Ralph (Fitz) Bernard Fitzsimmons
Ralph Bernard Fitzsimmons devoted husband, loving father and grandfather (Poppy) sadly passed away on March 22, 2026 at the Whistle Bend facility.
Dad was born in Long River, Prince Edward Island on April 30, 1930 to Catherine and Linus Fitzsimmons. Dad is survived by his daughters Debbie Chaney, Beverley Leclerc, Helen Fitzsimmons (Roger), sons Don (Dina), Douglas, and Ralph Jr. (Errin-Lee). Grandfather to Desiree Leclerc (Chris), Jason Chaney (Jenn), Harmony Gorczyca (Richard), Derek Chaney (Crystal), Dillon Fitzsimmons, Jasmin Fitzsimmons (Torrey), Kayla Fitzsimmons (Cam), Jacob Fitzsimmons (Ashley), Hunter Fitzsimmons (Caelon), Kiarra Fitzsimmons and Jaxson Fitzsimmons. He was a great grandfather to Zephan (Jissel), Huxley and Daxton Boa, Karson and Jade Chaney, Arlo and Westin Wiebe, Maple and Juniper Malloch, and a great great grandfather to Delani. Ralph is survived by one brother (Earl), and many nieces and nephews.
Raised in PEI Dad married Mom in a double wedding were two sisters married two brothers. After the honeymoon Mom and Dad headed to the Yukon where Dad was already living and working.
Dad fueled trucks in Goose Bay Labrador and worked for a trucking company in Toronto before making his way to Whitehorse. In Whitehorse Dad work over 25 years for Cassiar Asbestos until they closed. At this time Dad wondered what he should do as he was only 48 years old and looking for work. He decided to try something new and signed up to take carpentry at Yukon College. As Dad would say he was just an OK carpenter. He loved the work but the trucking bug was calling him back and he started working for Kilrich Industries. At this time Mom had the summers off so she would travel with Dad. They both loved the time they spent together. From there Dad worked at Yukon Alaska and Irly Bird until he finally retired in his 70’s. At this point Dad had clocked over 2 million trucking miles. We used to bug him that he backed up more miles than most people went forward.
Not everyone knew Dad was inventor. He invented mind puzzle games long before they were popular. He also invented and patented a round truck cab with a sleeper. Dad made the front page of the Truck News Magazine, an accomplishment that made Dad and the family proud.
A celebration of life will be held on Thursday April 30, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Cathedral located at 406 Steele Street with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the charity of your choice.
A huge thank you to all the staff in House 5 at Whistle Bend Place. All of you looked after our dad with such love and care. Knowing he was safe and happy brought us so much peace of mind.
He will truly be missed but we take comfort in knowing that Dad and Mom will be together and having fun with other loved ones.
