Ralph Morehouse
In 1928, Ralph Morehouse began a life that would culminate in great service to his community and to the agriculture industry in Nova Scotia. Ralph recognized the value of giving back to his community early on, and spent his high school years in New Waterford as a Boy Scout Troop Leader and an Air Cadet. Ralph studied first at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College, where he graduated in 1948. He continued his studies at the University of British Columbia, completing a Bachelor of Science in Entomology. His love of learning would eventually lead him back to UBC, where in 1968 he earned his Master of Science in Agricultural Extension.
Ralph’s four-decade career in agriculture began modestly in 1947 as a student assistant in entomology with the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Marketing. His employment with the Department would end up being long and fruitful. From 1953 to 1974 Ralph acted as an agricultural representative in counties throughout Nova Scotia, including Hants, Annapolis, Lunenburg-Queens, Kings, and Western Nova Scotia. In 1974, he became a Regional Extension Supervisor, followed in 1975 by his appointment as the Department’s Chief Director of Operations and the Secretary of the Natural Products Marketing Council.
It could be argued that Ralph’s most influential period began in 1986, when he accepted the post of Deputy Minister of the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture. With all he did, Ralph maintained a commitment to improving the viability and financial status of agriculture in his province. His goal was to ensure that agriculture was always a productive contributor to the Province’s resources and an industry that would provide progressive, lucrative careers. To better suit the changing needs of the industry and its people, Ralph led a reorganization of the Department that improved efficiency and better utilized employee skills and resources.
Agriculture is an industry where the value of people and community cannot be overstated. Ralph provided leadership to many community organizations, including the Nova Scotia Institute of Agrologists, Continuous Learning Association of Nova Scotia, and Folk Schools, which trained and developed community leaders. Ralph’s experience was essential to the success of many initiatives, including “The Extension Communicator” newsletter, development and funding for the Atlantic Veterinary College, and a federal/provincial program developing grass production and harvesting, land formation, marshland drainage techniques and livestock feed production. The international community also benefited from Ralph’s commitment to improving agriculture, which included work in Spain promoting Nova Scotia strawberry production.
As a champion of agriculture, Ralph left his mark even after his 1991 retirement, most notably in the Czech and Slovak Republics. Ralph was appointed Project Coordinator for establishing extension services in these republics, where he helped revitalize their agricultural economy, shaping their transition to a democracy. Ralph’s belief in giving back is evident through the decades of leadership he provided to his community. The Lions Club, church choir, and radio stations all benefitted from Ralph’s generous spirit. Ralph also served the Credit Union in a variety of roles, even serving as the Director of the Executive of the Canadian Credit Union National Association. After family and agriculture, one of Ralph’s great passions was the art of barbershop. Ralph showcased his musical talent in many choruses and quartets, and even penned “A History of Barbershopping in Atlantic Canada.”
Ralph’s professional praises were numerous, including the Long Service Testimonial for the Province of Nova Scotia, Certificates of Appreciation and Honour from the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Marketing, and life memberships in many organizations. Perhaps the accolade that Ralph could be most proud of is that of wonderful family man. As a husband to Pauline, father to Sheri and Kathy, father-in-law to Bill, and grandfather to Nicole and Ryan, Ralph engaged his family in cottage life, community, and an appreciation for family. Ralph chronicled his family history in his published work “Rural Roots.” Ralph passed away in 2006. Today we recognize the enduring impact of his more than 40 years of service to agriculture in Nova Scotia.
Nominated by the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture in recognition of his commitment to the long term viability of agriculture in Nova Scotia and beyond, Ralph Morehouse is indeed a worthy inductee to the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame.