Ralph Whitfield, beloved husband, brother, Dad and Papa, passed away on March 4, 2026 at the Souris Personal Care Home with loved ones by his side. Ralph leaves behind his family who love him dearly, and a legacy of community service. Ralph’s life was defined by an unwavering commitment to the progress of Souris and Glenwood, and the well-being of those around him.
Ralph was born in Boissevain to parents Mabel Florence (Wyman) and Joseph Benjamin (Ben) Whitfield on October 8, 1928, followed by brother Sherwin (Hank) Whitfield and sister Arva Fuller. They grew up on a farm south of Boissevain, and walked across the field to the Horton School. Like many, the family farm was lost during The Depression and the family moved to town when Ralph was in Grade Four. His father Benjamin joined the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders on July 2nd, 1940 and deployed to Europe shortly thereafter. He was injured in Holland and did not return home until December 15, 1945.
During that time Ralph took on many jobs including carrying water and delivering papers. During the war years the family rented a house in Boissevain. Fortunately that house was purchased by Doug Houston, pharmacist, who was moving to town as the new owner of the drugstore. As family legend goes, Doug phoned his wife Ethel and told her that he had bought a house and they were going to be moving in with the renters – the Whitfield family. The Houstons and the Whitfields lived together in that house sharing chores, laughter, meals, music and hope in an otherwise desperate time. Doug Houston also hired Ralph as a custodian, then a stock boy, then a clerk and eventually a pharmacist assistant. Doug was Ralph’s mentor and all the Houstons were lifelong friends. Thank You to the Houston family and their intertwined story in our family’s legacy.
Ralph was accepted into the University of Manitoba Pharmacy program in 1948, choosing this path over an invitation to Eddie Shore’s hockey training camp in Saskatoon. He worked for Houston’s Drugs every summer and at Ringer’s Drugs and The Bay drugstore during university. In 1952 he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, working for a time with Doug Houston once again, and then with CIBA Pharmaceuticals. While travelling for CIBA, he came across the beautiful town of Souris, and thought settling there seemed promising. He asked J.G. Hatch if he would consider selling his business, and to his surprise the answer was yes. In 1956 Ralph bought Hatch’s Drugstore and opened Whitfield Drugs.
In 1959 Ralph met the love of his life, Averill Iliffe who was a new teacher at the Souris consolidated high school. Averill and Ralph married in 1960 and celebrated 62 years together as best friends and partners in life, business, and community service. They welcomed four children, Pam, Chris, Daphne and Rod.
A trip to Whitfield’s was always a fun experience with Ralph behind the counter. You were greeted with a friendly smile and by your first name (or a nickname that he made up for you), along with a witty comment in hopes of getting a laugh. His memory for names and his sense of humour knew no bounds. He loved connecting with people and providing accessible healthcare and exceptional customer service, leading by example for all of his staff. For many years the store was open 9am-8pm, Ralph was on call 24/7, and he frequently made personal deliveries.
He formed Crescent Enterprises in 1963 with Dr. A.M. Grant and Dr. L.W. Knight to build the Souris Medical Centre and the new drugstore at the heart of Crescent Avenue, to bring doctors, dentists, and optometrists together under one roof. He was also a driving force behind the South West Drug Group, helping 15 independent rural pharmacists achieve volume discounts through bulk purchasing to lower medication costs for their communities. Ralph also provided placements for dozens of pharmacy students and hired scores of employees that he regarded as family.
Working with other local visionaries, Ralph was involved in the development of Victoria Park, the construction of Victoria Park Lodge, the lobby for a new hospital, established a new housing area south of the fairgrounds and personally built two homes there to start the development. He was actively involved with the Chamber of Commerce, chaired the Souris Downtown Restoration Project – personally planting trees and donating prime downtown property (now the town parking lot behind PHARMASAVE) to ensure the project’s success. Ralph was one of five investors who formed Souris Community Builders Ltd to offer non-government financial assistance and attract new businesses to town, most notably the Superior Cheese Plant, Keen Enterprises, and Souris Plastics.
Ralph served on the boards of the Manitoba Pharmaceutical Association and the Manitoba Society of Pharmacists. He was awarded the prestigious Robins Bowl of Hygeia in 1979 for outstanding community service by a pharmacist, and the Manitoba Pharmacists Association Award of Merit in 2005. He was included in the 2000 Edition, International Who’s Who of Entrepreneurs.
