December 24, 1945 – July 9, 2023
Ralph Michael Maze, a loving father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2023. Born on December 24, 1945, Ralph lived a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure, leaving behind cherished memories for all who knew him.
Ralph was the proud father of Cheryl, Michael (Angel), Martin (Melanie), and Elizabeth, and the adored grandfather of Aydenne, Quenton, Théa, Aria, and an unborn baby. He was the son of Martin Maze and Elizabeth, and the beloved brother of Rick (Joy), Doug (Norma), and Joan (Peter). Ralph was also an uncle to several nieces and nephews, extending his love and guidance to the younger generations.
Born and raised in Wildfield, Ontario, Ralph grew up in a close-knit family that instilled in him strong values. The Maze household was a place of joyous gatherings, where Ralph often reminisced about unforgettable memories. Ralph himself was an accomplished athlete, having been a Major Junior Hockey Player scouted by the NHL, reaching the Major Junior B level.
Throughout his life, Ralph embarked on numerous adventures. Ralph undertook various construction jobs in South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago. Later, he settled in Wawa, Ontario, where he purchased the Kinniwabi Pines Motel, creating a haven of cherished memories for his children as they grew up and helped run the family business. Ralph will forever be remembered for his love of sharing stories, his infectious laughter, his dancing spirit, and his appreciation for good food and drinks.
Ralph later lived a vibrant and busy life in Georgetown. Whether it was keeping up with current events, playing golf, attending yoga classes, visiting friends, or traveling to see his children and grandchildren across Canada, Ralph always found ways to fill his days with joy. He was a dedicated volunteer for Family and Children’s Services of Guelph and Wellington County for over 12 years, a commitment that brought him great fulfillment. Ralph also took the opportunity to journey to Costa Rica in 2015 and Ireland in 2016 to reconnect with his Irish roots. In 2017, he embarked on a solo adventure to China, fulfilling a lifelong dream.
Above all, Ralph was a pillar of his family. He was there in times of need, always ready to lend a helping hand and provide unwavering support. He remained in constant touch with his loved ones, acting as the glue that held everyone together. Ralph’s presence will be profoundly missed, as he leaves behind a void that can never be filled,
Dad, Grandpa, Uncle Ralph, you personified the true essence of family. Your unwavering love, support, and dedication will forever be etched in our hearts. May you rest peacefully, knowing that you are dearly loved and deeply missed.
Love you, Dad.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial Mass will be held in St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, 11873 The Gore Road, Brampton (Wildfield) on Saturday morning, October 7 at 11:30 a.m. followed by a reception at the Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street S. (Hwy 50), Bolton (905-857-2213).
In memory of Ralph Michael Maze, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Family and Children’s Services of Guelph and Wellington County, reflecting his passion for supporting children and families in need.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Dennis
Cousin RALPH – I’ll never forget you . Holding close to me the time I lived with you , uncle Martin, aunt Betty and Doug. Memories that will last a lifetime. My last visit with you in 2013… May you rest in peace..
Linda Berberick
My condolences to Ralph’s family. I have so many memories of Cheryl and I hanging out with her dad driving me nuts lol. He took us to many of the hockey games he reffed. We had tons of fun with Ralph. He is with Cheryl now and both of them happy. I cherish my all my memories with Ralph and Cheryl.
Bill Holmes / Style Automotive
Our Deepest Condolences To The Maze Family. Ralph Had Been A Customer And Friend For Almost 20 Years. We Always Looked Forward To Ralph’s Monthly Appointments As He Put On 10,000 Kms Every Month Driving For The Children’s Aide Society . His Infectious Smile And Laughter Always Brought A Smile To Me And My Staff And Any Customers That Were In The Waiting Room At The Time. He Was A Very Intelligent Man Who Was Always Up On The Latest And Greatest In Politics And Current Events. He Will Be Greatly Missed. Rest In Peace My Friend. See You On The Other Side. Keep Smiling ! Bill / Ben / And Kathy
Gale Ellis
I send my sincere condolences during this time of sorrow. The Bible gives a real hope and promises that your loved one will soon live again in a peaceful paradise on the earth when death will be no more. (John 5:28, 29; Revelation 21:4)
Rob Ferrier
Deepest condolences and sympathies to the Maze family. Ralph was generous and full of life. Played a few golf games with Ralph and shared a few stories. Thanks for your friendship and memories.
Amado Armoogan
Ralph will be missed. He meant more to us than we knew and he knew.
I will miss him….a lot
Judith Van Allen
My deepest Sympathy to Ralph’s family
We go way back as Ralph was a good friend to my brother Robert Hosking in their youth. Later Ralph and Cheryl lived next door to my family on Leavens Court in Bolton.
Always so kind.
Vittoria Laudari, Giancarlo, & Adriano Piroli
We only just found out. We are deeply saddened, but remember him fondly. We send our sincerest condolences, and pray for eternal rest for his soul.
Rest in peace, Uncle Ralph…
carol moffatt
I had the pleasure of meeting Ralph thru my dear friend Rick Maze whom I worked with for decades he was one of my bosses at Litton Systems sorry to to the family for your loss
Carol Morrison Moffatt
Leta Chamberlain
So sorry , our condolences to the family.
We have many fond memories of our time with the Maze family. It was Ralph’s grandparents that welcomed us into there home when my mother and father first came East from Saskatchewan. It was Ralph who spent time with my brother teaching him to skate and play hockey on the local pond. I have many good memories of gatherings at Martin and Betty’s home. Ralph came to visit mom when he was visiting his mother who was in King Nursing home it was always a welcomed visit. We had not heard from Ralph for sometime but are pleased to hear he lived a full life with much love and happiness.
Our thoughts are with the family.
Beth Lemon and Leta (Lemon) Chamberlain
Karan Mann
On behalf of Family & Children’s Services of Guelph-Wellington, thank you to the family for requesting donations to our organization in memory of Ralph. We appreciate it and appreciated all that Ralph contributed as a volunteer.
Our agency was saddened to learn of the passing of Ralph Maze. Ralph was a volunteer driver with our agency from 2011 to earlier this year. Many of our staff, volunteers and families interacted with Ralph over the years, when he drove children, youth, and families to appointments and visits. Ralph was an amazing volunteer who stepped in whenever he could help. He truly cared about the families and showed great compassion. In recognition of his dedication, in February 2023, our organization nominated Ralph for volunteer of the month at PIN (formerly known as the Volunteer Centre).
It is volunteers like Ralph that make a difference in our communities. Thank you and we wish the family all the best during this time of loss.
Bob Featherstone
Many years late, but I was a good friend with Ralph when we lived in Trinidad in 1980 to 1982. I have lots of photos.