Our family is deeply saddened to inform you that Ralph Vantyghem has passed away. As many of you know, he had been struggling from kidney cancer for the past 3 years, Ralph was resilient through it all and very courageous. We are relieved that his passing was peaceful . He was surrounded by his loving family at home in comfort. With his lovely wife Arlette, daughter Sharon, son Kevin, daughter in-laws and grandkids. We have been blessed with much family and friend support.
Arlette and Ralph grew up among the diamond cutters of Belgium. The diamond business was a natural fit for the couple. Bringing the expertise of Antwerp to Canada, they started Vantyghem Diamonds in 1973. With support from Canadian independent jewellers, the business expanded nationwide. He placed much value on his relationships, built over years of working together. He honoured them by his commitment to accommodate the needs of each individually. Friendship and trust are the highest rewards.
In many ways he has exceeded the consistency over his 47 years in the business of providing professional standards to the businesses he worked with in the industry. Ralph had maintained over these many years in the industry a very professional relationship with all whom he worked with and partnered with in our industry. He went above and beyond for his customers by not only offering his expertise in our products but as a fellow business owner and helping advise on their business. As well he had the upmost respect for his fellow competitors in the industry and chose to always strive to do his best and keep a positive attitude in any situation. In these daily practices over all these years, he had helped fellow industry members rise above and maintain their professionalism as well as by setting examples himself. Ralph exhibits the kind of work ethic and respectability that one wishes were characteristic of all our industry members. For someone consistently always striving to improve in his business relations when there is no reward for doing so is truly admirable. I believe and I know others that have worked with him over the years do as well that his time has arrived to formally be acknowledged for his contributions to the betterment of the Canadian jewellery industry.
