Obituary of Ralph Markarian

MARKARIAN, Ralph Peacefully at Linhaven Home, surrounded by his family on January 11, 2015, Ralph Markarian, aged 80 years, went home to his Lord. Ralph leaves his wife of 40 years, Rose, his children Kim (Rick), Lori (Ken), Larry (Catharine), his stepchildren Nancy, Christine (Larry) and Scott (Brenda). Predeceased by Donna. He will be greatly missed by 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Ralph had a great love of music and was an accomplished musician. He played the clarinet, saxophone, fiddle, and mandolin. He was a member of the Lincoln and Welland Regimental Band for 50 years. In his early years, Ralph was an avid hockey player for the Galt Black Hawks and was signed to the Boston Bruin Organization. He also held a brown belt in Judo. Ralph was a business owner and entrepreneur. He was the founder and operator of Markarian's Drive In and Steakhouse, home of the world famous Shiska Dog. He also owned the Little Brown House and University Drive In, and was one of the originators of Mother's Pizza. Another early business was the stretch limousine enterprise, taking Mercedes cars and stretching them. In his late years, he was an energetic salesman. Ralph was a devoted member of Scottlea Presbyterian Church, where he loved to accompany Laurie the organist with his clarinet at Sunday services. Ralph was an active member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #350, the Imperial Vets Club and a former member of the St. Catharines Club. He was also a member of ITC and the Big Brothers Association. To those who knew him and loved him, he was a "character." The family would like to thank the staff at Garden City Manor, Linhaven Home, and Scottlea Presbyterian Church for their kindness and loving care. Cremation has taken place and arrangements are entrusted to the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton St., St. Catharines. A Celebration of a life well-lived will be held at Scottlea Presbyterian Church, 515 Scott St. on Saturday, January 17th at 11 a.m. Visitation will take place at the church from 10-11 a.m. A luncheon will follow at the church after the funeral. Interment will take place at a later date. Donations in Ralph's memory may be made to Scottlea Presbyterian Church.