In 1969, Ralph purchased land outside of Souris and established Woodsong Farms Ltd., Ralph Whitfield & Sons. Over the decades, he built it into one of Canada’s largest producers of fullblood Simmental cattle, expanding the herd to over 700 head. Ralph was a pioneer in breeding planned genetics for lean, healthy beef. His expertise took him around the world; he judged cattle in Canada, Colombia, and Brazil, and exported premium genetics to countries including Mexico, the United States, Great Britain, Australia, China, and Brazil. He served as President of the Canadian Simmental Association and was honoured with the A.O. (Dolphe) Henuset Memorial Award for Distinguished Service in 1999. Ralph was inducted into the Canadian Simmental Hall of Fame in 2020. Woodsong was the scene of many epic spring and fall cattle sales over the years, and his ads on local TV and radio are fondly remembered. Many lifelong and multi-generational friendships were forged during the Woodsong years, that are treasured to this day.
Ralph was a multi-sport athlete: hockey, baseball, curling, golf, downhill skiing, and his signature swimming stroke – the dog paddle. He volunteered his time to coach and manage hockey and baseball teams before and after having children. We have many happy memories of Dad playing with us on the sand beach at the river, pulling us behind the boat, waterski-ing with his cigar in his mouth, tobogganing in the back yard and pulling us back up the hill again, riding horses at the farm, and of course working alongside him either at the store or the farm, or in the yard at home. Once he became Papa, he enjoyed watching and supporting his grandchildren in all their sports and activities. His grandchildren have fond memories of playing catch in the yard, swimming in the pool, zipping up and down the river behind the boat, lacing up the skates and even going down the Minnedosa ski hill with him – when he was well into his 80s! He always had a sense of adventure and playful spirit, especially when it came to his grandchildren.
Ralph and Averill sold Whitfield Drugs to their son Chris in 2005. After a collision with an unmarked train that was stopped across the road to the farm early one foggy morning, when Ralph was on his way to check cows in January 2006, and following months of intense rehab guided by Averill, Woodsong held a herd dispersal sale in 2006 and the machinery and land were sold in 2007. Ralph and Averill eventually settled into retirement. Ralph volunteered as a greeter and all-around helper with Averill for the Souris and District Heritage Club and The Plum Heritage Church Museum. They thoroughly enjoyed meeting friends old and new, and welcomed many visitors to their home. Ralph and Averill enjoyed a trip with granddaughter Caleigh to visit family in the UK in 2008, and some winters in Florida and Victoria.
They were devastated by the untimely death of their son Chris in December 2008. They endeavoured to spend more time with friends, relatives, and their grandchildren, visiting Reese and Ben in Alberta, Spencer and Carissa in Beausejour, and attending the activities of Caleigh, Brynna and Seth. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2010 with many friends and family, and their 60th during COVID with Pam. They were thrilled to welcome great grandchild Evelyne Pambrun in 2014. Ralph met great granddaughter Romy, born December 1, 2025 in Australia, via FaceTime.
Ralph has been a member of Doric Masonic Lodge, Glenwood Masonic Lodge, and is a Shriner of the Khartum Temple. He received his 70 Year pin from Doric Masonic Lodge in 2024. Ralph endeavoured to live by the Masonic values throughout his life, and the fellowship of the Doric Lodge members was important to him, especially in later years.
Ralph and Averill were determined to stay in and enjoy their beautiful home on the river, which they did with lots of family and community support until January 2017, when they were fortunate to be able to move into the Souris Personal Care Home together. Ralph and Averill were very happy there. Averill died December 15, 2022 and Ralph missed her every day. Ralph enjoyed many outings, and he also appreciated and enjoyed all the staff, volunteers, residents and visitors at his new home. The family is eternally grateful for the excellent care and dedication to Dad by all the staff, and all who brightened his days. Thank you to the nurses and Dr. David Cram, who guided us through some concerning times over the years, and on Dad’s final journey. Thank you to Dexter and Val Kowalchuk for your kind and professional guidance, and to the Souris United Anglican Shared Ministry for welcoming us today.
Ralph is reunited with Averill and son Chris. Ralph is survived by children, Pam Whitfield, Daphne Schmidt (Grant) and Rod Whitfield (Melissa); sister Arva Fuller, brother-in-law Barry and Donna Iliffe, nieces, nephews and Dodie Houston Cupeiro.
Ralph and Averill have seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren: Caleigh (Walker) Pambrun (Gabriel, with children Evelyne, Kadin and JS), Brynna Walker (Harry Curtin with daughter Romy), Seth Walker; Spencer Schmidt and Carissa Schmidt; Reese Whitfield and Benjamin Whitfield.
With gratitude and love to all on behalf of Ralph, from Pam, Rod, Daphne and our family.
A funeral service to celebrate Ralph’s life was held at St. Paul’s United Church Souris, Manitoba on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Private interment in the Souris-Glenwood Cemetery. In memory of Ralph donations may be made to the Souris-Glenwood Foundation Box 518 Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0.
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Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Ralph’s families! Ralph was a great man and will be truly missed !
Condolences to all the family. Ralph was a good guy. He always called me Lowey until the last year. He was a character and had a good sense of humor..will miss him!
