January 1, 1925 – December 25, 2008
Veritas Vincit Omnia – Truth Conquers All
Ralston Vincent Carrigan was a kind and generous man. He was completely devoted to his family and his friends and had unwavering faith. Ralston has left a legacy of love and compassion to all who knew him. We celebrate this legacy, after his passing at the age of 83 years.
A New Years baby, Ralston was the son of the late Dougall and Catherine (Gillis) Carrigan of Westville, Nova Scotia. During his Westville years, Ralston made many true friends and it was there that he met and married Joyce Steadman in 1951. An Air Force family, they settled in Cape Breton where they raised seven children. Ralston was predeceased by his beloved Joyce in 1993.
He is survived by all his children: Gregory at home, Kevin (Kim / Julie, Raymond), Vincent (Carol Lee / MacKenzie), Catherine Penney (Kevin / Khristopher, Terri-Lynn), Paul (Tracey / Tess, Roy), Phyllis Williams (Phillip / Mallery, Shaun, Liam) and Shauna Hennick (Scott / Suzanne (Great Grandchild Blayre), Andrew). Ralston is also survived by his brother Gillis (wife Carmel, Halifax) and his sister at heart Patricia Coleman.
Ralston was committed to life-long learning, having graduated from St. Francis Xavier University in 1961 (B.A.) after serving several years in the Air Force. While attending St. F.X., Ralston was a valiant member of the boxing and debating club.
Ralston was employed with the Nova Scotia Government as a Probation Officer and later as a Government of Canada Pension Field Officer. His work extended well past retirement age, a testament to his devotion to helping others.
An avid reader, Ralston’s thirst for knowledge and love for literature remained until his last days. He spoke Latin and loved to sing Christmas carols in this beautiful language.
His faith was unending. A member of Holy Rosary Parish, the Holy Rosary Choir and the Knights of Columbus, Ralston shared all he had with others. He opened his heart and his home to anyone in need. This is his family’s greatest remembrance.
Visitation for the late Ralston Vincent Carrigan will be held at Pier Community Funeral Home, Whitney Pier, 1092 Victoria Rd (entrance on Church Street) on Sunday Dec. 28 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm with Knights of Columbus prayer service at 8 pm. A celebration of Ralston’s life will be held at Holy Rosary Church in Westmount on Monday Dec. 29 at 11 am with Fr. Murphy officiating. Interment will take place in the parish cemetery.
Family flowers only please. Memorial donations may be made to the Hospice Palliative Care Association or to Holy Rosary Parish.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
A Farewell
Flow down, cold rivulet, to the sea,
Thy tribute wave deliver:
No more by thee my steps shall be,
For ever and for ever.
Flow, softly flow, by lawn and lea,
A rivulet then a river:
No where by thee my steps shall be,
For ever and for ever.
But here will sigh thine alder tree,
And here thine aspen shiver;
And here by thee will hum the bee,?
For ever and for ever.
A thousand suns will stream on thee,
A thousand moons will quiver;
But not by thee my steps shall be,
For ever and for ever. ?
Alfred, Lord Tennyson
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