We are deeply saddened by the loss of Ralph McGinn.

Ralph was involved with FARSHA (now AgSafe) from its inception in 1993.  In his role at WorkSafeBC, Ralph recognized a need to address the very high rate of injury in agriculture and with employer representatives and the Canadian Farmworkers Union, founded FARSHA.

When the Board Chair position was vacated Ralph had retired from WorkSafeBC. He was nominated and elected to take the leadership role at FARSHA.  Ralph remained in that role from 2006 to 2018, until the Minister of Labour called him back to lead the Board of Directors at WorkSafeBC.

The impact Ralph had on agriculture cannot be measured.  He was a trusted advisor to the Executive Directors at FARSHA and AgSafe, and could always be relied on for a logical discussion.  Ralph was the organization’s greatest advocate through his time as Chair of the Board and then at WorkSafeBC.  Our current chair commented that Ralph was always talking about “FARSHA, FARSHA, FARSHA” – he was proud of the organization and the work done to reduce injuries in agriculture.

Beyond Ralph’s significant influence in promoting safety, he was a friend to all. He could always be counted on for a great story, often telling the same one many times, as there was usually a lesson to be learned.   Ralph was dedicated to his professional roles, but his priority always remained his family.  Ralph beamed with happiness when he talked about his children and his grandchildren, and his love for his wife was evident whenever he spoke of her.

Our hearts go out to the McGinn family and we are thankful for the time that we had Ralph in our lives.