Pam, Rod and Daphne and family. We were very sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. Please accept our deepest condolences. For years Ralph was a smiling face at the drug store; a person who never forgot a name and always made people feel special! Even in his later years, you could always count on Ralph’s smiling disposition and a cheery greeting. He contributed to his community in countless ways and will be missed by many. Thinking of you all at this sad time. ❤️ Reid and Kelly Cowieson
Sending thoughts and prayers to the Whitfield family during this difficult time.
To Pam and family,
Please accept my deepest heartfelt condolences on the passing of Ralph. I have many great memories of him. He was always kind. He let our family carry a balance when things were tough more than once. That’s just the kind of heart he had. One of a kind.
We have lost an outstanding member of our community. Ralph was a wonderful, caring man who always had time to ask “how is everything?” treating everyone with respect and patience. Condolences to Ralph’s family.
Pam, Daphne and Rod and families
So sorry to hear about Ralph. He was quite a character. Loved going into Whitfields and chatting with him.
Jeannie and Sudsy
My sincerest sympathies on your Dad’s passing. He will truly be missed by the family.
Such a wonderful community minded man! He was an asset to Souris and our community. So sorry for your loss.
To- The Whitfield Families.
Our sincere condolences are with all of you at this very sad time.
Your Dad will be missed by all who knew him.
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. He was to me a wonderful mentor and I learned more from him than anyone. My deepest sympathy
Sympathy to the Whitfield family. Such a wonderful man. He loved his visits with each and every person he knew!
Condolences to Pam, Daphne, Rod and families. Ralph always had a friendly greeting at the pharmacy. He loved teasing the Dickson street paperboys Jared and Riley. He will be missed.
Sincere Condolences to the Whitfield Family. Your Dad was a Very Caring Gentleman. Cherish Your Memories.
The Simmental community in Manitoba and Canada has lost a great friend and supporter of the breed.
Ralph’s Woodsong Farm was a highly respected place to purchase quality cattle, anchored by his sincere and generous personality that connected with people from all across Canada. He lent his time and talents to the Canadian Simmental Board, was a mentor to many of us through sale barn visits for many, many years and proud supporter of the activities of the Manitoba Simmental Association.
My condolences to his family and friends at this sad time,
Darcy Hickson, Forrest Mb.
My condolences are with you at this sad time of Ralph’s passing. As many people have mentioned how he would remember your name and a great community person. He will be missed . Take care
To the family,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad and difficult time.
No matter when we came back to Souris and went to the drugstore, he always had a smile, asked how everyone was and always took the time to have a chat. Souris was blessed to have had him as their druggist.
Cherish your memories.
Sincerely,
Dean and Donna (Kelesnik)Couvier
Fred are Sharon Kelesnik
A true Mason to be missed.
He was one of a kind! Amazing ability with names. We would come home to Souris for a visit and he even knew our kids names. A very community oriented family man. Our deepest condolences to Pam, Daphne , Rod and families.
Brenda and Cam McGavin
Dear Pam,
My sincere condolences to you and your family on the loss of your Dad. Thinking of you all during this difficult time.
Sincere condolences to the family
To all the family, we are sorry for your loss. Ralph was a wonderful man and will be missed by all.
To the Whitfield family,
We are so sorry for the loss of your Dad & Grandpa.
He was a wonderful man, that gave back to his community.
Treasure your precious memories & keep them close to your heart. ❤️
To Pam, Daphne, Rod and families,
Our sincerest condolences from our family to yours.
We all have very fond memories of your father and our time in Souris.
We remember his kindness. He would see us walking down the aisle in the store and would look up and smile. He made each of us feel special.
When we came back to town to visit in later years, we never left without stopping at Whitfield Drugs to say hello to Ralph, Averill, Chris, Pam. Later when they had retired, Averill and Ralph welcomed us to their home with the same kindness and grace.
Ralph Whitfield was to us, the true definition of a gentleman.
Our memories are plentiful and every one of them precious.
We hope that your memories of your father give you comfort at this time,
Thinking of you all,
Lois (Banks) Mayor and Family
Cameron, Greg, Kathie and Warren Banks
Sending sincere condolences to Ralph’s family. I’ll always have fond memories of Ralph’s friendly character. He was such a pillar of the community of Souris. He’ll be missed by many. Sending sympathy to his family.
My sincere condolences to Pam, Daphne & Rod and their families on the passing of your Dad, Grandpa & Great Grandpa. Ralph was a very good pharmacist, business man and community minded supporter! Amazing memory of names and a good hearted gentleman. Generous & Gracious. Remember his Boy Scout salute or those cigars he use to smoke! May your memories be comforting at this sad time & always. Hugs.
