Born February 22, 1920, in Chase, BC, UBC Professor Emeritus Ralph Loffmark passed away on July 7, 2012, at the age of 92. Survived by his sons, Gregory and Carl, sister Dorothy, and grandchildren Conlan, Kyle, and Ava. He is remembered by his former wife, Barbara (now Diana Matthew), mother of his sons.

Early in life, Ralph demonstrated a keen appreciation for the value of an education, which ultimately led him to his career choice. He was part of a family that could trace its roots back to the 1400s and he remained close to his generation’s love of nature. Gradually, Ralph added an academic dimension to his lifetime objectives and overcame severe economic obstacles to become the family’s first to graduate university with a BA and MBA. Later, law and chartered accountancy degrees would be added. Specializing in teaching law to commerce students, Ralph wrote Tax and Estate Planning and other related books.

In 1962, Ralph entered provincial politics, serving as Minister of Trade, then switching to Minister of Health in 1967. Teaching remained close to his heart and in 1972 he returned to UBC as a professor. Ralph was instrumental, along with Dean Peter Lusztig and co-founders Murray Leith Sr., Michael Ryan and Milton Wong, in setting up the UBC Portfolio Management Foundation (PMF). The first of its kind in Canada, the program provides undergraduate students with real-world experience in financial investing. PMF has been a significant success at the business school and is still recognized as a major achievement that without Ralph’s vital input and expertise would not have come to pass. Ralph was dedicated to students, and considered it a crowning achievement when in 1975 he received a Master Teacher Award. He continued at UBC until his retirement in 1990.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff of St. Paul’s Hospital, Burnaby General Hospital, VGH Cardiology Unit and St. Michael’s Care Centre. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to UBC Sauder School of Business, c/o Andrew MacIsaac.