Ralph Furness (GD4IHC)
It is always hard when a friend goes Silent Key, and although I had lost contact with Ralph because of my Cancer and because in the aftermath we never seemed to run into each other, I was never told that he was ill, and to find out from another close friend that he has past, was to say the least, very hard on me, I am not sure just how long he had spent in the Isle of Man Hospice, which is doubly annoying for me as I am there each week for something and to know that he was just a few doors away from me makes me feel even more sad.
Ralph Furness’s Obituary
FURNESS. Ralph Hall of Ramsey. Passed away peacefully on Friday 1st December at Hospice Isle of Man. Loving brother to the late Maureen and Derek, much loved uncle to Neill, Bruce and Alison Clague. Ralph will be missed by all his family and friends. Ralph was a retired teacher who had taught at both Onchan Primary and St.Ninian’s High School. He was highly regarded by both staff and students. With thanks to all his friends in the crown green bowling community for their love and support over the past months. The funeral service will take place at Douglas Borough Crematorium on Tuesday 19th December 2023 at 2pm. Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu of flowers if so desired can be made to Hospice Isle of Man. Further enquiries to Corkhill & Callow, 7 Dale Street, Ramsey, IM8 1BJ. Tel: 813114. www.corkhillandcallow.co.im
Ralph was known to so many on the Isle of Man, having been a teacher, a Tran Operator and the font of knowledge when it came to old photos of the Isle of Man with some great stories to boot, I knew Ralph through his love of Amateur Radio, and many a night was spent at Mike’s (GD4WBY), or at the Point of Ayre working Contests, ad it was never a dull moment, he had this great skill at being able to keep you motivated and happy with it, it certainly was always a fun time when Ralph was around, always the Joker, and a skilful instructor, he always managed to make sure that someone else was done on there knees, or up in the air being instructed as to what to do by Ralph and friends usually sat on a bench barking orders in a jovial tone.
I will certainly miss him, it was a shock to hear that he is no longer with us, and so annoying that I never ran into him or the fact that I should of kicked myself up my rear to make it happen before now.
I hope he is still joking around during his next adventure, he certainly left here knowing that he had been around, a strong presence, he is going to be missed, Sleep well Old Friend. 73..
He was a Legend who I knew as a Dear Friend.
Last Edited : 13th December 2023
