Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ralph Charles Isaiah of Fort Simpson was born to Rosie Isaiah and Phillip Gargan on August 16, 1975. Ralph died suddenly and unexpectedly four days before his 45th birthday, on August 12, 2020. Ralph's dad, Phillip, died the year before, on July 9, 2019. Ralph was the second youngest of four brothers and six sisters.
Ralph was involved in a motor vehicle accident in July 1991. He turned 16 years old that summer. Ralph spent the last 29 years in a wheelchair as a quadriplegic. From 1991 to 2019, Ralph was lucky enough to be cared for in his own home by his loving and devoted mother. Ralph's mother, Rosie, is forever grateful for Ralph's large circle of friends and family members who provided tremendous help, caring and helping, whether it was feeding him, taking him for a walk, or just keeping him company. After 28 years in his own home, Ralph moved into the long-term care facility on March 2019.
Ralph's being in a wheelchair did not hinder him in wanting to learn more about what he loved to do, which was navigate the computer with his mouse stick. Ralph wanted to attend college and take a computer tech course. Ralph's family moved him and his mother to Edmonton in 1999 where he attended MacEwan College taking computer course. Ralph dreamt of going on a road trip. His family planned every aspect of his journey and drove Ralph from Fort Simpson to Fort St. James, B.C. This was a month-long trip that Ralph was forever grateful for his family to make his dreams come true. The importance of family and taking care of each other is shown in its truest form.
His mother, Rosie, and family would like to thank everybody for their kind words, thoughts, and prayers. She would also like to thank Ralph's friends for playing a huge part in his life. She would also like to thank the long-term care staff in Stanton Hospital for their continuous support. He will be sadly missed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.