Mr. Ralph “Eric” Christie of Lethbridge, passed away at the Good Samaritan Society Park Meadows Village, on Friday, October 7, 2022, at the age of 92 years.

Eric was born in Lethbridge on November 15, 1929 to parents Thomas and Elizabeth “Beth” Christie. He was born in the family home on 20th Street North, and was a big baby, weighing 10 pounds! Eric and his 4 siblings: Roy, Alan, Hugh and Pat were raised on 5th Avenue in Lethbridge.

Eric attended Westminster School and then went on to the Collegiate (Hamilton Junior High).  While in school, he worked at Kersher Bros/ Lethbridge Iron Works for 2 summers. After Kersher brothers disbanded and Lethbridge Iron Works took over, Eric stayed on and worked after school and weekends. Halfway through grade 12, Eric quit school and worked there full time. In about 1947, Eric left the Iron Works and went to work at Nick Supinas for 5 years, where he carried groceries and worked in the vegetable department. Later, he worked at Jim Birse and Art Hunt’s welding shop where he stayed for 2 years. After leaving welding, he was unemployed, and that’s when he met Dolores Christensen, who’s mother was not impressed about her daughter seeing an unemployed bum. But Eric and Dolores continued to date anyways, and soon Eric started working for Horn and Pitfield. During this time, Eric and Dolores were married, but soon after, Horn and Pitfield closed their doors and once again, Eric found himself unemployed. His next job was at Catelli’s and he stayed with them for 16 years. During this time came Deborah Marie, Karen Lynn, Robert Dale and then Joanne Rae. But if mother had her way, we would have all been called Winona. Thankfully, dad was at the hospital to help name us! Robert would have been picked on a lot if his name was Winona!

In 1971 and 1972, Eric attended welding school while still working at Catteli’s. In 1972, Eric left Catteli’s and went to Silverwood’s/ Alpha. He delivered milk for 9 months and then went to maintenance. Eric left Alpha to go to CDM which is now Burns Meats where he stayed until retirement. In his lifetime, Eric was an Engineer, a long time member of the Navy, the Legion, the Army Minors, and the Elks club Patrol Team.

Eric, as he was always known, will be remembered by many as a friend who could be called upon at any time to lend a helping hand. Whatever you were doing, be it moving, building a fence or a garage, if you needed help, he was there. A harder working more generous man you will never meet.

He had his demons, as many knew, but thankfully, Eric found the strength to overcome them and spent the rest of his years sober, doing his best to make amends for the pain his loved ones suffered. For that he is to be commended. He treated people with kindness and respect and his sense of humor brought joy and laughter to many.

Although he never set foot in Scotland, you’d be hard pressed to tell. He has the dialect down pat and was so proud of his Scottish heritage as any Scots born citizen. He was a dedicated 60+ year member of the Royal Canadian Legion General Stewart Branch #4, and belonged to the Elks, and the miners Library. Drawn to all things military, Eric served with the Royal Canadian Army Engineers reserve.         

Predeceased by his daughter Karen Lynn Christie; his mother and father, Tom and Elizabeth Christie; brothers Roy and Hugh Christie.

Eric is survived by his children Deborah Marie Christie, Robert (Rosie) Christie, Joanne (Gary) Donaldson; grandchildren Richard, Heather, Andrew, Craig, Scott, Bonnie, Breeze and Brenton.

When Deaths dark stream I ferry o’er

A time that surely shall come

In heaven itself I’ll ask no more

Than just a Highland welcome. (R. Burns)

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm, on Thursday, October 20, 2022 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.

Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.