January 31, 1926 - March 3, 2024
Passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 3, 2024, in Loveland, Colorado, in his 98th year. He was born in Niagara Falls, Ontario, on January 31st, 1926. Lefty is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Barbara (Hill) O’Donnell, daughter Kelly O’Donnell, and grandchildren Regan and Connery O’Donnell. He is predeceased by his parents, Daniel O’Donnell and Daisy (Henry) O’Donnell, sisters Mary Patricia (“Pat”) Duquette (O’Donnell), Joanne Driskell (O’Donnell), Margaret (“Peggy”) Manford (O’Donnell), Gertrude (O’Donnell), and brother William (“Billy”) O’Donnell.
Ralph was trained as a tailgunner and served in the Royal Canadian Air Force in WWII. After the war, he attended Ontario Agricultural College in Guelf. During his time there, Lefty earned a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics and played on the 1948-1949 and 1949-1950 championship football teams. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to a successful career in the farm and industrial implement business. He loved all sports, especially hockey and football, in addition to boating and hunting. Most of all, Lefty was a fierce protector of his family. Lefty was known for his integrity and for always being happy and optimistic. He was chuckling until the end.
His service will be at Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Loveland, Colorado, on Friday, March 8th. The Rosary will start at 10 a.m., followed by Mass at 11 a.m.
