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Ralph Edward Gerster

October 2, 1931 - April 29, 2023

Peacefully on Saturday, April 29, 2023, with his beloved wife of 67 years, Lydia, by his side. Passed at the age of 91, after a long and valiant fight with pulmonary fibrosis and prostate cancer.

Dear father of Dale (Diane Bell) and Jim (Carol). Proud grandfather of Samantha and Amy Gerster and Riley Gerster. Brother of the late Carl Gerster. Brother-in-law of the late Elizabeth Vosburg. Uncle of Lynn, Beth, Jennifer, George (Carol) and Linda Vosburg.

Special thank you to Dr. Natalie Hertzman and VON services for their help along this difficult journey.

Memorial service will be held at Stoney Creek Baptist Church, 2225 Highbury Avenue North, London on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 2:00 p.m., with visitation one hour prior. Private family interment at Dorchester Union Cemetery.

In memory of Ralph, donations may be made to Prostate Cancer Research through St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation by visiting https://www.sjhc.london.on.ca/ways-to-give/donate-commemorative, or to Dr. Dhaliwal Respiratory Research through London Health Sciences Foundation, fund 7362001, or to Stoney Creek Baptist Church.

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Dear Lydia, We want to acknowledge Ralph's years of faithful service to the badminton club and the many sacrifices both of you made for that to be possible. Ralph set a wonderful example of a Christian gentleman who cared deeply for all those within his sphere of influence. He continually thought of and prayed for all the members of the club. He set a high standard of sportsmanship and athleticism to all of us. How many of us will be able to play at his level until our late 80's. Even playing through the early stages of the disease that overtook him, he never complained and to the end of our time together he maintained a positive and enthusiastic outlook on life. The testimony of his faith was evident to all. We extend our deepest sympathies to you and to your family, especially Jim and Samantha who often played with us. - Doug Adams

~ Doug Adams for the Stoney Creek Baptist Church Badminton Club

Sorry to see if your dad’s passing Dale. Many condolences to your mom, brother Jim and families from Gloria and myself.

~ John Ross

Dear Lydia, Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of your beloved Ralph. I remember him well – a true gentleman all the way. Strange, but just Monday I was looking closely at a picture of him. There was always lots of fun on Emery Street! You may recall his brother, Carl, and my husband, Bill, were best men at each other’s wedding. Do know my caring thoughts are with you and your family. Peace . . . Norma

~ Norma Clare

Lydia and family So sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. He was such a lovely man. My prayers are with you. Carolyn

~ Carolyn Osborne Nix

Our condolences go out to our wonderful Friend, Lydia and her family. We will miss our fun lunches and games we played together! Lots of Love, Phil and Nancy Humphrey.

~ Phil and Nancy Humphrey

Services for Ralph Edward Gerster

Visitation will be held at:
Stoney Creek Baptist Church
2225 Highbury Avenue North,
London, Ontario

May 4, 2023 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm

Memorial Service will be held at:
Stoney Creek Baptist Church
2225 Highbury Avenue North,
London, Ontario

May 4, 2023 2:00 pm

Make a donation

If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.

Prostate Cancer Research through St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation

Dr. Dhaliwal Respiratory Research through London Health Sciences Foundation, fund 7362001

Stoney Creek Baptist Church

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