Event Date : Wednesday, June 27, 1956
Event Type : Death

Description : One of the most beloved, respected and best known gentleman of this community passed away suddenly this morning as the result of a heart attack in the person of Ralph Matthews. Mr. Matthews left his home in Ansnorveld this morning, Wednesday, June 27, as usual, for his duties at Holland River Gardens Co. Limited. Shortly after 8 o'clock he suffered a heart seizure and passed away. Apparently he had been enjoying good health but Mr. Matthews gave of his energy and good cheer so freely to others that the strain doubtless took its toll. Conscientious in his business duties, he was still ever ready to lead with his cheerful good humour as master of ceremonies at social gatherings in the evening.He was a friend to all and esteemed by all. His sudden death is a personal loss, not only to his family, but to the members of the Ansnorveld community and to the many who were delighted to call him their friend in Bradford. The sympathy of everyone who had the good fortune to know Ralph Matthews will be extended to his wife and daughters. The funeral will be from the Lathangue-Kilkenny Funeral Home, where the body is resting, on Saturday at 2 p.m.

Event Date : Wednesday, June 27, 1956
Event Type : Death

Description : Mr. Ralph Matthews' very sudden death, as the result of a heart attack, shortly after arriving for his day's business at Holland River Gardens Co. Limited on Wednesday morning, June 27, has left a vacancy in his home, in his church, among the Holland Marsh people, and among his many friends in Bradford. His cheerful disposition and friendly smile had made him a friend to all who knew him. Mr. Matthews was born in Holland, and emigrated to this country thirty-one years ago. Before leaving Holland he became engaged to Elsie Horlings and the following year she came to Chatham, Ontario, where they were married. Mr. and Mrs. Matthews established their home in Windsor and there their two daughters, Henrietta (Mrs. Sidney Van Dyke) of the Holland Marsh, and Jeanne (Mrs. Michael Havinga) of London, Ontario, were born. In August of 1946, when Bradford's first vegetable packing plant, Holland River Gardens Co. Limited, was opened, with his brother-in-law, George Horlings, then the vice-president and general manager, Ralph Matthews resigned his position as foreman in an industrial plant in Windsor to join the company here. His home was on the Holland Marsh. His church was the Holland Marsh Christian Reformed Church. His friendships were among the members of that congregation and few weddings from that church were complete without a reception following at which Ralph Matthews was master of ceremonies. But his friendships were not confined to his Canadian fellow countrymen. He was an enthusiastic bowler and was a member of the Bradford Men's Bowling Club, where at the annual closing social evenings he was always an asset as a leader. His friendships knew no barriers of race or creed. All good people who knew Ralph Matthews were pleased to call him friend. He is survived by his wife and his two daughters. Two sisters and two brothers reside in Holland and three years ago Mr. and Mrs. Matthews returned to their native land and visited their relatives there. Though his immediate family did not follow him to this country, his family relationships were numerous in this community by his marriage into one of the pioneer marshland families here. His funeral was from the Holland Marsh Christian Reformed Church with his minister, Rev. P. Lagerwey, conducting the services. Six nephews, namely, Wm. Winter, Gerald Verkaik, Harry Horlings, Richard Hyma, Louis Tamminga and George Hulsman were the pallbearers. Interment was in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Bradford.