Ralph Casum Harb

Age 58 of Port Hawkesbury. It is with broken hearts that we announce the sudden passing of a wonderful son, brother, husband, father and grandfather, Ralph Casum Harb on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 in Lake Ainslie. Born in Truro, on March 7,1962, Ralph is survived by his parents, Lynn Delazzer and Allie (Charlotte) Harb.

Left to mourn his absence, love, kindheartedness and generosity are his soulmate of 37 years, Colleen (Macmullin) Harb; his loving daughter, Laura, Sackville and her beautiful children Miya, Cassie, Zane, Dante, Novaya, Quinton and great-grandson Maddox; his loving daughter, Kerry, Port Hawkesbury and her beautiful children Ava and Blake. Also left to mourn Ralph are his brothers, Darren (Shelley), Tom (Wanda), Jason (Lisa); sisters, Adree (Andy), Kimberly and Caroline. Ralph will also be missed by his loving nieces and nephews as well as his extended Macmullin family. He was predeceased by stepdad, Joe Delazzer; and parents-in-law, Peter and Goldie Macmullin.

As everyone knew, Ralph was a private person who thrived on helping anyone in need. He was known to take the last dollar he had and give to whomever needed it. Ralph always saw the good in people and was someone who could be counted on; but he never wanted anyone to know. Ralph preferred to be the man behind the scene.

For many years, Ralph helped run the family snowplow business for the Town of Port Hawkesbury. It was not uncommon for Ralph, along with brothers, Darren and Tom, to be on the plows from the time the heavy snow started until every road was cleared. And in typical Ralph fashion, friends would often wake up to plowed driveways after the streets were cleared. When he wasn’t plowing the streets, Ralph helped his stepfather with the garbage collection business and continued both businesses after Joe passed away.

Ralph grew up in El Segundo, Calif., with his father Allie, his wife Lynn and his brothers Darren and Tom. He remained there until he graduated high school then moved back home to Nova Scotia. He also spent a lot of time at the horse barns which he imparted his love of horses onto his daughter Kerry and grandchildren Ava and Blake. He loved watching them ride and compete in horse shows. Pride was written all over his face.

Ralph always worried about his parents whether he was home or away. He called his mom Lynn and checked in with her daily. Ralph made sure she was taken care of with whatever she needed him to do. He talked often with his dad Allie and loved when he spent time with him.

While helping others was something Ralph enjoyed, what brought him the most joy was his family. He and his soulmate Colleen were inseparable since Colleen was 17. They enjoyed spending their time together camping in Lake Ainslie all summer. This became their second home. He loved nothing more than being there with Colleen and his grandchildren. Everyone was welcomed on Ralph’s deck; he always made everyone feel at home. There was nothing better for Ralph than having his kids, grandkids and friends with him in Lake Ainslie. Colleen also accompanied him when he was plowing the streets of Port Hawkesbury in the winter and they both enjoyed spending time with family and friends in all seasons. Colleen treated Ralph like a king and he adored her too. His daughter, Laura, loved her father and grew up looking up to him. Laura saw how big-hearted and kind her dad was and she grew up to be just like him in that way. She, too, has a big heart and helps others when she can. Kerry was Ralph’s "mini-me". From an early age, Kerry spent time with Ralph learning the tricks of the trade of snow-plowing, heavy equipment and garbage removal. One of Kerry’s favourite jobs was working with her dad to help fulfil his snow-plowing contracts. Kerry adored her dad and learned many lessons from him. Two specific things Kerry learned from her dad were to be goal-orientated because the sky’s the limit and "cherish our children the way he cherished us".

And while it was true, he adored his girls, his grandchildren were his life. If you saw Ralph in the Walmart toy aisle, the campground, the treat store, a horse show, a Christmas concert or family gatherings, you can be sure his grandchildren were not far away. Wherever the grandchildren were, Ralph was there too! From supporting and encouraging Miya to graduate; to teaching Cassie and Zane how to ride the fourwheeler; to teaching Ava how to swim and ride a bike and teaching Blake how to operate the Bobcat, Ralph was a phenomenal grampie. He loved teaching Blake anything and everything; he loved teaching Ava how to cook. Ralph supported all of his grandchildren in whatever they needed him for. With all the time spent with each of them, Ralph left a piece of himself with them. He may have looked stoic but his grandchildren had him wrapped around their little fingers!

Visitation will be today, Wednesday, July 8th from 2-4 and 5-8 p.m. in Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, 724 Granville St., Port Hawkesbury and from where a private family funeral service will be held Thursday, July 9th with Father Conrad Edwards officiating. A public graveside service will follow at 11:40 a.m. in St. Joseph Parish Cemetery, Port Hawkesbury. Donations in memory of Ralph may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Diabetes Canada. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at:

www.haverstocks.com

"And remember, no refunds!"