We sadly announce the passing of
Ralph Richardson, but with appreciation for a life well lived, in his
82nd year on February 9th 2022 at Monarch Hall,
Riverview N.B. after a long and courageous battle with
Parkinson’s. He has fought a good fight with courage,
determination and a strong faith and won the prize by entering into
the presence of his Lord and Saviour.
Born in Moncton August 21, 1940,
he was the son of the late Warren and Annie (Blackwood)
Richardson.
In 1962, Ralph sensed a call to
ministry, and prepared by studying at New Brunswick Bible Institute,
United Baptist Bible Training School, Gordon College and Gordon
Divinity School. To better equip himself for teaching he later
completed an MTH degree and a Doctorate from Walden
University.
His full-time ministry began at
Lewisville Baptist Church in Moncton in 1969. In 1971 he began
teaching part time at Atlantic Baptist College which led to full time
teaching in the role of Dean of the Bible Department from 1973 to 1983
and administrative Vice President from 1983 to 1985. He assumed the
role of President from 1986 to 2000. When he resigned from the
presidency, he went back to the classroom which was one of his great
joys. He enjoyed teaching, but more specifically, he loved and
encouraged his students. Even when his health declined, he could
recall many students he had taught during his 37 years in the
classroom.
During his teaching and
administrative career, he also enjoyed several interim pastorates part
time, the last being McKees Mills Baptist church where he grew to love
this family of faith.
His great dream was to see the
university campus on the Salisbury Road become established on the
Gorge Road on the property donated by his cousin’s wife Ruth
Colborne. His dream was realized through the efforts of a great
fundraising team and the new campus of Crandall University was opened
in 1996.
In March 2020 when Covid closed
the programs that provided exercise and social activities he began
walking in the driveway. This turned into a fundraiser for
Parkinson’s Canada and with the help of his caregiver and
his wife he walked for 300 days and raised over $32,000. He was
determined to keep going rain or shine which captures his attitude
toward life.
Ralph will be sadly missed by
his wife Berys (Gilbert) Richardson, his beloved children, Timothy
Richardson (Kyla) of Riverview NB, Ruthann Richardson (Ron) of
Brisbane Australia and his precious grandchildren, Peyton and
Alaina.
Words cannot express our
gratitude to the nurses and caregivers at Monarch Hall for their
kindness and care, and to Greg Hicks who provided care for 4
years.
There will be a service to
celebrate Ralph’s life on Sunday February
20th at 2 pm at Fergusons
Funeral Home 1657 Mountain Rd Moncton (858-1995). Due to Covid
regulations proof of vaccination, government ID and mask will be
required. There will be no visitation.
Due to limited seating the
family has made available the option to view the funeral service via
live stream by using the following link: vimeo.com
Donations in his memory can be
made to Parkinson’s Canada or Crandall University. Online
condolences may be expressed on the Fergusons Funeral Home Facebook
Page or at
www.fergusonsfuneralhome.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Rev Dr W Ralph Richardson 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Moncton, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick
My sincere, heartfelt sympathies to Berys, the children and grandkids. I studied at ABC in the ‘80s. I was very blessed to take many courses from Ralph. He was one of my favourite professors for sure. At one point I wrote a paper for him and it was supposed to be on the Day of the Lord. The night before it was due I realized that i had made a huge mistake. I had written the Lord’s Day (Sabbath). Very reluctantly I called Ralph at home and told him my dilemma. Without hesitating he said he would accept my paper. This was so indicative of the godly, kind and compassionate man he was. Ralph was very respected and well loved! He loved Jesus and His Word and he lived it out. Thanks for lending him to the college/university all those years.
Sue Baxter (Arbeau) Class of 1985