On Tuesday, April 23, 2024, beloved husband and dad, Ralston (Rolly) Jaekel passed away peacefully surrounded by family.
Dad is survived by his wife of 58 years, Pearl (nee MacIntyre), his children: Peter (Anne Caldwell); Ruth (Mike) Beckwith; Rhoda (Rob) Burwash, of Hamilton; Jon (Joleyne) of Calgary; and Liz (Scott) Finlayson; his grandchildren: Dawson (Brittany), Cole, Jessie, and Taylor Beckwith; Charlie and Maddie Burwash; Jorja, Josie, and, Kayleigh Jaekel; and Sadie and Elsa Finlayson; step-grandchildren Andrea and Barry Caldwell; great-grandchildren Brett and Brielle Beckwith.
Dad was predeceased by his parents, Richard and Jessie Jaekel; sister and brother in law Irene and Jim Anderson; granddaughters Jaylene and Joelle Jaekel.
Dad graduated from Eastern Ontario Institute of Technology (became Algonquin College) with a 3 year diploma in Electronics and went on to a career of 41 years as a Senior Technical Officer in the IRC Building Performance Laboratory, retiring in 2000.
After his retirement, dad and mom enjoyed some international travel. He enjoyed road trips, and taught his family a love of camping and being on the water. Above all, he loved nothing more than to spend time with family and delighted in seeing them come into their own. He was very proud of his family and their achievements. He loved family get togethers and the family grand-dogs will sorely miss the on-the-sly treats at future family meals.
The family would like to extend their thanks to the medical teams at the Civic and St Vincent’s who provided care to dad in his final days.
Visitation will be at Beechwood Cemetery (280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa, ON) from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 2nd, 2024. The funeral will be held in the same location on May 3, 2024 at 10am.
Donations can be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada.
Digital Guestbook
Paul Booker
Mark Rea
I am very sad to hear of Ralston’s passing. He was a terrific colleague and a mature mentor to me as a very young PhD learning the ropes as a professional researcher. He was always willing to support and better shape my ideas for the 10 years we worked together. 1983 we published a paper on how to measure wasted lighting energy. We still refer to it today, most recently this month in a report to one of our program sponsors at the Ichan School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. I believe it was the first publication from DBR, as it was known then, with a research officer and a technician as co-authors. He was an unassuming man, a wonderful colleague, and I know an even better father and husband.
Mike Ouellette
I worked with Ralston and Mark during the same period. Mark's words, above, are bang-on. Ralston was very easy to get along with. Always soft-spoken with a positive attitude and willingness to help and to share his extensive practical knowledge. There was also a fun-loving side to Ralston. Remember, Mark, when it was made it look like your precious word processor had gone up in smoke, and Ralston captured it all on video? Given his kind, gentle nature, I'm sure the Good Lord has already forgiven Ralston and accomplices for that little transgression. I still look back fondly on those days; and Ralston features highly in there. My sincerest condolences to the family and especially to Pearl. Know that Ralston always spoke highly of you; the devotion always shone through.
Lisa Brown
Dear Peter, Anne and family. I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a parent is never easy. Wishing you strength and peace during this sad time. xoxox
Joanne Wathier
Ralston always had a great story when he came to the office. I remember him going to concerts with his children, the DD as far as the States. I would sometime see the at the OLT, which he enjoyed. My sincere condolences the all his beautiful family.
Guy Newsham
I fully intended to be at the funeral today to honour Ralston, but woke up feeling ropey and tested positive for COVID - so sorry not to be able to attend after all.
I was lucky enough to be Ralston's colleague at NRC for 10 years. We worked side-by-side on many projects, with countless hours with our heads in the ceiling changing light fixtures, or travelling to distant office buildings to collect indoor environment data. I was a huge beneficiary of his generosity and wisdom; I've no doubt his guidance helped accelerate my own career. And he always had a funny story or two to brighten up a long day in the lab or in the field.
Like many, many people, it was my great pleasure and privilege to have spent time with this lovely, talented man.
Dave and Jill Black
Sorry we were unable to be there. We were serving at a retreat at Galilee Bible Camp where Rolly spent a nunber of his younger years.
Saying good bye is not fun, but knowing the thoughts and prayers of the multitude of friends and relatives Rolly has had will remind you you are not alone!
Hugs
As teens growing up in Ottawa, I fondly remember Rolly, Ron Anderson and myself having great Bible Studies together and enjoying great fellowship together. I think we were known as the "three mustard smears" or something to that affect!