Obituary of Ralph Owen Cunningham

CUNNINGHAM, RALPH OWEN Born March 9, 1932 (Toronto); Ralph passed away rather suddenly, after a short illness, on Friday, November 10, 2017, at Toronto East General Hospital, his hand held by his one and only love and best friend, Sheila. He is survived by his life companion of several decades, Sheila Croft and his cousin Carolyn Knowles. He graduated from U of T in English and History in the mid-1950’s, worked at the CBC in Television Broadcasting for a decade and latterly drifted into literary pursuits and travel, publishing several volumes of poetry based on his experiences in London, et al. Ralph led a happy, quietly peaceful life at 20 Browning in Toronto for most of his 85 years. He loved architecture and donated generously to various refurbishment and repair projects in London, UK and Niagara-on-the-Lake. He travelled extensively in the UK and dined very well in London, Toronto and the Niagara Peninsula. He loved the theatre, ballet and classical music, and mixed a sometimes melancholy spirit with walks in the autumn through his beloved Riverdale neighborhood. Fine dining at Canoe and Scaramouche was balanced with a good relationship with an excellent local gastropub on the Danforth, Allen’s. His most favourite of all beverages was Champagne - not just the good stuff, mind you; occasionally some cognac, and a Woodford bourbon Manhattan that wouldn’t go amiss on a midday trip ‘round the Lake in Spring.  The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES – NEWBIGGING CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 15th followed by a service in the chapel.  A reception will be held following the service in the Rosedale Room.  Condolences, photographs and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.