Ralph Ambrose Thrall Jr. of Lethbridge, Alberta, beloved husband of Catherine (Christou) Thrall, passed away peacefully after a short and courageous battle with leukemia on Friday, October 28, 2011 at the age of 78 years.

Born in Lethbridge, Alberta on November 13, 1932 to Minnie and Ralph Thrall Sr., Ralph attended school in Lethbridge before going to Shattuck Military Academy. He earned a B.A. in Geology from McMaster University and an MBA from the Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania. Other studies included Range Management at the University of Idaho.

Ralph returned to southwestern Alberta where he married and raised his family while overseeing the family-owned McIntyre Ranching Co. Ralph continued the legacy of environmental stewardship established by the McIntyre family (1894) and inherited from his late father, Ralph Sr. Inspired by these values, Ralph co-founded the McIntyre Collegium (1975), a group of distinguished fellows and guests who are dedicated to non-partisan discussion on a wide range of topics.

Outside of the ranching business, Ralph's interests, endeavours and regard for his community were limitless. He was instrumental in the formation of the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (1968). Ralph proudly served as a board member of several organizations including the YMCA, Peace Hills Trust, Brentwood College School, Transalta Corporation, Augustana University and Biosphere Technologies. He was also a public representative on Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta.

In 1988, Ralph was inducted as a Kainai Cheiftain and given the name ""Flying Eagle"". He received several honours including an Honourary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Lethbridge and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award in the category of Lifetime Conservationists.

Ralph touched many lives and will be cherished for his intellect, genuine spirit, steady gaze and boisterous laugh. His children remember him as a playful and supportive father who took interest in their friends and encouraged independence of mind. He was mechanically inclined and enjoyed tinkering and fixing things. He was a gifted athlete who enjoyed golfing throughout his life and during his younger years excelled at hockey, skiing and tennis. He loved gadgets and computers. He was a navigator: a pilot, a sea captain and he revelled in the freedom of the open road.

Music remained a passion throughout Ralph's life. He treasured his choir experiences and in most recent years was a fervent patron, commissioning works for band by Howard Cable. Ralph supported other artistic endeavours along with his wife Cathie, encouraging both symphonic concerts and artist residencies at the McIntyre Ranch.

Besides his loving wife, Cathie, Ralph is survived by his son Ralph III, daughter-in-law Rae Ann and their children, Amara and Ralph IV; daughter Erin and son-in-law Peter Johnson and their children, Olivia and Gabrielle; son Eric; son Chris and daughter-in-law Lise Zarb and their children, Jeremy, Oliver, Julian and Francesca.

Ralph Jr. was predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Minnie and by his sister, Barbara Anne Thrall.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 3rd at the MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 - 4th Street South, Lethbridge.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 4, 2011 at FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, 1614 - 5th Avenue South, Lethbridge, with Dr. Bruce Martin and Pastor John Dozois officiating.

In memory of Ralph, donations may be made to the Lethbridge Community Foundation 404 - 8th St South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 2J7.