Ralph Spanier, former Calgary Sash president, passed away May 27 after a long fight with cancer according to industry sources in Calgary. He was an industry leader who cared for his staff and customers. He was awarded the industry Pioneer award by Fenestration Canada in 2009.
Spanier joined his father’s millwork and window company in Calgary in 1955, In 1977 he became president. Calgary Sash and Door built custom wood and clad wood windows for heritage buildings and renovations. It was one of the first companies to introduce insulated glazed vinyl sliders in western Canada, selling the Solaris slider in 1971.
Calgary Sash and Door closed in 2015 after 79 years in business.
Industry veteran, Jim Parker, remembers his friend:
“When we had our own renovation business in the ’80s we worked together on several projects that required custom windows. We would put “decorative glass” into his custom wood products to meet customers’ requirements. His very talented staff loved working for him and went out of their way to build quality products. After his retirement, he loved to volunteer in the community. One of the things he did was drive participants from the hotels to the special events. One example was “the Spruce Meadows National”. (A world horse show jumping competition.) He only quite his volunteer work when cancer held him back.”
CWDMA honours industry Pioneers
Calgary Sash and Door to close after 79 years
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I worked for a short period of time in Calgary Sash and Door in 2006 and early 2007 and have very nice memories of the very friendly and respectful relations and atmosphere there.
I just read about closure of this fantastic shop and got very sad about it, And got really sad reading passing of Ralph. He was indeed a great personality and one wonderful human. Sure it takes decades if not more, for Calgary to witness another such friendly, humble, kind and thoughtful manager. May God bless him.
although too late, I sincerely express my condolence towards Gord and Lorie.
sincerely
Shadan
I absolutely agree . Ralph was always there for me even after I built one of his log homes . Service was exceptional . When he could not get it , he would get it some how . Regards to Ralphs family and previous employees . Garry Oberg and Familys