Ralph (Kip) Kipling Fullerton

Ralph “Kip” Kipling Fullerton

May 1, 1933 – March 14, 2024

Kip was born on May 1,1933 to Sonny and Olive (Eagle) Fullerton in a log house in the Ruby District of the Swan River Valley.

He attended the Ruby School until grade 8. His thirst for knowledge resulted in him obtaining a welding certificate, journeyman auto technician and a private pilot license with night rating endorsement.

Kip was always mechanically inclined leading him to become a mechanic. He worked on everything from road construction equipment, farm tractors, pickup trucks, and cars, he was never afraid to tackle anything that needed repair.

He married Lydia Bernatsky on July 22,1955. Four sons and one daughter were born to this union. After marrying they spent a year at Bible College in Prince Albert, SK. They lived in Calgary AB where Kip worked road construction at Camrose, AB repairing farm equipment. In the early 1960s they moved to Durban, MB to own and operate Durban Garage. Later that decade he was employed as a mechanic at Hunt Motors in Swan River. The family moved to Swan River in 1972. Heath issues forced him to retire from Hunt Motors in 1988. Not one to sit idle he sharpened saws, scissors or anything that needed a sharp edge. He mowed lawns on his riding lawn mower and did small engine repairs also. 

Kip accepted Jesus as his personal saviour at the age of nine. He was a charter member of the Durban Evangelical Covenant Church and served many rolls on the church board. He was a member of the Gideons and served as an area representative for several years. He enjoyed speaking at different churches within the valley filling in for away pastors. His reading and study of the Bible was ongoing until his passing.  Even though he suffered from health issues for two thirds of his life with over twenty surgical procedures he was not bellicose, quick with a smile and never wavered from his faith.

Kip enjoyed hunting and was an avid angler. When the fishing was good his go to line was “who has more fun than people?”.

Kip is survived by his wife Lydia. sons Wayne (Lynne)Sarah; Lyle (Terry) Kaylyn, Matthew, Grace; Terry (Melanie) Liam, Keira; Ward (Shannon) Teagan, Holden, Ryder; daughter Melodie (Kevin) Yirga, one great grandchild, brothers Bud (Mavis), Roy (Marilyn) and sisters Shirley and Clysta.

He was predeceased by his father Sonny, mother Olive, brother Boyd and brother in laws Jerry Zinkiew and Harold Ellingson.

For those unable to attend the service will be taped and the link will be available Monday Morning on this website.

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