1945 – 2026
Ralph passed away peacefully at the Charlotte County Hospital, St. Stephen, NB on August 12, 2026, at the age of 80 after on-going battles with Parkinson’s and pneumonia. Ralph was born in Glovertown, Newfoundland on December 27, 1945. He was the beloved son of Rhoda Collins and was raised in Hare Bay, Newfoundland by his mother and his stepfather Edgar Collins.
Ralph was known primarily for his love for his God. Ralph started his career as a Draftsman working in Gander then in St. John’s, where he met Marcella Mercer. They moved to Toronto, later married and had two children, Stephen Craig Matthews and Sarah Jayne Matthews Ali. After this marriage ended, Ralph later met and married Madeline Rose Quinlan in March 1982. They welcomed another daughter, Shawna Rae Matthews Stubbs, to complete their family in July 1983.
Ralph was very involved in church life, where he taught Sunday School, conducted Bible Studies, Prayer Meetings, led the Singles Group and held the office of an Elder for many years. Studying the Bible and talking about his Lord was his passion.
Ralph was employed at York University as a Project Co-Ordinator for 22 years. After leaving York University he started his own company, Matthews & Associates, as a general contractor. He retired in 2015 and moved to Newcastle, Ontario to be near Sarah (Gino) and his three grandchildren.
He and his wife Madeline moved to NB in October 2020 to be with their daughter Shawna (Pete) and her their small children, Mya Stubbs, Mackenzie Stubbs, and Charlotte Stubbs, during the COVID epidemic.
Ralph leaves to mourn his wife, Madeline, son Stephen (Kristen) and daughters Sarah (Gino) and Shawna (Pete); Six grandchildren David Ali, Josiah Ali, Jovannah Ali, Mya Stubbs, MacKenzie Stubbs, and Charlotte Stubbs. Sisters Dorothy Torraville, Rita (Norm) Collins, Betty (Fred) Armstrong, Maggie (Albert) Oram, Toni (Graham) Genge, and brothers Walter Collins and Kevin Collins. As well as a number of nephews and nieces.
Ralph was predeceased by his parents Rhoda & Edgar Collins, and brother-in-law Ray Torraville.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Humphrey’s Funeral Home, 20 Marks Street, St. Stephen. A reception will follow the service. Following the reception, Internment will be at the St. Stephen Rural Cemetery NB-740.
For those who are unable to attend the service in person, a livestream of the service will be available. To access click on the provided link, provide your name and either your email or a cell phone number, agree to the terms and conditions by checking the box and click verify email. An email or text message will be sent to you, open the message, and click the large blue “Click Here” a new access page will open Click Here To Watch Livestream
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Humphreys Funeral Home.
