald Simpson Jr. and his parents , Ronald used to work for Ralph some years back .
Scott Pullan
Ralph always treated others like they were his brother or sister. He was the most loving, gentle and compassionate man I knew. You will be missed Brother Wonderful.
Alex and Donna Westman
I enjoyed many great conversations with Ralph and the boys out at the sugar bush.
Truly a tragic loss.
Our sincere condolences to the family. He will be sadly missed.
Jeff & Patty Reinink
Sorry for your loss. I enjoyed talking to Uncle Ralph at our family get togethers. He always seemed happy when surrounded by family and created a cheerful atmosphere.
Eric and Hazel Versteeg
thinking and praying for you in this time of loss
Shari Hill
Sending my condolences to you and your family Freda
Betty and Henry Van Beek
We are so sorry for your loss sending prayers and hugs to all. Ralph’s huge smile and zest for life has created many beautiful memories, especially at the family reunions and the water balloons being tossed. We will miss you Ralph R.I.P.
Sandra Hern
To Ralph’s Family,
I was saddened to read of the suddenly and untimely passing of Ralph. I enjoyed helping him with his advertising for his Van-Agri Business Services in the local farm newspaper I worked for several years ago. He was a friendly and hard working man who enjoyed his leisure activities and loved his family very much. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Please accept my condolences.
Ron Harwood
Freda and family.
Our prayers are with you all at this time.
Ralph was a very giving man. His quick smile and infectious laugh was passed to all. We can fill pages with tributes to Ralph, but will not. We all will miss him greatly.
Ron and Sherri Harwood
Lisa Currah
Rick and I send condolences. While we havent seen you both for a while this news comes a a surprise. We have many fond memories from S.H.A.B.A.
Richard and Janet de Ruiter
Freda and family, our sincere condolences with Ralph’s passing. May God comfort you all during this time. We remember Ralph’s humor and laughter and his passion for life. May you all cherish the memories that you have of him always.
Gary & Jane
Freda & family
Cherishing our good memories of Ralph. You are in our thoughts and thoughts & prayers.
Jeff Gerretsen
Dear Freda and family,
We were saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Ralph. Our deepest condolences for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May memories of Ralph give you strength in the days ahead.
With sympathy,
the Gerretsen family (Listowel)
Sharlene Phillips
Ralph was an amazing blessing to our whole family and especially to our 5 boys. From a very young age the three youngest became his “rubber boot gang” as he called them and the highlight of their lives was spending time with Ralph! Ralph was the very much loved uncle they never had, he was a wonderful employer to Allan and Peter, he was the author of many great adventures 😊, the creator of a fabulous swimming pond, their introduction to paintball and snowmobiling and a very dearly loved family friend. Ralph was incredibly kind and generous, a remarkable person who gave so much happiness to others. He was always there to lend a helping hand or a piece of equipment! We treasure the times we had with Ralph, all the great memories, all his kindnesses and his laughter and we miss him.
Fred and Aileen Knip and family
Freda, Krista and Michele
Our condolences to your family in the passing of Ralph. Ralph will always be remembered for his big smile and larger than life personality!
Fred and Tammy O’Neil
We are sending our deepest condolences to your entire family. Ralph was a friend to everyone and will be missed.
Garry and Jeanette wattel
Our sincere condolence with the passing of Ralph
We will keep your family in our prayers.
Carol Sloetjes
Our thoughts and prayers for the whole family at such a difficult time. May GOD Love and Peace be with you all.
Dan and Carol Sloetjes
RAY GERHOLD
My condolences on Ralph’s sudden passing , I will miss our conversations when he stopped in to service his truck .
He was always kind , thoughtful and positive .
Andrea and Casey Pride
To the Van Der Wal family,
Our deepest condolences for the sudden loss of our dear friend Ralph. He touched the lives of so many people, bringing love and laughter everywhere he went. May God lift you up, strengthen you and surround you love and support during this difficult time.
Sending love and a hug,
Andrea and Casey Pride
Marrinan family
To all of Van derwal family…
Sending our condolences.
Ralph was a hard working, kind and generous man. He was so proud of his family and I’m sure he will be missed by many.
R.O.S.E. a Land Care Association
On Behalf of the ROSE Land Care Association, we are sending our condolences and sympathies to the family of Ralph Van Der Wal, on his sudden passing.
Ralph’ s passion and support as a board member and community member have left a legacy and memory on the grounds of Sunnivue, and in the hearts of all that had the pleasure to interact with Ralph.
