I have been asked by Eve Freeman to convey the following message to you all:


I am sure that many of you know Ralph Halls who is a member of LSMOC and has been attending the NDGT since 2005. He has also taken part in LEJOG with his partner Eve. Ralph has been in hospital for the last seven weeks due to an unknown illness and on Saturday his health took a turn for the worse. He is now on a life support machine and we ask all of you, his Mini friends, to say a prayer and give positive thoughts so  that he may pull through this.




Will all your help he can pulll through.

We know Eve and Ralph well. I was especially pleased when he shaved his beard off as he would always give me a welcome kiss. I called him fuzzy bear.

This is very sad news. How in this day and age can there still be a mystery illness? We wish him well and hope he pulls through. Our thoughts are with Eve especially.

A lovely man please pass on our love and good wishes :)

After spending a fair amount of time recently with both Ralph (before he was taken into hospital) and Eve, I'm extremely saddened to hear this news. My thought and with Ralph and Eve and all of their loved ones. I really hop he can pull through this, Keep fighting Ralph.

All my love xx

Both Ralph & Eve have become very good friends over those years. Linda & I both wish him well and he will be in our thoughts.
Get well soon Tea Urn.

Positive thoughts winging your way-get well soon Ralph and best wishes to Eve

I dont personally know these special people but sending special get well wishes, xxxxx

so sorry to hear that news i know his face but not his name

Prayers and best wishes to Ralph and all his family and friends

earned his tea urn nickname on one of his first grand tours - kept us all topped up with tea! :D

Wishing both Ralph and Eve all the best - keep fighting it tea urn!

All I can say is I really hope you get well soon, news like this is never something you want to hear.

we send our best wishes, keep on fighting.

my thoughts are with Ralph, Eve and family

Keep fighting, our thoughts & prayers are with you

Our thoughts are with you both, hope Ralph gets well soon xxx

I don't think I ever meet Ralph or Eve but my thourghts are with them and their family

Morning everyone,

I have just had the phone call I was dreading... I'm sorry to say that Ralph lost his battle and passed away this morning...

R.I.P Ralph, you will be missed by many people on the mini scene.

My love goes out to all of those close to you.

xx

how sad,  our thoughts are with Ralphs family and friends.

gutted.

RIP Ralph

Sorry to hear the sad news, our thoughts are with all his loved ones RIP Ralph

sleep peacefully....... special thoughts are with all family and friends xxxxx

Our thoughts & prayers go out to his family & friends. RIP

Oh how very sad! my love goes to Eve and Ralph's family

Hard to put what I'm thinking on a message board but I have Eve's address. It was only 5 years ago I wrote to her after the sad death of her husband Mike. He too came on mini runs. Life can be very cruel at times. Ralph was 52, the same age as Andrew. We hope Ralph's daughter will be understanding of the number of minis and his friends who will be attending his funeral.

So sad to hear this please pass on my love anf thoughts to his family

so sorry to hear the news

absolutely gutted.

couldnt believe it when i heard this morning, ralph will be very missed, will never forget that he gave the birthday bumps on my 21st birthday at L2B, even though we both ended up on the floor after he dropped me, he was such a character. Our thoughts go out to eve and ralphs family at this sad time. xxx

RIP Ralph

So sorry to hear the sad news, I cant say that i've personaly met these special people, but its always sad to hear about the loss of one of our fellow mini nutters. Much love and best wishes to the family... BIG mini HUGS!!

As Rita has said it is so very difficult to put into words how we feel. And it is doubly cruel that Eve has lost Ralph such a relatively short time after finding happiness with him after losing Mike.

You really could not wish to meet a nicer, more genuine person than Ralph - he always greeted you with a warm handshake. We will miss him immensely.

Can't say I ever met Ralph, but he does seem to have had a lasting impression on a lot of people here.

Not got anything else to add to what everyone else has said, really.   :-/

Very sad news!!!  :'(  

Quoted from siddarz

Can't say I ever met Ralph, but he does seem to have had a lasting impression on a lot of people here.

Not got anything else to add to what everyone else has said, really.   :-/

Sorry to copy but that was so well said, a terrible loss. My deepest sympathy.

