PYBUS, Ralph Wilfrid

April 21, 1960 — December 29, 2025

It is with immense sadness that we announce the loss of Ralph Pybus, our beloved Dad, husband, grandad, and friend. He passed away with his loving and devoted wife Liz holding his hand in Kelowna on December 29, 2025, at the age of 65.

Ralph is lovingly remembered by his wife Liz, who has been by his side since 1981; children Cailen (Émélie), Jenna (Dale), and Britt (Ben); granddaughter Harlow; and siblings Anne, Doug, Steve, and Diana. He now joins his parents Wilfrid and Vivian, who he cared for deeply.

Ralph was born on April 21, 1960, in Vancouver, the third of five children, and spent most of his life in the Okanagan between Summerland and Kelowna. Ralph loved to be by the lake and in the mountains, which is what led him and Liz to choose to raise their family in the Okanagan, where they truly felt at home. Ralph was fun-loving, and he took great joy in bringing together the people he loved. Ralph had a way of drawing people in and making sure everyone felt included by bringing laughter, energy, and warmth to his community. He will be remembered for gathering his family and friends in Summerland at Sun-Oka Beach every summer where he would take everyone out boating, tubing, and waterskiing. A great appreciator of the outdoor landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, he organized many camping trips for his family, including journeys to Haida Gwaii, Yukon Territory, the Oregon Coast.  In the winter, Ralph and Liz would organize ski trips to Big White and Apex Mountain Resort for friends and family. Ralph had a way of making sure that his generous social plans always revolved around his favourite activities.

Ralph was incredibly active and always on the move. He enjoyed playing squash, skiing, biking, running, water-skiing, and just about any other activity he was invited to join. Ralph and Liz taught their kids to ski at an early age, and in 1996 he could be spotted on the ski hill with Cailen and Jenna on skis and a baby Britt in a backpack as he cruised the slopes. Ralph participated in many different organized runs, his favourite being Bloomsday in Spokane, which he attended annually for several years. Ralph also competed in triathlons, and was a director of the Kelowna Ski to Sea Race, which he was incredibly passionate about. He was actively involved in his local squash club, organizing leagues and ensuring ample post-match beer supply. Ralph was also talented with his hands and took great joy in his woodworking. He loved to build furniture for Liz and had many creative projects over the years, including many renovations to the family home. He loved to share his craft with his children, who spent lots of time with him in his wood shop and carry on his love of creating. Ralph did all this while belting out his favourite tunes, as he had a great love for music. All throughout his life, Ralph was a collector of music from vinyl to cassettes and CDs, and his collection lives on with his children who share this love. Ralph had many passions, but his strongest was how much he adored his wife Liz. Growing up in Summerland together, Ralph and Liz became best friends, which led to them falling in love and becoming inseparable from 1981 onwards. Wherever Liz went, Ralph would follow, with years spent in Vancouver before returning to the Okanagan. In their nearly 45 years together as loving partners, their love remained strong and steady, it never faltered. The love and partnership they shared is profound, and will always be carried in the family’s hearts.

Ralph will be remembered for his spirit, charisma, humour, and his ability to bring people together. To be a friend of Ralph’s for 5 minutes was to be a friend for life. He will be deeply missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him. His stories and memories will live on through his family, who take inspiration from his ability to make life fuller for those around him, and his vibrant approach to life.

A Celebration of Life will take place in early May 2026, which will be open to all family and friends and will be an opportunity to share stories and laughter, as Ralph would have wanted it. Details on this event will be announced at a later date.

A special thank you to all the staff at Vineyards for caring compassionately for Ralph over the past year.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to Elevation Outdoors, an organization which provides free outdoor adventures and sports to youth facing barriers to access in the Okanagan. This is close to Ralph’s heart and a way to continue on building the type of community which he loved.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.