Surrounded by the love of his family at Collingwood General & Marine Hospital on Thursday January 4, 2024, Ralph Doldersum passed peacefully at the age of 82 years. Beloved husband of Mary Doldersum (nee Van Beek). Loving father of Todd (Caitlin O’Reilly), Julie (Marcus Kivilahti), and David. Dearly loved grandfather of Emmett, Willow, Clara and Jean-Jacques. Sadly missed by his sisters Betty Sillen, Rose Prins and brother John Doldersum. Forever in the hearts of cousins, nieces & nephews, extended family, and friends. He joins those we love and have already lost. Ralph was born in Holland in 1941 and moved with family to Canada in October 1953. They arrived at Pier 21 in Halifax, and eventually settled in Orangeville Ontario.
Ralph grew up working on the family farm and at a cottage resort at Lake Wilcox, maintaining the golf course and driving tractors for hayrides. In his twenties he managed a service station in Markham until his ambitions led him toward home building.
Ralph and Mary first met in 1963. Ralph’s sister Betty and her husband were renting an apartment in Mary’s parent’s house and Ralph had come to visit. Four years passed until they met again, set up on a blind date arranged by their families. Five short weeks later they were engaged to be married.
The marriage took place on 22 April, 1967 in Newmarket. There they lived for over six years, welcoming Todd along the way, until Ralph discovered a gem of a property in Tottenham while awaiting the birth of Julie. This property put him on a trajectory of home-building in that community that lasted over forty years. David came along just as Ralph and Mary were discovering their strength at building homes and developing real estate.
Ralph acquired his private pilot’s license in his early fifties. As his passion for flying grew, so did his projects. He built his own airstrip and hangar, not to mention a pond, on the family property on the 9th concession. This was where the family lived the longest and made the most memories: of swimming and skating, building and flying, planting thousands of trees and bonding with beloved pets.
Ralph was a gentle, quiet and caring man. He was loved and respected by those who knew him, and truly left the world a better place.
The family will receive friends at Rod Abrams Funeral Home 1666 Tottenham Rd., Tottenham 905-936-3477 on Monday January 8, 2024 from 10am until time of Funeral Service in the chapel at 11:30am. Reception will follow. Interment will be held in Newmarket Cemetery. For those who wish, donations in Ralph’s memory to Southlake Regional Health Centre, Stronach Cancer Care or the Collingwood General & Marine Hospital would be appreciated. Condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com
Service
Visitation
Rod Abrams Funeral Home
1666 Tottenham Road, Tottenham Ontario L0G1W0
Monday January 8, 2024 
10:00am - 11:30am
Funeral Service
Rod Abrams Funeral Home
1666 Tottenham Road, Tottenham Ontario L0G1W0
Monday January 8, 2024 11:30am
Sandi Leavey says
Dear Mary Todd, Julie and David,
I just found out that Ralph has left us, and I am so sorry for all of you.
I don’t live near Tottenham anymore, so takes awhile for the news to get to me.
I am sure that you are comforted by all the great memories, those will stay with you forever. I also have such beautiful memories of your children.
Susan Campbell says
Bob and I send our most sincere condolences.
Kelly McCague says
Dear Mary, my sincere condolences to you and your family. Thinking of you and wishing you peace and comfort in the coming days.
Linda and Sam Furtado says
Dear Mary and family, so sorry for your loss .Ralph was a lovely person
Sincerely Linda and Sam Furtado
shauneen & Iain Mackay says
Our condolences. Lots of memories. Love Shauneen and Iain Mackay
Leta & Michael Larkin says
Very sorry to hear about the passing of your beloved Husband, Father and Grandpa. Ralph was a very kind and gentle person. Loved by everyone who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your loving family Mary. Gone but never forgotten.
Stu Harrison says
Condolences to Mary, Julie, Willow, Jen-Jacques and the rest of your families, from Signe and Stuart Harrison.
(Ross and Sonya’s neighbors)
Shirley says
Mary we are so sorry for your loss. We enjoyed so many good times with you and Ralph. Our condolences to you and your family. Hugs Shirley Nolin and Jackie
Jeannette & Jim Ferrie says
Dear Mary & Family, Terribly sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. It was nice to catch up with you & Ralph a couple of months ago in Cedar Kitchen. Sympathies from all of our family.
Leanne Grammenz (Bell) says
I have fond memories of Ralph from my childhood, when the family lived on the 3rd line. The “kids” could walk down the back field to meet and play in the backyard, where “Mr. Doldersum” was often found working outside. He never failed to greet us warmly, and often tease us with a joke or two. I remember a tall, handsome man with the warmest smile, and beautiful dark blonde hair. Together with Mary he created a beautiful family, and he will undoubtedly be missed very much.
Matthew Morley says
Mary, Todd, Julie and David,
I am saddened to learn of this news. I have many fond memories of being welcomed to your home when we were teenagers. My thoughts are with you all in this time and I know he will be missed and remembered fondly forever more.
