RALPH BATEMAN

1936 - 2005

Ralph Leroy Bateman, beloved husband of Sharon Bateman of Bow Island, passed away in Bow Island on Friday, July 29, 2005 at the age of 69 years.
Ralph was born in Medicine Hat, Alberta on February 24, 1936 to parents Ken and Edna Bateman. He received his schooling in Bow Island and in 1957 married Sharon Wilson. When he was 18 years of age he started work for Royal Sand & Gravel, a job he maintained until two years ago. He owned and operated a school bus for 35 years, enjoyed golfing and curling and was a charter member of the BPOE.  Ralph was active in most community events as well as serving on Town Council first as a councilor for twelve years then as Mayor for nine.
First and foremost in life was his family. Ralph will be forever remembered and sadly missed by his wife Sharon; the 3-D's Deborah Bateman of Calgary and children Aaron and Megan and their father Blair Haukedal and EJ & Shawn and family; Dawn (Andy) Olsvik of Edson and children Ashley and Justin and Dale (Gwen) Bateman of Calgary and children Nakita and Dalanee; a sister Marion (Don) Gibson of Hope, B.C.; two sisters-in-law Audrey Bateman of Lethbridge and Dora Warren of Bow Island and also by nieces, nephews and families.
He was predeceased by his parents Ken and Edna Bateman and two brothers Albert Bateman and Donald Bateman.
Those who wish may pay their respects at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006-48 Ave., Taber on Monday, August 1, 2005 from 7:00 to 8:00 P.M. and prior to the service at the church from 1:00 to 1:30 P.M.
The Funeral Service will be held at St. Andrew's United Church, 139-2 Ave. West, Bow Island on Tuesday, August 2, 2005 at 2:00 P.M. A private interment will follow in the Bow Island Cemetery.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Ralph's name may be made to the Alberta Lung Association, P.O. Box 4500, Station South, Edmonton, Alberta T6E 6K2 or to the Bow Island Ambulance, Respiratory Equipment, Box 100, Bow Island, Alberta T0K 0G0.