It is with sadness that we learned Ralph has returned to his eternal home, and with fondness that we are celebrating the beautiful contributions of his life.
Geert and Ina van der Wal
Geert and Ina van der Wal
Vlissingen Holland
Our sincere condolences to Freda and children and family with the sudden passing of Ralph, we pray that the Lord God will strenght You and Your Family and that His presence will with you all now and in the days ahead.
Nick & Dana Van Dyk
Our sincere condolences to your family our thoughts are with you. Will miss our coffee meetings as Ralph like to call it, to shoot the s@#! along with his big laugh.
JC and Judy Korten
Our condolences to your family. May the Lord comfort you in your grief.
Linda Klassen
To all the VanDerWal family:
We are so sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing.
He was still so young. He will be missed by all.
We are praying for God’s peace and love through this difficult time.
Love Linda and Neil Klassen and family
Ed Cosman
My condolences to Freda, Krista, Michelle and the entire family. While I had not seen Ralph for a number of years, I remember his big smile and happy-go-lucky attitude. He will be missed but not forgotten.
Evelyne Rollings and family
Our condolences to your family during this sad time. Harvey had many great talks at the mail box with Ralph.
Beatrice Gahongayire
My deepest condolences to Freda and family for the loss of Ralph. My prayers to you during this grieving process.
Deborah and Rich Hunter
Rich and I offer our deepest condolences to Ralph’s family. He was a wonderful, kind, thoughtful man. Always willing to help anyone out. He will be missed.
Kyle O'Brien
I had the great privilege of spending direct and personal time with Ralph over the past 2 years. He and his brother Bill have hearts of gold, they took me under their wing and treated me like family from day one. My condolences go out to all family and friends whose lives were touched by this remarkable individual.
With utmost love and respect,
Kyle O’Brien
Reg Barnes
Ralph is a great example of a very good man.
Our thoughts and prayers to your family.
Sonke and Anne Claussen
Freda and Family,
our sincere condolences to Ralph’s passing. We will remember his smile and his positive attitude in finding a solution for every problem . He will be missed.
Robert Weir
Freda and family, our sincere condolences for a way too soon loss.
Ralph was always a joy of life when we saw him especially at the reunions.
He will be missed terribly but always remembered in our hearts and memories….
” If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I’d walk right up to heaven and bring you home again ”
We love you Ralph….❤
Cousin Rob and family
pauline
Freda and family I knew Ralph from growing up together i. the Klemmer work. An outstanding bold leader with a big heart of love. loved his radiant smile. He will be deeply missed here in earth yet a prayer warrior for us in heaven
Cindy Nowak-Mitchell and Bill Mitchell
Freda and family. We were greatly saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Ralph. Ralph was the first neighbour who we met when we moved here. We so enjoyed his giving spirit and positive energy. He has been so generous with his time and talents helping us get settled into our home. His presence will be missed in the neighbourhood. May God lift you up and support you during this difficult time.
Nicholson Family
Freda, Krista, Michele and Ralph’s Mom:
Sending our heartfelt thoughts of sympathy to you at this time. Our years on Neil Rd were enriched by Ralph’s presence. Always a smile and a wave and often a German Shepherd bouncing along. He will be missed! May God bless you with strength and wisdom in the days ahead and His grace give you comfort and peace.
Ryan, Jeanine and Carol. Port Alice BC
Kimberly Zink
Klemmer sends our love and appreciation to Ralph’s family and friends. There has been a great loss on the physical level however there is a huge celebration in heaven!
As a true Compassionate Samurai Ralph made a difference in the lives of thousands directly and indirectly.
We are grateful for the time we spent together!
Blessings and comfort to all that love this man!!
Klemmer- Kimberly and Krystal- the entire team at Klemmer!
Sally Galloway
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of dear Ralph Van der Wal whom I knew through his wonderful work with Klemmer which I know meant so much to him. He will be deeply missed.
Jeff Lucas
I only met Ralph a few times but he left a lasting impression on me the commitment he showed for his friends, colleagues and the organizations he volunteered for. My condolences to his family on their loss. Blessings on you.
Maggie parr
Wishing the family strength, with gods help, to cope with this unexpected loss.
Hank and Cheryl Batterink
Dear Freda and family, We were so saddened to hear of Ralph’s sudden death. For a few years he added his voice to the Crescendo male choir and we always enjoyed our chats with him and appreciated his love for the Lord and his enthusiastic singing. You are in our thoughts and prayers . May the god of all comfort surround you with his love and peace.
Tom and Barb McInroy
We were so very saddened to hear of Ralph’s sudden passing. …you will miss him very much. Our sincere condolences.
