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.
Dave Alexandrovich
Ralph and Ruth were 2 of the kindest most understanding people I ever knew. When he worked at Irly I was with Capital out of Edmonton and when we brought in insulation loads he was always in the trailer with me. Will always have good memories of both. Deepest Condolences to all the kids and grandkids. He will be missed by all.
Ferne Stokes Feotten
I worked with Ralph at Irly Bird. He was such a kind, hardworking man. I’m sure he will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Kelly Jensen
So Sorry to hear about your dad. Condolences to All the Fitsimmons Clan. Your parents were so nice and your mom and dad always had a big smile on their faces lol. I sometimes would not see your dad in a long time, but when I did, he always remembered me and always liked to have a long chat.
He will missed by everyone who knew him for sure.
TERESA MAY DE BAIE
So sorry to hear of your loss. Your Dad was named after my Dad, his uncle Ralph Gillis. We visited your parents in 2002. They made us feel so welcome. You were all so very blessed to have such wonderful parents