On May 27^th, 2026, Ralph Peckford, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend made his journey home into the loving arms of his family and friends who had gone before him.

Ralph was an incredible man, born in Clarks Head, Newfoundland, Dec 7, 1939 to Harvey and Maisie Peckford. Having 12 siblings, Ralph learned kindness and responsibility as his mom’s right-hand son in helping her to raise up his younger siblings. Although Ralph was a young man when he left home to work his way out west, he never lost his deep love for his family and home in Gander Bay. He worked his way across Canada, helping to build and work on many sites starting with Church Hill Falls in Labrador, Newfoundland, then at Syncrude site in Fort McMurray, and finally at Rogers Sugar in Taber, Alberta. In Fort McMurray he met his wife, Darlene Peckford and began a true and never-ending love story.

Ralph accomplished so many amazing things in his life, but his most passionate love was for his family. To say Ralph was a family man is truly an understatement.  Ralph and Darlene were blessed with a daughter, Courtney and son, Brett. He never spent a moment away from them unless he had to. He adored his wife and children with every ounce of his being. The many adventures he enjoyed with his family: travelling, camping, watching or playing sports, and helping extended family, friends and neighbors were all his favourite things to do. Ralph did whatever was needed to provide for his family and made his home a loving and nurturing place to be. Rarely was a harsh word ever heard from Ralph. He was well-loved. His children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews loved his kind, teasing, and fun nature. His home was his castle and whoever lived within that castle or just came to visit were treated like royalty.

He was an extremely hard worker respected by everyone he worked for or supervised. He was famous for trying hard to help others get better at the job rather than giving up on them. His seasonal workers loved having him as their foreman. They recognized he was such a good man and that’s why they loved working with him. The plaque they gave him when he retired from the sugar plant showed just how much the team thought of him. It read, “Recognizing 21 years of commitment and hard work during sugar beet harvest in Taber. There is only one Ralph Peckford and we have been very fortunate to have him lead our crew.”

Ralph was the kindest and most helpful man alive. He was always ready and willing to help anyone needing it and never expected or asked for anything in return. He loved a good laugh, played many a good prank and loved his family and friends deeply and unconditionally. As many have said, there is no one like Ralph-a man of few words and huge heart. He will be so missed by so many, but never ever forgotten.

A Celebration of Ralph’s life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, June 5, 2026 at 1:00 PM with Patrick Siedlecki officiating. For those unable to attend in person, The Celebration of life will be livestreamed and it may be viewed through Ralph’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

 

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

• Date : 2026-05-27
• Location : Lethbridge, Alberta