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RALPH VINCENT JENKINS
Born: Feb 21, 1932
Date of Passing: Jan 05, 2015
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryRALPH VINCENT JENKINS February 21, 1932 - January 5, 2015 Our jazz man, Ralph Jenkins, played his outro on January 5. Ralph was predeceased by his parents, Guy and Annie Jenkins; sister Fran Moynagh; brother Howard, and wife Joanne. He is survived by his sons Jim and Jeff Jenkins; daughters Cindy Jenkins (Darren) and Fran Coates (Trevor); grandchildren Dustin Egnell, Joel, Brenlee and Riley Coates; brother-in-law Stan Moynagh; and niece Maureen (Rod). Ralph was born in Belmont, Manitoba bedridden for 10 months at a young age, his constant companion at that time was the radio and so, a musician and music aficionado materialized. Once he picked up his "axe," the trumpet, he never put it down. He was a bouncy key player as well as a mean trumpeter, and was mostly self-taught. His passion could be felt through performances with the Dixieland Band, The Southern Comfort, New Orleans 4 (among others), and as the official town trumpeter of Dryden (and really anywhere he went). Ralph's first love was jazz, but he lent his musical fervour to various choirs and bands, assisted high school music programs, and played "The Last Post" and "Reveille" at Remembrance Day services. He enriched the lives of others through music, but also through his kind and fair nature. In his work life, spanning from the Bank of Montreal, Town of Morris, Red River Valley Health District to Patricia Gardens Minimal Care Home (Dryden), he was a respected administrator and friend to many. Ralph deeply adored his wife, his "Dear Joanie," for 42 years of marriage, and was a devoted family man to their children and grandchildren. His charm and good humour attracted a wealth of friends whom he greatly cherished. Ralph also loved to travel, and had many special memories from his trips to Arizona, England, and especially his Mecca: New Orleans, Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong's birthplace. Over the years, Ralph was fortunate to have many great caregivers. Our sincerest thanks to them all. A service will be held at Green Acres Funeral Home (Highway #1 East at Navin Road) led by Rev. Mary Lysecki on Monday, January 12, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 10-120 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB, R3C 4G2. "Sitting out for a chorus or two, please stay cool and think nice thoughts." Ralph GREEN ACRES Funeral Home and Cemetery (204) 222-3241 Condolences may be sent to www.greenacresfuneralhome.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 10, 2015
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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Ralph Jenkins is a person I'll never forget. Ralph was a best friend to my brother Ken in Bowsman. They played in their first band together and practiced in our living room. He was as devastated as we were when Ken died accidently while they were still in their teens. He was just such a special guy and all of our family all loved him - Posted by: Betty Caughlin (friend) on: Jan 10, 2017
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I feel very blessed to have known Ralph. I first met Ralph when he started playing music with my dad and uncles when I was a very young child. He was a larger than life figure to myself and my sisters. Our favourite Southern Comfort song was "The Hucklebuck" where Ralph would play and sing and stomp his foot. He sure knew how to get the crowd going. I was lucky to have had the chance to play with him myself over the years and appreciated his skill as a player and his knowledge of the music he loved. One of my bucket list dreams came true when I got to go to New Orleans with Ralph and friends to soak up as much music as we could together, revelling in the birth place of jazz and the great Louis Armstrong. I will always remember walking to Congo Square and having a near-religious experience with Ralph as we stood in silence at the feet of the statue of "Satchmo". Ralph's memory and legacy continue to live on in the music that our family band plays together, as it will with any other musicians who have had the chance to play with him. What a wonderful life! - Posted by: Lisa Bunkowsky (Friend) on: Jan 12, 2015
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I met Ralph in Swan River where we both worked at Bank of Montreal. I was there just a few months as holiday relief.In that time I was fortunate to meet most of the Jenkins family with weekends spent in Bowsman.Also worked with Fran at Higgins & main Was thrilled when we learned Ralph was moving to Morris and spent many great times together. .Ralph was certainly a legend in Southern manitoba with his trumpet and this will likely continue in the great beyond Our Condolences to the Family - Posted by: Chas & Rita Covernton (Friend) on: Jan 11, 2015
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I came to know Ralph during his residence at Seine River. He and my parents, Skip and Edith Arason, became great friends. They had much in common. My dad was also an accomplished trumpet player and they were from neighboring towns - Belmont and Glenboro - so had much in common and there was never a lack of conversation and laughter. Ralph was a tremendous tease and had a great wit. We had so much fun bantering back and forth during our visits and he gave as good as he got. He was truly one of the great guys and will be sorely missed by many. I am so sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Nancy Arason (friend) on: Jan 10, 2015
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Ralph was such a vibrant member of our community serving as the town CAO for many years.I used to enjoy some of our Council parties when both he and Jack served. He even accompanied my little junior choir at church on one selection. He was fantastic.! When The Southern Comfort played for dances they always had a sell out crowd.He was even able to join The Bunkowsky Crew a few years ago to a number to the delight of everyone. Joan certainly added to the life of this family as well as the children (former students) so I can attest to this. My sincere condolences to each of you. - Posted by: Ruth Murray (Friend) on: Jan 10, 2015