Ralph Joel Stanbrook

Ralph Joel Stanbrook passed away suddenly at his home in Toronto on March 30, 2025 at the age of 88. Joel was born in Toronto on September 26, 1936 as the only child of Arthur Sternberg and Rose (Roytenberg) Sternberg. He earned a B.A. in Psychology, English and Economics from the University of Toronto, followed by an LL.B. from Osgoode Hall Law School. During university, he also served as a Lieutenant in the Canadian Army Service Corps Militia and Canadian Intelligence Corps. After articling in Toronto at the firm of Singer & Kirt, he was admitted to the Ontario Bar in 1963. He subsequently established an independent law practice and continued to work as a lawyer for over 30 years. In 1970, he was awarded the Order of St. John Medal by the Governor-General of Canada.

Throughout his life, Joel pursued a passionate interest in the arts and humanities. As a young man, he was a writer and satirist who had his worked performed by the annual Toronto stage review “Spring Thaw”, broadcast on CBC and published in Macleans magazine. He returned to writing in his retirement, devoting much of his time to creating, sharing and discussing poetry. He loved music, singing with the Hart House Glee Club in university and with the Yorkminstrels in his retirement, as well as teaching himself to play guitar. He maintained an avid interest in the practice and teaching of public speaking, serving as president of the Downtown Toronto Toastmasters in 2004-5.

Joel is predeceased by his wife Althea (Elrington), his second wife Mary Yvonne (McQuoid), and his parents. He is survived by his former and first wife Elen (Buchanan), his son Matthew (Nadine) Stanbrook, his grandchildren Aidan Stanbrook and Sophia Stanbrook, and his step-grandchildren Jadzia Elrington and Ziyal Elrington.

In fulfillment of his expressed wishes, he will be interred in Cherry Valley Cemetery in Prince Edward County, Ontario.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests consideration of making a donation to Epilepsy Canada.