The University community offers its most sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the late Ralph A. Thrall Jr, a well-known southern Alberta rancher, businessman and community volunteer.

Thrall, who received an Honorary Degree from the U of L in 1999 and was a long-serving University volunteer, passed away in Calgary AB on Friday, Oct. 28. He was 78.

A memorial service has not been confirmed at this time.

Additional details will be posted once they become available.

Ralph A. Thrall, Jr. was the President of McIntyre Ranching Company, one of the largest ranches in Western Canada and a place of great natural beauty.

The Thrall family's long term land management strategies have preserved the more than 55,000 acre space as both a working ranch and a nature preserve, as well as a unique centre for art, culture and ideas. (http://www.mcintyreranch.com/)

He was also a very active and dedicated community member – serving many organizations and businesses, including the YMCA, Lethbridge College Foundation, the University of Lethbridge Board of Governors and numerous other community organizations.

In addition to being named one of Alberta Venture's 50 most influential people in 2008, Thrall received a ceremonial key to the city from the City of Lethbridge in 2009.