Obituary of Ralph Edward Galenza

After an extremely brief and difficult battle with cancer, our family regrets to announce the loss of an amazing Husband, Father, Papa, Brother, Uncle, Friend and Coach – Ralph Edward Galenza of Calgary, AB passed away on May 16, 2023.

Ralph was born in Camrose, AB on Feb 9, 1955, to Edward and Edith Galenza. He grew up on a dairy farm near Hay Lakes with his 2 siblings before moving to Rimbey, AB. After graduating, Ralph moved south where he worked at a local ranch before accepting a position at Peoples Jewellers. He then went into groceries/food sales where he thrived as a salesman and enjoyed connecting with others. To many; he will forever be known as the ‘Cookie Man’.

In 1974, Ralph met the love of his life, Donna and they went on to have two daughters. Ralph always put his family first. He was strong, kind, loving, dedicated, proud and supportive.

Ralph was passionate about many activities including his 30+ years of bowling. He participated in many leagues through the years and was even awarded a Life Membership Award for his contributions as a Coach by the Master Bowlers’ Association of Alberta. He was still actively coaching the Youth Bowling League (YBC) and recently coached for the Calgary Special Olympics. He played fastball for many years, enjoyed curling, golfing, and walking their pups. He loved spending time with his wife. Together they enjoyed golfing, traveling, having a glass of wine with friends, and were even 25-year season ticket holders for the Calgary Stampeders. In 2017, Ralph retired and started volunteering at the Speargrass Golf Course. Ralph’s happiest place was enjoying the beautiful Columbia Valley/Fairmont, BC with his family.

Ralph was predeceased by his parents Edward and Edith. He is survived by his wife Donna; sister Janet, brother Bruce; his children, Jennifer (Clint), Stacy (Jerritt); and his grandchildren Brooke and Carter. 

In lieu of flowers, and in remembrance of Ralph’s life and dedication to his coaching career, the family asks that any charitable donations be made in his name directly to the Shamrock Lanes Youth Saturday Bowling League. Contact Information 403-948-3404, shamrocklanes@shaw.ca or in person at 805 East Lake Blvd NE, Airdrie, AB T2A EG4

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, June 9, 2023, at the Shepard Community Hall from 12-4 p.m.