Obituary of Ralph Lewis Hillgartner

HILLGARTNER, Ralph Lewis

(February 19, 1919 – May 22, 2017)

It is with broken hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Ralph Hillgartner, age 98, with family at his side at St. Peter’s Hospital, Hamilton.  Predeceased by his beloved wife Mary Evelyn (2010) to whom he was happily married for 58 years.  Survived by his children Ellen Sheldrick (Robert), Glen (Elizabeth), Stephen, Gordon, Gail Renshaw (Cliff), Kathleen (Mark); his grandchildren, Rachel (Craig), Christy (Kyle), Jeffrey and Beth; his great-grandchildren Brody, Parker, Kaleb, Hailey and many nieces and nephews.  Ralph was predeceased by his brothers Roy, Lloyd, and Harry, as well as sisters Gladys Page, Mabel Robinson, and Edna Flewelling.  Ralph spent most of his life residing in Binbrook, with the recent years at The Court at Rushdale independent living in Hamilton.  Many thanks to the staff at St. Peter’s Hospital for their compassionate care during his short stay there.  Serving as a Corporal with the Canadian Armed Forces in WWII, he was a Wireless Operator with the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals, 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade.  Ralph was also a member of the Binbrook Masonic Lodge #57, Royal Canadian Legion Caledonia Branch #154, and a lifetime member of the Binbrook United Church.  Ralph was a meat cutter by trade and also worked as Secretary/Treasurer for HWDSB.  In later years, Ralph and Mary worked together as custodians for the church and several other community buildings.  They also ran a carpet cleaning service.  For many years Ralph volunteered his time to the Glanbrook Home Support.  His selfless dedication to his family, friends and community was his greatest role in life, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.  Family and friends will be received at the Donald V. Brown Funeral Home, 36 Lake Avenue Drive, Stoney Creek, on Sunday, May 28, 2017 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.  A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, May 29, 2017 at Binbrook United Church, 2617 Binbrook Road East, at 11 a.m.  Interment will follow at Binbrook United Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Binbrook United Church, Canadian Cancer Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.  Online condolences may be left at www.donaldvbrown.ca