Dr. Ralph M. Cable 1923-2004

Ralph was born September 23, 1923, in Macklin, Saskatchewan. He went to school there until he moved to Edmonton at 14 years old and graduated from high school at age 16. He then worked as a pharmacy apprentice until joining the Canadian Navy in 1943, where his interest in medicine started. Upon discharge in 1945, he enrolled in Medicine at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, graduating in 1952. Ralph spent the next fourteen years in rural medicine in Alberta where he met his devoted wife Marjorie.

Looking for a change, and warmer climate, he joined another physician in family practice in Palm Springs, California in 1966. In 1979, he moved to Richland where he had a private practice until 1997. During his years as a family physician he delivered and looked after more than twenty-five hundred babies until retiring from that part of his practice in 1987. He continued in primary care and pediatrics with his wife Marjorie, a Registered Nurse, who helped run their family practice. He worked relief work part-time with Dr. Leedy and Dr. Wong until January 2003 and only quit working when his health wouldn’t allow anymore. Ralph’s life was devoted to his family and his work. He loved to be outdoors fishing,golfing, or hunting with his boys.

He is predeceased by his mother and father, brother Roy and sister Dorothy; and survived by one brother Cecil; his wife Marjorie; son Robin Cable Helen; daughter Patricia Cable-Groenen Harald, grandson Jakob Groenen; son Gordon Cable Lena; son Brian Cable Alison.

What a legacy he left us. His gracious dignity and caring manner forever endeared him to his patients who always kept in touch. They remember his calm and gentle ways; his ability to talk with them and make them feel better when they left his office. His staff over the years and his colleagues will always remember his dedication to his work. There are no words that we are able to express that will describe the man, father and above all the physician he was for 52 years.

A memorial service for family, close personal friends and colleagues will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Thursday, May, 2004 at 6:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Kadlec Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice.

Ralph was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who will be greatly missed by the family he loved. All my love forever, you cannot be replaced, and will always be remembered, love you, Marj. Dad, have fun fishing, playing golf and hunting up there. Now you will have time! Thank you for all you taught us, your family.