Gutted to hear the news he was ill, even more gutted to hear Ralph has passed away.
All our love to Eve

Love Amanda, John and litle Grace

Not sure how long I have known Ralph but over that time we became friends. Never ever sat down together and got pi**ed just happy to chat over a cup of Tea. Never ever tried to put the world to rights just happy to chat but never remembered what it was about but then who cared. He would always shake your hand with his right hand and have a cup of tea for you in his left. Never ever heard him say a bad word about anyone in all those years but occasionally I think he was tested but it didn't show. Over the past years I have made so many friends but sadly a few of those have been taken from us before their time, like Ralph but like the rest I will dearly miss him and his chat over a cup of tea on this years LGT.
Our thoughts are with Eve and their families.

I was gutted when I first got the news and my thoughts are with Eve and the rest of the family, Ralph and Eve made me and Tina feel welcome on our first Grand tour as Terry say's a cup of tea from Ralph and a Hug from Eve and this has continued each year. It will feel strange this year without him.


I have'nt told Tina yet I will break it to her later as she's just lost her grandad and she's looking forward to seeing Ralph and Eve again.  :(

Like many people it has been hard to take the news in. It was only last week that Ralph was sending out his almost daily text updates about the latest scan, the latest biopsy or even the latest joke. And then they just stopped

Looking through my phone last night it became heart wrenching and I feel a sense of disbelief about the whole situation. Ralph was visited by many people during his last few days, not just from his family, but also from his wide circle of friends of which there were many. As ever, Eve was at his side talking and urging him to find the strength to pull through. When it was time for him pass on Eve was at his side.

I have been asked by Eve to thank everyone for their kind words and prayers.

Ralph's facebook page is being updated and Eve has asked that if any of you have a picture that you would like to share the please post and "tag it" with his name.

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/profile.php?id=804232397


Thank you.

Im not on facebook so posted here if anyone wants to move it

Ralpf and Eve at last years picnic 2009

Sorry to here the sad news

Quoted from xl426

Im not on facebook so posted here if anyone wants to move it

Ralpf and Eve at last years picnic 2009

Thanks for the picture Brian. I have posted it on his Facebook page.

Mick

I'm not very clever on the PC. I've tried to look Ralph's page up as I am registered but I can't find his tribute page. So I'm grateful some pictures have been posted on here.

Ralph's tribute page is his own page. Eve looks after it, so you may get replies from ralph (it's actually eve).  

Quoted from Bumble

I'm not very clever on the PC. I've tried to look Ralph's page up as I am registered but I can't find his tribute page. So I'm grateful some pictures have been posted on here.

All you need to do Rita is type in Ralph Halls into the search box and all will be revealed!

Quoted from Micky

All you need to do Rita is type in Ralph Halls into the search box and all will be revealed!

I can get that far but I just get a list of his friends. What should I be clicking?

you can usually only see someone's full profile if you are 'friends' with them...

Quoted from party-ring

you can usually only see someone's full profile if you are 'friends' with them...

Sorry Rita,

Party Ring is correct (as always!). Ask to be a friend of Ralph and Eve will accept you. Then you can access his photo's.

Funeral details here:


http://lsmoconlinecommunity.yuku.com/topic/1905

We will be going to the funeral. It is very close to us so if anyone on here wants anything organised on their behalf because of the distance issue, I will be happy to help.

OMG. Just seen Eve's post on the linked site. Unbelievable!

Might not be next Thursday then.


R.  ::)

I to will be attending the funeral

Quoted from richardjackson99

OMG. Just seen Eve's post on the linked site. Unbelievable!

Might not be next Thursday then.


R.  ::)

What's on the link?

Evidently his daughter - seemingly pretty much estranged - has objected to the planned burial, wants a cremation and has instructed solicitors in the matter. When I last heard, all plans for next Thursday are off/on hold.

What do you think Ralph would think of this unedifying turn of events?!



R.

Thank you for confirming. I remember Del boy in Fools and Horses going to the wrong Funeral. Ralph will be smiling at everyone getting their act together.

Quoted from Micky

Just to clarify the situation and to stop any misinformation:

The funeral WILL be taking place on Thursday 17th June 2010 at Croydon Crematorium. The time of the service is now 12.45pm

Convoy details and more will be released when known


Mick.

Mick - Thank you for keeping us in touch.

Whatever it is, wherever it is, whenever it is, we will be there.

