Ralph was born on the Back Road in Summerfield, Millstream, on December 21st, 1930 to the late John and Mabel (Moore) Keirstead. He attended Summerfield School. On November 19th, 1949 he married Dorian Turner Cromwell who predeceased him on November 17th, 2009. Before retiring, Ralph worked in the woods and farmed. He left the family homestead in 2003 and settled in Collina, however his heart stayed on the Back Road. He was humble man who led a simple life. Ralph was affiliated with the Millstream United Baptist Pastorate and a member of their Young at Heart group. Ralph Edward Keirstead of Collina, passed away at the Saint John Regional Hospital on January 11th, 2012 at the age of 81. Ralph is survived by his son Edward of Collina; his brother, John and his wife Helen of Norton; his nieces: Sylvia Reicker, Sharon Middaugh, Carolyn McAllister, Irene Thorne and his nephews: Stephen, Donald, Richard, Reginald and John Keirstead; his sister-in-laws: Nettie Keirstead of Lower Millstream and Annie Belle (Cromwell) Beck of Hunter's Home; his brother-in-law, King Cromwell of Orillia, ON; his special friends: Malcolm and Patricia Ford and several cousins. He was predeceased by brothers Donald (Florence), James, George and sister Doris. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, (506-433-1176), In honor of Ralph's request, there will be no visitation or funeral service held. A Graveside Service will be held from Riverbank Cemetery on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 11:00 am with a time of fellowship immediately following the service at the Millstream Recreational Centre