Obituary of Ralph Leslie Cheesman

CHEESMAN - Ralph Leslie Cheesman, born 19 January 1924, Southborough, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England, only son of Leslie and Ethel Cheesman, passed away early Wednesday morning the 27th of June 2007. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 57 years, Tweelee and their two sons Christopher (Linda) and Timothy (Donna) and two grandchildren Sarah and Andrew. He attended Eltham College in Grove Park, London before serving during the Second World War initially with the Home Guard, The Royal West Kent Regiment, then subsequently joining the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve (RNVR) serving on destroyers as an Ordinary Seaman and latterly as an Officer on motor torpedo boats in the Indian Ocean. In the last year of the war he joined the submarine service where he found his niche as a submariner. After the war he completed his Doctorate (PhD) in Geology at Imperial College in London. He continued to serve in the RNVR until coming to Canada. Ralph and family came to Saskatchewan in 1955 to embrace a new challenge in his beloved career as a geologist with the provincial government. Many of his exploits included running the Prospectors School in La Ronge in summers and conducting field camps in northern Saskatchewan. His love of geology and mining saw him become a consulting geologist, Manager of the Saskatchewan Mining Association for 19 years and most recently as an adjunct professor at the University of Regina, where he was to teach a new group of budding geologists next week! His 52 year career in geology in Saskatchewan was recognized by many as a significant contribution to the Saskatchewan Mining Industry. He continued to pursue his other love by becoming a member of the Canadian Naval Reserve upon immigrating to Canada in 1955. He continued to serve on submarines and was the Commanding Officer of both HMCS UNICORN in Saskatoon and HMCS QUEEN in Regina, finally retiring in 1976 as a Commander. He was active with numerous groups and organizations including the Advisory Board to The Regina Symphony Orchestra, Rotary Club and a stalwart member of St. Lukes Anglican Church, to name a few. He also served on the Senate for College of Emmanuel and St. Chad, at the University of Saskatchewan. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 3:00 p.m. in St. Lukes Anglican Church, 3233 Argyle Road, Regina, Canon William Lourens officiating. A reception will follow at the Royal United Services Institute, 1660 Elphinstone Street, Regina. Please feel free to remember Ralphs contributions by donating to the charity of your choice. The family wishes to thank the tremendous support and care of friends and caregivers. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.speersfuneralchapel.com