Matt Morley
Margaret Eagan White says
My deepest condolences on this great loss to all the family. My thoughts go to our shared 3rd line experiences witnessing the celebrations my parents shared and all of us along the years. A wonderful man and truly inspirational , and a special addition to many lives. Thinking of you all and hope you gather strength from all the stories and reminiscing .
Yvonne Besley says
Our thoughts and prayers are with Julie, her mom, Willow, Jean Jacques, and the rest of the family. Love, Yvonne, Kevin, and Johnathan Besley
Winston Moorhead says
My scincere condolence to Mary and family.
May he rest inpeace!
Susan & Glenn Lawson says
So sorry for your loss. Sending our sincere condolences to you Mary and your family.
May the memories of Ralph comfort you and your family at this difficult time.
Gary Mueller says
I’m deeply saddened of Ralph’s passing.
The years we spent together was such a great memory in my life as Ralph and I worked on Piper Hill farm and the many family dinners together and the great advise he gave on how to enjoy life along with hard work.
My condolences to the family. Ralph will always hold a special place in my heart.
Norma Wilkinson says
Dear Mary and family—-Sincerest condolences at this sad time..You and Ralph were some of the first folks we met when Harry and I moved her in 1999.The warmth and genuine friendship you extended to us was so welcomed as we embarked .on a new stage in our .retirement. May loving memories sustain you through this painful time.
Carol Van Beek says
To Mary and Family I am sorry for your Loss I just heard today We are in Florida and can not be there to give you are Condolences Ralph was always a true Gentleman and I remember him always very Romantic to you Mary and great Father to his Children in there younger years My eyes are full of tears our Family send there Many hugs And Blessings John and Carol and Girls
Len Prins says
I really liked Uncle Ralph. He could tell a good story. He noticed that I didn’t drive in the ruts on the lane way of my country property. I think he knew how to take care of things. My loss that I didn’t have more experience with him. Sorry for your loss Mary Julie David and Todd.
Anne Golden says
Mary,
My condolences to you and Todd, Julie and David on your loss. Ralph will truly be missed.
Bob and Anne Kellam says
Our condolences to Mary and the Doldersum family, Ralph was a great asset to the community and to the Tottenham Fire Dept, Thanks Ralph!
Bob and Julie Eagan says
Mary and family: We were so deeply saddened to hear about Ralph. We are thinking of all of you at this painful time and just know that we are here and holding you in our hearts and sending love and prayers your way. Bob & Julie
Rick and Peggy Bell and family says
So sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. We have many wonderful memories of the fun we had together when u lived on the 3rd Line. He was a wonderful human being who will be missed I’m sure.
marc ronan says
Many great memories of Ralph as he led his beautiful family through life. He was a kind man with a steadiness that was seen by all who knew him. Sincere condolences from Marc and all of our family.
Lies Annen-Oosting says
Lieve Tante Mary, kinderen en kleinkinderen, heel veel sterkte voor jullie allemaal nu jullie zonder Oom Roelof verder moeten. Ik vond hem een lieverd, heel attent en belangstellend! Toen ik twee jaar geleden op mijn scoot wegreed bij Grietje liep hij mee naar de straat om te kijken of het veilig was, dat tekende wel de man die hij was! Liefs van Lies en Jan
Chris and Jackie Schumacher says
Dear Aunt Mary, Todd, Julie, David, and families,
We are so very sorry to hear the sad news of Uncle Ralph’s passing. We will forever cherish our memories of him from the many family get-togethers over the years. Uncle Ralph was always so fun to be around, quick-witted and genuinely interested in what you were up to. He had a strong work ethic, always having projects on the go despite battling some serious health issues in recent years. His strength and determination were admirable. Uncle Ralph so loved his family and he will be dearly missed by all.
Sending you all our love and keeping you in our thoughts at this difficult time.
Iolanda Tsironis says
Dear Julie and family,
I am so saddened to hear about the passing of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May he rest in peace.
Paula Carney says
Mary – I am so sorry for your loss, my deepest condolences to you and your family.
Marta and John Zanelli says
We are so deeply saddened….50 years ago, a young Ralph sold us our first house in Tottenham and The rest is history.,.. so many wonderful memories were made with Ralph and Mary…… lots of trips, fun, laughter and how Ralph loved to sing with John playing guitar….. such a gentle soul, a true gentleman…… oh how, we will miss you, but so thankful you were part of our journey…. RIP…. Dear friend ….John, Marta and family
Bob & Pat Jackson says
Mary and Family
We offer our sincere condolences for your loss.
Yvonne Butcher says
My deepest condolences to you, Mary, and family. I was so saddened to learn of Ralph’s passing.
We met Ralph when looking for our home and Keenansville came to light.
Ralph was a true gentleman, kind, and considerate. We always shared family stories, local history and his next venture when he was immersed in renovations. There was always a new venture on the horizon.
My love hugs.