I hope that everything goes well on Thursday. With all you loving nutcases going and convoying, it is sure to be a fitting send off for a man so well thought of by so many. Wave the flags for those of us that didnt know him but feel the loss for those that did. Much love.  :K)

Hi everyone on the NDMR forum, before I say anything else thank you for all your support it was great to know that Ralph was so well love and the comments you have put have been wonderful. Also if Rita read this thanks you for the flowers they have filled a few vases, they are just lovely try to phone but never got you. Well as some of you will have seen, and I wanted you to know what was happening  Ralph funeral was put on hold, this was because I was having problems with Nicola(Ralph Dausghter) in that she wanted Ralph to be burned and I wanted him buried as does his mother,  I feel that I needed him to be whole, not completely destroyed. I wanted to be able to visit him, not a pot of dust. Because nicola wanted her own way she contact solicitors and refuse the body to be moved from the hospital. Ralph and I had been to my family grave many times over the last 5 years and he knew my views, it helps to easy the hurt when you feel that you can go and visit and talk to him afterward, because of this I cannot believe he would not have said that he would rather be burned.   it would only be me or maybe his mum that would have visited the grave anyway.I have tried to explain my views, that I feel that it would be destroying ralph completely but she has now said she would like to do this as his last wish, however his last wish was for nicola to stay the night he died but he died with me reading to him. At least I had that time with him.  Now today things have hit a low in that I have received a letter from Nicola solicitors asking for all Ralphs paperwork and personal poossession and of course any money he has or coming to him. As such I will not be coming to the funeral as I cannot bear to see him being destroyed.  I am only sorry that I was not able to stop this happening to him after all he went though he did not deserve this fate. I have let him down again.  Eve

Dear Eve, I feel for you, when my mother died, there was a lot of bad feeling with my step father,  i now tell people to make sure that your personal choice is known.  please dont feel that you cant talk to ralph,  he will be with you.  i wish you strength,  you where there when he needed you, and no way did you let him down.
all our love, Andrea and Kevin Morgan x

Please don't feel you have let Ralph down - he will always be in your heart.  Dave my husband was cremated but at times I feel him very close to me, especially when I need some moral support.
Love
Carol xxx

When my Dad died I nearly fell out with my mum as she wanted him cremated. I too could not have coped with the thought of cremation. But it is a subject we do not talk about enough especially at a younger age.

I have my funeral plans prepared, the order of service, the music and every detail covered and I will be in a wicker basket in a woodland setting hopefully with the plot next next to me reserved for Andrew. he has no strong thoughts on the subject.

I tried to ring Eve last night and will try later today but she must stop feeling she has let Ralph down. We know the happiness they found in each other over the last 5 years.

Eve, I can remember Ralph on LGT, although we never actually met.
Our thoughts are with you..

Quoted from Bumble

she must stop feeling she has let Ralph down. We know the happiness they found in each other over the last 5 years.

I wholeheartedly agree Rita.

I saw Eve last night and made her aware that you will call her.

The funeral of Ralph Halls will be taking place on Thursday 17th June 2010.

The service will be at Croydon Crematorium at 12.45pm.

All Minis that wish to take part in the convoy are asked to be at Kenley railway station car park from 11.30am. The hearse will leave nearby at 12.15pm and we hope to keep in a line behind.

The route will be as follows:

http://maps.google.com/ma....181789&t=h&z=13

Once the service is over you are requested to join together for some refreshments at the Midday Sun public house

http://maps.google.com/ma....363579&t=h&z=12

This is the normal location for the club socials

The room has been booked from 2.00pm.

If any of you wish to visit Ralph at the Chapel of Rest it will be possible to do so on Tuesday and Wednesday 15th and 16th June.  Please call/text me on 07930 390 833 for more information.

Disclaimer:
I have not organised any part of this funeral. I am only passing on the information as requested by the Halls family.



Mick.

I'm clicking on the google map but it says not found. Probably me again.

Me and computers?

Okay, the following links should now work. The route from Kenley Railway stn to the crematorium:


http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Kenley+Lane,Kenley,Surrey,CR8+5JA,+CR8+5JA,+United+Kingdom+(Kenley+Railway+Station)&daddr=Mitcham+Rd%2FA236&hl=en&geocode=FbkmDwMdoHT-_yEndIY4sF8pXQ%3BFaQgEAMdCAn-_w&mra=pe&mrcr=0&sll=51.35659,-0.114987&sspn=0.07,0.181789&ie=UTF8&t=h&ll=51.356668,-0.115013&spn=0.07,0.181789&z=13


The route to the public house that is hosting the wake is:

I cannot link this route correctly - I told you about me and computers! but if you click on Number 6 (Midday Sun Hungry Horse) it will give you the route

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Mitcham+Road,+Croydon,+United+Kingdom&daddr=Outwood+La,+Coulsdon+CR53NA,+United+Kingdom+(Midday+Sun+Hungry+Horse)&hl=en&geocode=FVYTEAMdnyb-_ynROwK4Hgd2SDFeyl04j3R-lQ;FYnyDgMdWGr9_yGDQ9_VnVWPUw&mra=ls&sll=51.348495,-0.141915&sspn=0.140025,0.363579&ie=UTF8&t=h&z=12

Disclaimer:

I have not organised any part of this funeral. I am only passing on information as requested by the Halls family



Mick.

