About Ralph Douglas Apted (1919-2016) and Catherine Boyd Duff (1923-1987)

Ralph Douglas Apted and Catherine Boyd Duff, c1944

Ralph Douglas Apted was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on March 30, 1919 and lived there his entire lifetime. He was the son of George William Apted and Edith Mary Walker. George was born in 1884 in Brighton, Sussex, England and emigrated to Canada in 1906. Edith was born in April 1885 in Ayrshire, Scotland and emigrated to Canada in 1906 (see Apted Ancestry – England and Scotland to Canada).

George and Edith were married on February 17, 1909 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. As their family tree shows, they had three sons – Ronald Austin, Ralph Douglas and Ross. The 1940 List of Electors states that George Apted (stationary engineer) was still living there with his wife, his son Ronald (a Hydro layman) and his son Ralph (a mechanic).

George William Apted and Edith Mary Walker - Family Tree

Ralph Douglas Apted married Catherine Boyd Duff who was born on June 21, 1923 at Hamilton, Lanarkshire, Scotland (see Duff Ancestry – Scotland to Canada). Ralph and Catherine (Kay) had two sons. 

Catharine was the daughter of Peter Duff, a miner, (1901-) and Margaret Davies (1901-), both of Hamilton, Lanarkshire, Scotland. Catherine had three brothers Alexander, Peter and the youngest, John (Jack). The Canadian Passenger List and Canadian Immigration Form dated April 25, 1928 states that Catherine Duff, who was 5 years old, arrived on the ship Antonia departing from Greenock, Scotland and arriving at Quebec, Canada. Accompanied by her mother Margaret (age 27) and brother Alexander (age 4), they were to meet her father, who was already settled in Toronto.

The 1957 Canada Elections Act Voters List states that Ralph Apted (manager) and his wife Catherine lived in the City of Toronto along with Catherine’s brother John Duff and his wife June. The 1972 and 1974 Voters Lists state that Ralph and Catherine had moved but still lived in Toronto. 

Ralph and Catherine 1968

In his spare time, Ralph enjoyed playing the piano. For his 90^th birthday, his family gave him a special gift. They provided him with the time at a local studio to showcase his talent by recording a music CD of his favourite piano songs. Kay is remembered for her cheerful attitude at home and while working in the food services department at a major grocery store in Toronto. She died almost instantly (from an irregular heart beat) at the age of 64 years on December 20, 1987 in Toronto. She was cremated.

On November 20, 2016, Ralph Douglas Apted passed away at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto, Ontario at the age of 97. His obituary notes that his passing was announced "with heavy hearts" and that "he will be sadly missed by all family members and many friends." His cremation was followed by a celebration of life!