BLACK, RALPH EDWARD - It is with great sadness the family announces the passing of Ralph Edward Black which occurred at the Saint John Regional Hospital on Saturday, January 3rd, 2015. Born 1946, in Saint John, he was the son of the late Helen (Croft) and Cecil Black. He attended UNB receiving both his BSC and BED. Ralph enjoyed spending time with his immediate and extended family. A very private person, he kept close tabs on all his family members. He was also very loyal to his church family, the congregation of Holy Trinity Church, in St. Martins. As a young man he was an excellent baseball player. The teams he played for, and against, were a source of conversation throughout his life. He was closely connected to Simonds High school where he spent his career as a teacher of Mathematics and yearbook advisor. He continued his interest and support of the school throughout his retirement. Ralph loved all the gang at Burger King on Rothesay Avenue. He was an avid follower of all things related to the Port of Saint John especially the tugs, tankers, and LNG carriers. Ralph is survived by his brothers Earle (Paulette) of Saint John, Donel (Wanda) of Saint John, brother-in-law David Bamford; nieces and nephews Sheila, Heather, Jennifer, Cindy, Mike, and Maggie as well as many cousins and friends. Besides his parents Ralph was predeceased by his special mother Muriel (Baker) Black and sister Karen Bamford. The family would like to thank everyone who supported Ralph through their care and attention during his illness. A special thanks to the doctors and nurses who cared for him, especially Claudette in the Neuro ICU and the nurses and staff of the Palliative Care Unit. A special thanks to Reverend Canon Leo Martin for spiritual support and friendship. Thanks to all for the prayer support for Ralph and his family.
Arrangements are under the direction of Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road (646-2424) with visitation being held on Tuesday, January 6th from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. A funeral service will take place from the Fundy Funeral Home chapel on Wednesday, January 7th at 2 p.m. followed by an interment at Mosher Hill Cemetery, St. Martins. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ralph may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of New Brunswick, Canadian Cancer Society, St. James (Lakewood) or Holy Trinity (St. Martins). To send a message of condolence please visit www.fundyfuneralhome.com