PDG Ralph Harris : Called for Higher Service

 

The sad passing after a long illness of PDG Ralph Harris occurred on Friday November 10th 2017. He was dearly loved and respected by Rotarians in District 9350 and further afield, and his happy, friendly demeanour will be sadly missed. The Rotary Club of Sea Point adds its condolences to the many that will be received from his friends, Rotarians from far and wide; to his family and members of the Rotary Club of Signal Hill where he was a member since his arrival in Cape Town from Zimbabwe over 30-years ago, all who loved him.

 

Love is the key, and the reason that Ralph was so popular is that he knew how to love others. Many years ago on the death of my father I received a letter from an aunt who had that same year lost her husband. What she had to say changed my life and I would like to share it. She wrote:

 

“I learnt something last night that showed me I am not supposed to mope and that I should start getting on with my life. I am 53 now and I thought that it would be impossible to live without your Uncle Harry. While sorting through his possessions I found a sheet of paper. On it was written: ’The opposite of courage is not cowardliness; it is conformity. The best, and easiest, thing to be in the world is you; the most difficult, what others want you to be. Love is something you have to do now and here on earth. Once you leave it’s too late.' I was given the gift of life so that can learn to live and love here and now.”

 

This lesson from my past epitomized Ralph and endeared him to all.

PDG Rodney J. Mazinter

 

A fond memory of PDG Ralph at RI Pres Ian Riseley’s Presidential luncheon