Ralph Prins

In Loving Memory of Ralph Prins

BORN

March 22, 1920

Andijk, Holland

PASSED AWAY

January 8, 2017

Lacombe, Alberta

Ralph (Roelof) Prins was born March 22, 1920, in Andijk, Holland, the 9th of 13 children of Jacob and Dina (Sluis) Prins.  He immigrated to Canada in 1939 to join his older brother, John, who farmed in the Lacombe area.  World War II broke out in Europe just weeks after Ralph arrived in Canada.  As the war continued he enlisted in the Princess Irene Brigade of the Dutch army which was assembled in Canada, and served in Curacao (Caribbean) for five years.  Before his discharge from the army he spent time in Holland where he fell in love with Winnie who became his “war bride”; they were married in Woodynook

Church on April 30, 1947.  Ralph and Winnie raised their seven children on their farm northwest of Lacombe before retiring to an acreage.  Ralph became an accomplished woodworking artist and his beautiful creations can be found in homes in Central Alberta and around the world.  He also enjoyed playing the harmonica, singing, visiting, chauffeuring friends, and travelling.  In 1996 Ralph and Winnie moved to Lacombe.  They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary before Winnie passed away in 2007.  Ralph was an active and faithful member of Woodynook Christian Reformed Church.  He will be remembered for being a true gentleman with a positive outlook on life, always willing to help others.  On Sunday, January 8, 2017, at the age of 96, Ralph went home to be with his Lord and Saviour.  Ralph is survived by his seven children: Dennis (Ruby) Prins, Ray (Pauline) Prins, Harvey (Agnes) Prins, Alfred (Alice) Prins, Eleanor (Ed) Drost, Judy (Erwin) Van Haren, and Laura Prins, 24 grandchildren, 40 greatgrandchildren, two brothers: Jake (Agnes) Prins and Norman (May) Prins, numerous in-laws, nephews, and nieces.  Ralph was predeceased by his wife Winnie, ten siblings, an infant daughter and a grandson.

The funeral will take place at Woodynook CRC at 1:00 pm Friday, January 13, 2017. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to World Renew or Rehoboth. 

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