Ralph Memorial

Ralph passed away on 28 April 2020 - one month into the Covid epidemic. Unable to get together, Sue organised a moving Zoom memorial which was attended by over 100 people from around the world. We were astounded by how many lives he had touched.

The slide shows below depict various phases of his life, all set to beautiful music. These were put together by Sue in just a few days. An amazing tribute in itself to her brother.

A few of the many tributes that were paid:

Ralph Heher

9 May 2019 - 28 April 2020

Memorial Service 3 May 2020 - Order of Service

• Welcome - Tony

◦ Introductions: family

◦ Sally & Constance - Ralph’s “other” Mothers

◦ From Memory Book to Memorial Book - on the Cloud!

• In the beginning - Tony

◦ A bit about Ralph's early years with input from Sue and Doug also

◦ Slideshow: Son, brother, uncle (Early Life)

◦ Ralph in Sue’s art

◦ Ralph and his nieces - Megan and Sarah

• Introduction to Debi by Sally

• Circle of Life - Debi Best (Music)

• Ralph's illness - Tony + Tim Long

◦ How prayer saved his life and defined his life

• The Lord’s Prayer (Music - Baba Yetu)

• Visit to Sue - Esme

◦ Slideshow: visit to Sue in Jerusalem

• Ralph’s later life and how he touched many

◦ Martyn Trainer

◦ Slideshow: hiker, climber, paddler, explorer

◦ Liz Trew - share + poem

◦ Trish Bolleurs - share

• Circle of life video (Debi Best in Betty's Bay)

• Ralph’s Wider Community

◦ Ralph on WhatsApp

▪ Example of his early writing

▪ WhatsApp use 2019

◦ Julia Travers - Ralph's speech teacher at Vera School

◦ Kate Grey - share

◦ Open comment from any on how his messages touched them

• Amazing Grace (Music)

• Reflections on the meaning of a life like Ralph's

◦ Feroza Cassim, SIDI Co-ordinator and UCT

◦ Cherryl Barratt, Chairlady, Open Circle

◦ Rev. Terry Lester - and closing blessing