Diamond Wholesaler Ralph Vantyghem Dies

RAPAPORT... Ralph Vantyghem, the president of Canada's Vantyghem Diamonds, died on October 3 after a three-year battle with kidney cancer, according to a statement by his family. He was 72.Vantyghem and his wife, Arlette, grew up in Belgium, and later moved to Canada. In 1973, they founded Vantyghem Diamonds, an importer and wholesaler of loose stones, which expanded nationwide."He placed much value on his relationships, built over years of working together," Ralph's son, Kevin, wrote in a LinkedIn post last week. "He honored them by his commitment to accommodate the needs of each [individual]. Friendship and trust were his highest rewards."Vantyghem is survived by his wife and son, his daughter, Sharon, as well as daughters-in-law and grandchildren.Image: Ralph Vantyghem. (Vantyghem Diamonds)