Nina and John Gnap says
Sending our sincere condolences to Mary, Julie and family. We have fond memories of Ralph.
Rafa says
Julie,
So sorry for your loss.
Albertje Huizing says
Lieve tante Mary, kinderen en kleinkinderen.
Wij hoorden het verdrietige nieuws van het overlijden van oom Roelof. Die paar keren dat ik hem heb mogen ontmoeten, bij papa en mama thuis en bij jullie thuis in Canada, ervoer ik hem als een vriendelijke, zachtaardige man en een liefhebbende broer voor mijn moeder. Het gemis moet enorm zijn voor jullie. Onze gedachten zijn bij jullie.
Albertje Huizing-Oosting en Harm Huizing
Grietje Ovinge-Oosting says
Lieve Mary, kinderen en kleinkinderen. Ik wens jullie van harte heel veel sterkte en kracht toe nu Jullie verder moeten zonder je man vader en opa moge God jullie nabij zijn ,lieve groet van Grietje.
Cristine, Christian, Max and Jakob says
Our deepest condolences from Thunder Bay. Hugs to you all and know that we are thinking of you and sending you our love.
Truus Oosting says
Dear family,
So sorry to hear of oom Roelof’s passing. Our thoughts are with you all. Big hug, Truus (second youngest of Albert and Killie) and Peter
Judi Orsi says
My sincere condolences to you, Mary and your family.
I have many fond memories of first meeting Ralph at Tec. South School and the many times in the following years.
Bert Doldersum says
Aunt Mary and family. My condolences for the loss of your husband and father. Strength for now and the days to come. Greetings and love from Beilen (Drenthe)
Bert en Erna Doldersum
Mary Hetherington says
Dear Mary and family I am so sorry for your loss and please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Len and Rita Bosma and family says
So sorry to hear about uncle Ralph’s passing. We will miss him at our family functions. He was a kind and gentle man and we loved him. Rest in peace uncle Ralph .
Michel Bullock says
Julie and Family
My condolences to you and your family with the loss of your father.
Catherine Robbin and Eugene McEleney says
What an absolutely beautiful obituary you have written for Ralph! We are so very sorry that you have lost him. Your warm and loving memories of him will be with you always. I’m sure that as you wrote, Ralph truly left the world a better place. I’m so glad to have known him and to have witnessed the great love he had for Mary.
Flora Stanton says
Dear Mary, Todd, Caitlin, Julie, Marcus, David, Willow, Jean-Jacques, Emmett and Clara,
I am so saddened by your loss. Ralph was a true gem. Always a gentleman. He set the bar pretty high as a loving husband, father and grandfather and he always set a fine example for all who met him. I feel fortunate to have known him. My sincere condolences to all of you. He will be greatly missed by all.
Flora xo
Ann Letts says
Mary and family, my sincere sympathy on Ralph’s passing. He was a kind , loving gentleman .
Dr. Ian D.D. Brown says
Our condolences Julie, and Family. Take care, ❤️
Andrea Bosma (wife of Tony Bosma) says
Ralph was such a quiet and sweet soul. Tony and I will miss him at the family gatherings. Rest in Peace Ralph.
Ted O'Reilly says
Such sad and sudden news. I knew Ralph as a co-grandfather of Emmett, so I knew of his warmth, love and pride in his family. An admirable man who is already missed.
Best to Mary and all the clan.
Elias and Mary Lafaanos says
Mary So sorry for your loss of a much loved husband, father and grandfather.
Bill & Sandy Clark says
Mary & Family,
Very sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. Please accept our sincerest condolences.
Bill & Sandy Clark
Geke Oosting says
Lieve tante Mary, kinderen en kleinkinderen,
We hoorden het verdrietige nieuws van het overlijden van oom Roelof.
We wensen jullie allemaal heel veel sterkte om dit grote gemis een plek te geven. We denken aan jullie. Veel liefs, Geke Oosting (jongste van Killie en Albert) en Jan Supheert
Donna-Marie Jacks says
We are broken-hearted! Ralph was the very first person we met in Tottenham and Mary was the second. Ralph convinced us to “come and see this great little town” and that was 48 years ago…fast friends ever since. Rest peacefully, dear Ralph. Mary, Todd, Julie, David and families – we send our love and hugs.
Donna-Marie for the Jacks Gang.
Betty SIllen says
Words cannot express our sorrow at this loss.
Know we are thinking of you and send our sympathy and love.
Betty, Lucy & Allen
Nita Pronovost says
Todd, Mary, Julie,
I’m so sorry to hear this sad news. Mr. Doldersum (as I always knew him) was always warm, funny, and kind to me when we’d visit your house as kids and teens. I know he will be fondly remembered. Sending my deepest condolences to the entire family.
Nita Pronovost
Pat Michener says
So sorry for your loss of a much loved husband, father and grandfather.
pat boland says
Condolences to Mary, Julie and all of the family. Ralph was a good man and taken too early. I am so sorry for your loss, I have very fond memories of Ralph.