They live in enlightened style, Ralph Webbe and Barb Kozel, active proponents of the Law of Attraction, whose consistent focus on positive thoughts is clearly manifested in their mutually positive experiences. Although they are “new together,” having met only four years ago, this dynamic Canadian couple discovered an immediate bond forged by common interests. Their love for photography is just one example, but beyond shared secular interests, Barb and Ralph are on the same philosophical page. Believing in the Unity way, placing a high value on gratitude and on giving without expecting anything in return, both feel blessed and are always open to new experiences.
Barb, a six-year congregant at UCC, involved in spiritual modalities for 35 years, has, since the 80s, been a Reiki practitioner, recently enjoying Qigong. When Ralph, raised in the Anglican Church of Canada, first came with Barb to Unity, he felt immediately connected, appreciating the Sunday lesson, not as a sermon but more of a sermonic application to real life. Since then, they have taken many classes, attended many workshops, participated in Service Saturday, volunteered printing and photography services, and visited Unity Village twice.
At their seasonal home in Largo, Barb and Ralph, certified Nordic Pole Walking Instructors, started a group of Nordic walkers, which now numbers 23 members, including two devotees, formerly reliant on walkers or wheelchairs, as well as an MS patient.
In Bracebridge, Ontario, where they live in a popular vacation area built around a waterfall, the couple enjoys the grandeur of the Muskoka River while cruising in their pontoon boat. Ralph is a photographer for a local race club, and both he and Barb are “groupies,” regular followers of the Northern Steel Lights Orchestra. They also belong to Rotary-sponsored Probus, meeting with other active seniors for recreational activities.
Barb, born in Hamilton, Ontario, into the well known Askew family known for making tour boats and boats for police in the early 1900s, grew up, helping with running the family store and renting boats. She loved water skiing, swimming, sailing an ice boat and once owned and raced her own sailboat. She also raised Irish and Gordon setters. Her two sons, four grandchildren, one granddaughter, and two sisters all live in Canada.
Ralph, born in Toronto, graduated from the University of Toronto as a CMA (Certified Management Accountant). He was Chief Operating Officer for a printing company in Toronto and an executive in various corporations the majority of his adult life. He has a daughter in Fort Worth, two grandchildren, and a son in New York City.
Before returning to Canada this month, the couple will visit Ralph’s son and daughter-in-law in Madisonville, LA, taking a side trip to nearby New Orleans. And, prior to that, on a very eventful April 17, Barb and Ralph will celebrate the first anniversary of their wedding performed last spring by Reverend Leddy.