Ratcliffe - Edward George, aged 81, of Courtenay, passed away on Thursday, April 24th, 2003, at St. Joseph鈥檚 Hospital. Predeceased by his parents Flo and Edward, he is survived by his wife Lydia; stepson Spencer; his 6 children Linda, Sandra, Edward, Bob, Judy and Chuck; his grandchildren; brother George; sister Corrall and his nieces and nephews. Ed was a World War Two Veteran serving first with the Canadian Army, then the Navy, being discharged in 1952. He belonged to the Royal Canadian Legion, the Bellingham Elks and Eagles鈥� Lodge, both during his stay in the U.S. and the Chief Petty Officer鈥檚 Association in Victoria and the R.C.N.A., locally. Following his military service, Ed worked with the railroad, retiring 26 years ago. Private cremation arrangements entrusted to COMOX VALLEY FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATION SERVICES, 1101 RYAN ROAD. Should friends wish, donations in his memory, to the charity of one鈥檚 choice would be appreciated.