Ralph Ward Canfield

Ralph Canfield Ruiz, 71years young, of Pineville, NC passed away on Friday, February 27th. Son of the late Robert Ward Canfield and Maria Ruiz Martinez, he is survived by: his devoted husband of forty-four years, Sam Mitchell; his beloved sisters - Lizy, Suzy and Paty Canfield; Ralph’s adored nephews and nieces – Luis Felipe and Juan Esteban Serrrano, Andres, Felipe and Juan Francisco Cajiao, Sarah Arteta; his precious great nieces and nephews; his dearly loved mother-in-law, Marie Rose Mitchell; sister-in-law, Lynn Karpinski and her children, Jenny Singh, Lisa Williams and Kevin Karpenski; lastly, his much doted-on cats, Nala and Guinivere.

Ralph was born on October 15,1954, in Bogota, Colombia. After finishing high school in South America, he attended and graduated from Assumption College in Worcester, Massachusetts. Sam and Ralph met in New Jersey in 1982. After living in different locations near there, they re-settled in North Carolina. Ralph’s career spanned many years and several aspects of the health care insurance industry.

A magnanimous, charismatic, extroverted person, Ralph thrived on meeting people and making friendships. He could turn a frustrating wait line at a restaurant into an opportunity to make new acquaintances. His aura lit up the room into which he walked – Su presencia iluminó el sendero de todos los que cruzaron su camino.

Ralph was a voracious reader, an art lover, an extensive collector of finery, an enthusiast of music and a tireless dancer. Finally, a quiet faith ran deeply in Ralph as a guide and model for his kindness and compassion to others.

In honor of Ralph, his family asks that in lieu of flowers, you make donations to Bach Charlotte, with whom he had served as a board member and devotee. Checks can be sent to: Bach Charlotte, PO Box 12325, Charlotte, NC 28220 or online at bachcharlotte.com.