Ralph Ian Spurrell

March 7, 1952-September 16, 2025

It is with sad hearts that we announce that Ralph Spurrell has passed away at his home in Hanover on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. 

Proud of his family, he is survived by brother Keith Spurrell of Paisley; son Ian (Nicole) Spurrell of Milton and daughter Jennifer (Justin) King of Tara. Loved Grandfather of Andrew King. He will be remembered by his nieces, nephews and their families as well as Brenda Spurrell (Dennis Heathers). Predeceased by parents Ronald and Marjorie (Crowther) Spurrell of Guelph, brother Gregory (Judy) Spurrell of Palm Coast, Florida and Jane McGillawee of Calgary. 18 wheels were the driving force of his career, but his passion was water. It began with brooks and creeks and then rivers and lakes. He loved being near it, fishing from it and boating on it. The pristine waters of Georgian Bay, especially Manitoulin Island and the North Channel were always his sanctuary and temple.

To honour his wishes, cremation has taken place and a private memorial will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Mighton Funeral Home, Hanover. 

As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations made to Georgian Bay Forever (https://www.georgianbayforever.org/water-quality ) would be appreciated l. Messages of condolences can be made to www.mightonfuneralhome.ca

Some Time At Eve by Elizabeth Clark Hardy

Sometime at eve when the tide is low,

I shall slip my mooring and sail away,

With no response to the friendly hail

Of kindred craft in the busy bay.

In the silent hush of the twilight pale,

When the night stoops down to embrace the day,

And the voices call in the waters' flow-

Some time at eve when the tide is low,

I shall slip my mooring and sail away.

Through the purpling shadows that darkly trail

O'er the ebbing tide of the Unknown Sea,

I shall fare me away, with a dip of sail

And a ripple of waters to tell the tale

Of a lonely voyager, sailing away

To the Mystic Isles where at anchor lay

The crafts of those who have sailed before

O'er the Unknown Sea to the Unseen Shore.

A few who have watched me sail away

Will miss my craft from the busy bay;

Some friendly barks that were anchored near,

Some loving souls that my heart held dear,

In silent sorrow will drop a tear

But I shall have peacefully furled my sail In mooring sheltered from storm and gale

And greet the friends who have sailed before

O'er the Unknown Sea to the Unknown Shore