R.I.P. Ralph
What a guy! He was definitely a pillar of the community and was truly the nicest fella you’d ever want to meet. Mom and I enjoyed sitting at his “table” at the PCH and chattin about old times as your mom and dad had their meals. As kids, I remember going to Souris on a Friday after school and checking out the kids magazines and comic books in the store and he always called us by our names. You kids have done a wonderful job of looking after your mom and dad and checking in on them at the PCH. They were so proud of their family. Take care and know that we’re thinking of you all during this sad time.
The Turner family
To Ralph’s Family,
If there were more ‘Ralph Whitfield’s’ in the world, the world would be a much better place. RIP Ralph.
Pam, Rod and Daphne – your Dad was “one of a kind” – such a great community minded person and always a hearty handshake! I can still hear his voice when he said – “Well – hello Ruthie”, every time I came into Whitfield’s over the years, or visited the personal care home in the last few years. He knew everyone and greeted everyone by name! He was a pillar of the business community and supported so many things behind the scenes without wanting recognition – he will really be missed.
Condolences to the Whitfield family.
Ralph was a fine gentleman and a pillar of the business community.
May he rest in peace.
Dwight and Nancy Kirkup
My sincere condolences to Pam, Daphne, Rod and families on the passing of your Dad. Betty and family ❤️
We were sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. We have fond memories of dealing with him in the drug store and in the community. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. Condolences from Ruth and Garry
What a great man. Losing your father, grandfather is always hard. I will always smile when I think of Ralph. So many memories, so many stories.
To Pam, Daphne, Rod and families,
Our sincerest condolences to you all. Ralph will be missed by everyone who knew him but I’m sure you will have plenty of wonderful memories to hold on to and cherish.
I had the pleasure of working for Ralph back in the day. His mind was a steel trap and yes, he knew everyone who walked through his door and if he didn’t, he made sure he found out and never forgot their names. Ralph always put a “y” at the end of your name whenever it was possible, so I was always called Vonny, as was Johnny, Franky and Georgy! And even though we moved away some years later, when we came back to town for a visit, he always greeted us in the same fashion. R.I.P Ralph.
To Pam, Rod, and Daphne and families. Sending condolences to you as you are feeling the loss of your father and grandfather.
Doug and Helen Fenwick
Souris lost a valuable member of Souris. He was always smiling and served the community well. He will be missed.
To all of the Whitfield families we send you our condolences in the passing of Ralph he was a great orator and could always help make people laugh all our condolences The Peaslee’s
Pam, Rod, Daphne & families, I so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. He was a fixture in the community long before we moved to Souris and Mum truly enjoyed all her years working at the pharmacy for him. He was a kind, considerate, thoughtful man who loved to good-naturedly tease us about our scottish accents. Another generational loss for the town he loved so much.
Our sincere condolences to the Whitfield
family. Ralph was a great man, ran a great business and was always friendly with everyone. Cherish your memories.
To Pam, Daphne, Rod and family.
My sincerest condolences to everyone. Our community lost a great person. My thoughts are with you all.
Sincerely,
Elaine Phillips
So sorry for your loss, Ralph and Averill were great neighbours we had lots of laughs and giggles with them over the years always cheerful and a great sense of humour. Happy to have known them .
Sincerely Traci & Clive.
Our condolences to the Whitfield family. Darren enjoyed his time working with Ralph at Woodsong Farms.
Darren and Shannon Carvey
My condolences to the family I remember your dad as a 10 year old who loved hockey I remember Ralph as a Souris Elk.He had slicked back hair and could skate like the wind.No helmet and no fear.Thank you for the memories
Pam, Daphne, Rod and families: Deepest Sympathy, as expressed by many, your dad was a great guy, huge supporter of the town of Souris. Never forgot my name even years after I had moved from the community. He will be missed.
I fondly remember Ralph as a mentor in the early days of my practice. I was a member of the Southwest buying group. I wish the family God’s comfort at this sad time. We have all lost a truly gifted friend. Sig and Mary Pfahl, Winkler, MB
To Ralph’s family, my sincere condolences.
I will always remember the first time we went into the pharmacy in Souris and Ralph somehow already knew our names and greeted us so warmly. It was such a friendly welcoming to that lovely community. He was a wonderful and accomplished man.
Take care.
Condolences Pam, Daphne, Rod and families. Ralph was an incredible community member with a great sense of humour.
Sincere condolences to the Whitfield family. Enjoyed our chats in the personal care home. Ralph always remembered my name, usually the Martin name would come up and chat about simmental cattle. What a legacy he left to the community. Forever in our hearts.
Gail Martin
I fondly remember my days with Ralph. As a young pharmacist that recently purchased a pharmacy I admired him for his energy and love for our profession and the business aspect of it. He was a huge influence on this colleague. Rest in peace Ralphy