Sadly, we announce the passing of Ralph Knowles, which occurred on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the Chaleur Regional Hospital, Bathurst, at the age of 87.

Born in Bathurst, he was the son of the late Gordon and Lorine (Devarenne) Knowles.

He is survived by two sons: Eugene (Geraldine) of ON and Gordon of Clifton and a daughter, Laurie Rodrigues (Charlie) of ON. Several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Three sisters; Kay Addison (late Don), Betty Ann McLean (Bill) and Gail Louden (late Ron) all of Bathurst.

He was predeceased by his wife, Patricia (Smyth), grandson Jeffery Knowles, brother Carl, sister Shelley Bigney and a nephew Trevis Knowles.

CITY MOUSE….?...OR….COUNTRY MOUSE….?

As a young teen, alongside his brother, Ralph helped his father fish Salmon and Lobster; however, Ralph at age 18, decided to substitute the quiet and calm of Turkey Town for the Hussle and Bussle of Toronto. It was there he became a family man with his wife and 3 children.

While Ralph was still in the work force, Turkey Town remained in his heart, so he always made it “back home” during May and June to help his brother and father fish Lobster, living proof of the old adage: “You can take the boy out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the boy.”

As a licensed sheet metal mechanic, he retired as General Foreman for GM maintenance. It was no surprise that Ralph’s retirement brought him “back home”. After 40 years of Toronto’s Hussle and Bussle, this time he welcomed Turkey Town’s quiet and calm. He continued to help his brother fish, helped take care of his mother, and every year challenged himself to produce a better vegetable garden than he had the year before. He happily shared his produce with family, friends and anyone in the community except for his turnips; in that case, you basically had to fill out an application form to get a turnip. We don’t know why. Although we could see several turnips in the field, it was easier to get one at Sobeys.

To quote from his closest neighbor:

“He was one of a kind, in every way.”

Ralph, without a doubt, ….Always a “ COUNTRY MOUSE ”

A graveside service will be held at Christ Church Anglican Cemetery during the month of July. Anyone wishing to say goodbye to Ralph are welcome. A date and time will be announced.

Arrangements are in the care of Elhatton Funeral Home (www.elhatton.com), Bathurst.

RIP