7 Aug 1999
The community mourns the death of one of its most valued residents, friend, community activist, pastor, clergyman, Rev. Ralph Robert Gordon Webber died at the age of 71 in St. Martha’s Regional Hospital last Saturday,August 7. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Sunday, August 15 at 3 p.m. in St. James United Church where he so well served his congregation. Rev. Leigh Hagerman will officiate at this service, and a reception will follow. Family and friends are invited to visit at the Webber home in Cape George on Friday, August 13. A family service of committal will take place at St. David’s Cemetery in Cape George. Born on Flat Island, Newfoundland, Ralph Webber was the son of the late Rev. Cecil and Georgina (Dorey) Webber. He graduated from Mount Allison University, Sackville, New Brunswick, and Pine Hill Divinity Hall, Halifax. He was ordained by the Maritime Conference of the United Church of Canada in 1951. He served pastoral charges in Sherbrooke-Glenelg, Brookfield, Lunenburg, Wesley (St. John’s ), Fairview (Halifax), and St. James in Antigonish. He also served as a military chaplain in Camp Bordon and Calgary. Rev. Mr. Webber is survived by his wife, the former Betty Ballantyne, three sons, Andrew (Linda), Timothy, Goron (Lee); three daughters, Susan (Richard), Carolyn (David) and Rev. Mary (Rev. Jim); two sisters, Verna (Rev. Doug) Gass, Pauline Benjamin; five grandchildren. The family gratefully decline flowers. Memorial donations may be made to the Mission and Services Fund of the United Church of Canada, St. Martha’s Palliative Care, or any charity.