Tom and Barb McInroy
Bob and Pat Hodgins
To Freda and your family
We are truly sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Ralph. We’ve had many interesting chats on a variety of issues when we met, usually in the bush. He will be definitely missed in the neighborhood.
Hans Nibourg
Our sincere condolence to Freda and Family with the sudden passing of Ralph .
He will be greatly missed by his Family , Friends and the the community
Del and Bonnie Cressman
My deepest condolences to Ralph’s family and community He was a young fellow when he moved to the lucan area and he always blamed or credited me for introducing him to the custom farming program..i was very saddened by his passing . From the Listowel area I will not forget his fun loving spirit and great smile and laugh…..Del Cressman
Adele Mineau
Freda and family, my deepest condolences for your family’s loss. I enjoyed working with Ralph and discussing his plans for the business. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
Steve & Kim Bowman
Dear Freda and family
Our deepest condolences to you on the loss of Ralph.
Mike Cregan
Freda,
I was truly saddened to learn of Ralph’s passing at such an early age. I will miss his Facebook posts and his bubbly personality – we always had a laugh (no matter what the situation) in his office or mine.
He will be a huge loss to the community as well as his family & friends.
My sincerest sympathy to you.
Joris & Connie Masschelein
Dear Freda and family, Our deepest sympathies. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
We always enjoyed his positive attitude.
Joris & Connie Masschelein and family
Terry Bushell
So sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing . Though our relationship was based on business dealings our conversations carried into many other things. He always treated me with respect and kindness. He will be missed .
Doug and connie trevithick
Doug and connie trevithick
Dear freda and family our sincere condolences. We have great memories of snowmobiling !
Gord & Joanne Hardy
To the Van Der Wal family:
Sincere sympathy for your loss. Ralph was certainly well known in the community and will be missed.
Martin, Esther, Christa, Lisanne de Ruiter-van der Wal
Our condolences to the family, from the Netherlands.
God be with you in this difficult periode!
Martin, Esther, Christa and Lisanne de Ruiter
Esther is the doughter of Jan van der Wal
Dean
My friend, in all the years knowing you, you were a spirit that was vibrant and fun. You will be missed my friend. It was a honor to know you and call you a friend.
My heart goes out to your family and my condolences for the loss of such a great man.
Joe Woods
My condolences to the Ralph Vanderwahl family
Hans and Corinne Rosch
Our sincerest condolences to such untimely passing of Ralph. He was a man with a big heart and always ready to help wherever there was a need.
Dirk & Erica Kiestra
Dear Freda and family,
We were so sorry to hear about the sudden passing of Ralph. He was a great person. Good to work with and a good mentor for the boys. He will be missed. Our condolences.
Winnie Decloedt
Grace, Freda, Betty, Bill and families. We are so so sorry with the loss of Ralph. He was still so young and so full of life, it is hard to except . You are all in our thoughts , and hope you can hold on to the many great memories that you have of him, as we will…Love Winnie and Gill
Shirley MacGregor
Our sincere condolences to your family.
Lorne & Shirley MacGregor
Bradley and Lee Ann Charlton
Dear Freda and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about Ralph. Ralph was an integral member of the community who did so many things for so many people. He harvested the hay from our land for our mutual neighbour. He introduced us to local ATV Trails and Bradley had a great time 4-wheeling with him. We really admired his dedication to the sport of 4-wheeling and his contributions to the community. He will be missed by many. Please accept our sincerest condolences.
Bradley and Lee Ann Charlton
Pete & Pat Van Geleuken
Pete & I are sending our deepest condolences to your family. We are both so sad to hear of Ralph’s sudden passing.
Derek O'Brien
Bill and Family,
I spoke to Ralph a few times on the phone with Bill, and it was so obvious he was a great guy with a heart of gold. I send Bill and the van der Wal family my deepest condolences.
Derek O’Brien
Karen Scarborough and Doug O'Neil
It was a pleasure doing business with Ralph at the shop. Always upbeat and happy, he was quite a role model. The community will have many fond memories of Ralph.
Doug and Carol Whiteford
Dear Freda and girls, we are so very saddened to hear about Ralph, he was a great neighbour, 4 wheeler hunting buddy! Doug thoroughly enjoyed the time he spent with Ralph last winter and since! He was a bigger than life presence in our neighbourhood!!! He will be missed! Doug and Carol 😢
Bob and Ria Middelkamp
Freda and family, Our sincere condolence with the passing of Ralph. so sudden and so young. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers in the coming days and times to come.