So how did it all start?

The first time Ralph and Eve had ever spoken to each other was at a Mini meeting at Crich Tramway in June 2005. The word was that Eve wanted to roam around to look at the sights but no one else was keen to do so. Well there was one person. His name was Ralph.

Fast forward to August and the Mini club to which they were both members attended a three day event in North Devon. Ralph was sharing a tent for the three days but as he loved the area so much he wanted to stay for the rest of the week. The problem was that the tent owner had to go home and that meant that Ralph had nowhere to stay!  As me and my wife knew Ralph fairly well he asked if we had any suggestions. Our caravan was already full but I knew that there was another one in the next field that may supply somewhere to sleep. The person in that caravan was Eve who we also knew very well. Within two hours Eve came to our caravan to ask about this person called Ralph.  “Can I trust him? Is he alright?” We both reassured her that he only needed a place to sleep and he would be no trouble.

Well the days grew into weeks and then into months. In October 2005 we went to a club meeting at Chislehurst caves on Halloween night. We weren’t there long when my wife whispered into my ear “look they’re holding hands!” There were a few raised eyebrows but it was obvious that they were both enjoying each others  company.

It didn’t take long for Ralph and Eve to become a “fixture” on the scene and their friendship, along with us, flourished to socialising outside of car events.  Each year we would all attend North Devon and I would remark “that’s another year for you two!”

It is fair to say that both Eve and Ralph came across each other at a time when neither was looking for a relationship but in time they became synonymous with each other and you could not mention Ralph without mentioning Eve.

When Ralph entered hospital a few months ago it was Eve who attended to him every day. She was sleeping overnight in cold corridors just to be near him so he would never be alone. Her dedication to him was total. She prayed constantly for the miracle that would cure him and get him back home to where Ralph belonged. Even when the doctors could not offer any more hope Eve was there throughout the day and night to be with him and it is touching to note, that when it was time for Ralph to pass on, it was Eve who was once again holding his hand as he fell asleep.

Rest in Peace Ralph.


Michael and Cindee Hough

Thank you Mick, that was lovely to read. See you tomorrow, Rita.

beautifully done mick. i still remember the first time i met ralph, on our way to newquay in 2005 in torrential rain  :D turned out to be one of the best riviera runs ive been on. another true friend that will be missed   :(

I'm such an emotional sod, I was crying reading that. Why does god take the good ones?  :(

I'm just sorry I can't be at the funeral today to say my final goodbyes, but I will be flying his flag on Luna on LEJOG

xx

The Funeral went well. Eve had arranged for Ralph's coffin to be taken to the crematorium in a motorbike and sidecar hearse. It was a good 30 minutes drive. The coffin was of burial quality and had large photos of minis especially Grand Tour very tastefully done. Too nice to be burned!

Eve held up better than expected and the mini people had their own celebration of Ralph's life at a Pub/Restaurant at the top of our road in our local park. I'll ask Andrew to post a photo of the coffin and hearse. The coffin had to be seen in close up to be truely appreciated.

There were around 30 Minis in our convoy, but no new MINIs. The rear lights on the sidecar look suspiciously like new MINI ones though.

Hi Everyone
I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who came to Ralph funeral or who sent their regards I know this funeral was not to do with me and I like many others was just a guest but I know Ralph would have love to see so many of you there it would have made him so proud.
As I had said in a previous posting that I did not really feel I could go, however after speaking to the undertaker and some of our friends in the end I decided that I could let him take this last journey alone. I had gone to see him on the wednesday and talked to him, which I found was a great comfort. It was hard to go and see him but because I knew this was going to be the last time before he was destoryed,  it made it essential.  I feel at the moment that he is not here up untill the wednesday it felt he was still alive, I know he was not so it must have been his presents, but on friday when I woke it felt he had gone, now I feel I have no where to go to speak to him. sometimes I go on to facebook to look at his picture, I miss him so much.
I will close now as writing his is making me upset, but thank you again for all your kind words I only wish he could see them.  Eve