We Remember
DURST, Ralph W. M.
July 29, 1927 — July 21, 2021
Ralph Durst was born in Muckden, Manchuria to Max and Hanna Durst on July 29, 1927. In September 1939, the family left Hong Kong and returned to Germany where they lived throughout the war.
Ralph, always the adventurous soul, arrived in Halifax in June 1951. His rail ticket would take him to Victoria and as he crossed Canada to scope out different cities, it was Vancouver that he chose because it was so reminiscent of Hong Kong. This was where he met Elaine Churchill, the love of his life. They married July 26, 1952 and lived in the South Cariboo for one and a half years before returning to North Vancouver.
Ralph had a 35-year association with Riley’s Reproductions where he started in Vancouver as a salesman. He progressed and transferred to Calgary, Ottawa, and finally to Edmonton as Branch Manager until September 1986.
He battled with rapid advancing glaucoma since 1974 and was declared legally blind in 2012. Throughout this journey Ralph maintained his steadfastness and good humour.
After retirement, he and Elaine spent several winters in Arizona or California. In 1989, with the VW “Bug” behind their motorhome, they again crossed Canada to start a six-month journey circumnavigating the United States. Other travels include a journey to South-East Asia with their two children in 1978, a return to Europe in 1995, and cruises to Alaska, Hawaii, and through the Panama Canal.
Ralph’s final journey ended on July 21, 2021 with Elaine holding his hand at his bedside, presenting him with a kiss, and telling Ralph of her love for him.
Ralph is survived by his loving wife Elaine; daughter Lorraine Graff (Dana); son Randy Durst (Sheri); grandchildren Mason Graff, Jenna Graff, Robyn Durst, Brandon Durst; great-grandson Hudson Harris; brother-in-law Harold Churchill (Beverley) several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Dr. M. Morgan and the caring staff in the Driftwood unit at Cottonwoods for their loving care during Ralph’s tenure there.
There will be no service. Memorial donations may be made to the Driftwood Unit, Cottonwoods LTC, 2255 Ethel Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 2Z9.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Our greetings to each of you in the Durst Family. We enjoyed all those years as neighbours when we were warmly welcomed as residents in Sunrise Village, Kelowna. Tea or a meal together in your home was always appreciated. May the comfort of your family, Elaine, be a blessing at this time. Sincerely, Bob & Eleanor
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Elaine, the Durst family and all that had the pleasure of knowing Ralph. He was a wonderful man with a kind, gentle and fun spirit. He will be missed by all and I will remember all the laughs you had with my parents and all the support you provided them over the years. Blessings, the Pasenau family.
Janet and I send our condolences to you, Lori and Randy and their families. Sorry to hear of Ralph’s peaceful passing but will always have fond memories of the times we visited.
I am very sorry for your loss and wish your family strength during this difficult time.
Tracy Gray, Member of Parliament, Kelowna – Lake Country
Sad to hear of your Ralph I loved to hear stories of some of you adventures and to have so many years together you were blessed.
Lynn and I always enjoyed our visits with you and Ralph… when the virus hit all that stopped and it was our loss. We enjoyed Ralph’s stories and dry sense of humour. He will be sorley missed. Condolences to you and the family and remember we are thinking of you at this time..