Ralph WOODWARD Obituary

Darling Uncle Ralph, we were so looking forward to celebrating your 100th birthday but instead we are on the way to your memorial service. I wish I could have gotten to say a final goodbye at your cremation. You have been part of our family for 50 years, and I still remember being Aunty A's bridesmaid for your wedding. I will always cherish all of my fond memories of my "dignified" uncle. Always loved, never forgotten. Love, your favourite niece (except for when my sister was there)

Posted by Rose Scott on May 25, 2025

The most charming and debonair Uncle (Great-Uncle) anyone could ever wish for -Ralph was the epitome of erudition, the maestro of magnificence. You made all of us better snd you will be sorely missed. Love you Uncle Ralph Katrina

Uncle Ralph was so loved, and we will do miss his singing at the next big Rutherford occasion. Sending you so much love Aunty A, Uncle Ralph lives on in the hearts of all who loved him.

Rest easy dear Uncle Ralph, I will always remember your garden and you singing with Uncle Phil at family events after a few wines. All my love to you Aunty A.

Ralph was dearly beloved by the late Malcolm Waters and his family - his late wife Joy, and Mike, Chris and Claire. We all adored Ralph, admired his charm, wit, intelligence and his ability to tell a great story,
always with a smile on his face.

So very sadly missed. Thanks for the memories, Ralph. Love to Adrianne.

I'd come to believe Ralph would go on forever, more than 99 years anyway. This dear man came into my life in 1965 when he was the classer at Broomfield and I was a rousie. We met again in 1971 at the court house where we'd both been granted divorces . It was many years before Ralph wrote again beseeching us to meet his lovely new wife,
and hoping that I'd had the same good fortune, I had. What a charmer, the first chap I ever met with leather patches on his elbows - how suave and Leslie Howard-like. Ralphie enriched my life. Sincere condolences to dear Ade and family.

Whanau gatherings will never be the same again without you dear Uncle Ralph. Nobody else holds a patch on you for delivery of an eloquent speech.....and then a saucy tale or poem over a glass or two of red, closely followed by song at the afterparty. My heart breaks for darling Aunty A having to carry on without her other half, because you always came as a team. But we'll gather her up and keep her singing in your absence, so fly high and free knowing you really did make a difference in this world and we have all loved you deeply.

Ralph was a clever, wise and witty man. I was privileged to know you through the Rutherford clan for whom you were an adored Uncle. There were so many happy times with you and Aunty A at Rutherford gatherings, of which there were many! You will be missed deeply.

My condolences to the Woodward family. I first meet Ralph at the age of 17, 65 years ago. I have wonderful memories of Ralph working at the wool scour in Heathcote Street. Always associated with wool, Ralph's inspiring conversations and humor will be missed at the retired woollies luncheons.
RIP Ralph.

Vicki, our thoughts are with you at this sad time, we have fond memories of your Dad from our Mt Pleasant days, and then later in the Wool Trade.
Thinking of you.
Andrew & Pauline Carson

So sorry to read of Ralph´s passing, always enjoyed his company and such a wonderful character. Condolences to Adrianne and family, Ralph will be missed by so many.

A truly great gentleman loved by all and one of the best to converse with across many subjects. We will miss you Ralph, RIP. Our sincere condolences to the Woodward family.

My thoughts are with the family with the sad loss of a wonderful person.
Ralph almost reached 100 years.
Ralph was my first cousin 1 x removed.

Reg. No. 10575
On Friday, May 16, 2025, peacefully at Essie Summers, in his 100th year. Beloved husband and soulmate of Adrienne. The members of the Rutherford/Webb clan, past and present, are too many to list individually, but know that you were deeply loved by us all and we will cherish our memories of you. You will always be our most "dignified" Uncle, and we are proud that you considered yourself an honorary Rutherford.