Obituary of Ralph Alexander "Sandy" Green

July 18, 1941 – December 2, 2015 Sandy died peacefully on Wednesday December 2nd, 2015 at home surrounded by his family after a four year battle with prostate cancer. He was the beloved husband and best friend of Mary (Ringstad) for 51½ years. He was the proud father of Tara (Glenn Beeswanger) and Leia (Rob Szabo) and the adoring grandfather of Tyler, Alexander and Soleia. Sandy is survived by his younger brother Jim (Marcy), nephews and nieces. Sandy was born in Victoria B.C. He attended Oak Bay High School and earned a degree in metallurgical engineering from U.B.C. and an M.B.A. from the University of Western Ontario Business School (Ivey). Sandy joined the Blackburn Group of companies in the fall of 1975 as a VP of Marketing and Special Projects. He was responsible for the launch of Netmar Inc. (formerly known as the Pennysaver) in 1979 and became President in the same year. In 1994, he was appointed President of the Blackburn Media Group which included the London Free Press Printing Co., Netmar Inc. and Blackburn Radio Inc. with more than 1,400 employees. Sandy’s involvement with Blackburn Radio began in 1995 and in 1997 the company appointed him as President. He oversaw radio station acquisitions throughout Southern Ontario and was appointed as Chairman of the Board in 2005. During his forty years of service to the three generations of the Blackburn family and to the employees, Sandy provided managed growth, leadership and mentoring to many. Sandy cherished being physically active. In his early years waterskiing and basketball were his favorite pastimes. Then came tennis and downhill skiing with friends and family. A love for and pursuit of perfection in golf with his wife Mary followed, where they played at the London Hunt and Country Club and P.G.A. West in La Quinta, California. Later in life Sandy tracked sports cars in the company of his son-in-law Rob, just as a way to "relax." Sandy had a warm sense of humor that made him approachable to all. A private and humble man, he was always "good" when asked. He was persistent in everything, always doing his fair share and more. He loved cutting to the chase and walking so fast that his cocker spaniel could scarcely catch up. His daughters will remember him as a dad who provided security, safety and love, ahead of his own needs. He was always there for them and will be so every day ahead. He will be remembered for hot fudge sundaes, Snoopy and ketchup on everything. Forever his reflection will appear in the water at Shawnigan Lake B.C. We would like to thank Dr. Kylie Potvin, Dr. Robin Shearer and Dr. Maria Parent and staff of the LHSC London Regional Cancer Centre and V.O.N. nurse Joy Mink for the wonderful care that Sandy received. In lieu of flowers, we ask that remembrances be made in Sandy’s name to London Health Sciences Foundation, LRCP - prostrate cancer: http://www.lhsf.ca/ways-to-give/donate-now/memorial-donation In keeping with Sandy’s wishes he will be cremated and there will be no funeral service. A family celebration of his life will be held at Shawnigan Lake, a place that was always special to him. Logan Funeral Home, London, ON, (519) 433-6181, entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.loganfh.ca Services: Service Location Shawnigan Lake, B.C. Burial Location Shawnigan Lake, B.C. Requested Charity London Health Sciences Foundation, LRCP - prostrate cancer: http://www.lhsf.ca/ways-to-give/donate-n