Ralph Eugene Milani

March 30, 1956 – February 10, 2020

Ralph Milani, beloved husband, Dad, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, friend, co-worker, coach and teacher, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, February 10, 2020.

He leaves to mourn his loving wife, Janine, son Michael and daughter Nicole. He is also survived by his mother, Julia, brothers Ed (Marie), Robert (Karen), Steven (Kim), John (Lori), and sisters Clara (John), Marylouise (Bob), Debbie (Steve), Gloria (Allan), and Karen (Jim) as well as 26 nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his father, Eugene, on February 5, 2019.

Ralph was born in Rainy River, Ontario, and spent childhood years in The Pas and Thunder Bay.  As a teenager he attended Windsor Park Collegiate and pick-up games of basketball in the back lane were common.  He loved the beach, lake and mountains, but also loved the blue sky and crisp white snow of a Manitoba Winter day.  He loved a crowd more than most, because he would always find someone he knew. He played football with the Winakwa Warriors, Junior Mustangs, West Hills Falcons, Moorhead State Dragons, and lastly the Senior Mustangs. He coached football at Grant Park and Oak Park High Schools, and also coached basketball and badminton at schools where he was teaching. He could breathe new life into old wooden furniture and unused backyards with his creativity. Ralph was always there to help with yard work, renovations, or a student event. He was a sea cadet with HMCS Chippewa, and enjoyed sailing on the Red River, and on both coasts at sea cadet camps. “The Windman” sailed his HobieCat catamaran any chance he could, even if it meant his knees hurt.  He mastered windsurfing and tried to teach many others.  He loved downhill skiing with family and friends in the Masters (Team Corona) at SpringHill and enjoyed many trips to Asessippi and the Rockies.

He taught his children well, namely his son Michael, who competes with Special Olympics Manitoba in Alpine Skiing. A highlight for Ralph was seeing Arnold Schwarzenegger, his bodybuilding hero, in Schladming, Austria in 2017.

In memory of Ralph, please donate to Special Olympics Manitoba or to the Child’s Right to Play. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Ralph’s life will be held on Wednesday, March 18th, 4 to 7 pm at “the Windsor” CanadInns Windsor Park, Room E.