Ralph passed away peacefully on August 2, 2006 at the age of 97. Ralph was born on July 4, 1909 in Seattle, Washington. He lived at Alki as a boy and this is where he met Shirley Ann Mclellan, his future wife. Ralph worked at many different jobs during his life but his pride of accomplishment was the 35 years at Boeing until his retirement. Following retirement he continued to work at many different jobs; guard duty at Bethlehem Steel, a census taker, telephone book distribution and a school crossing guard for eight years, plus volunteering in the library of Schmitz Park Elementary School. Ralph attended the U of W School of Engineering, was in ROTC and a coxsain for the 1927 crew team. Ralph devoted his life to the Boy Scouts of America. He was an Eagle Scout and even had his own troop while still in his teens. He was active in the Boy Scouts, Explorers Scouts and the Air Scouts. As an adult he was a Cub Master, Scout Master, Merit Badge Counselor, Unit Commissioner, District Commissioner, District Chairman and a member of the board. Throughout his years in scouting he continued to devote time to camp parsons on hood canal where he contributed much to the success of the camp. Ralph received the highest award a nonprofessional in scouting can get, a silver beaver. He was a gentle man and he believed in and lived the Boy Scout motto. Ralph was preceded in death by Shirley Ann, the love of his life and wife for 67 years. Ralph is survived by his daughter, Sheila Ward, two grandchildren, Pat Collins (Margi) and Kate Christian (Kevin) and four great grandchildren, Candace Collins, Kelsey Roberts, Clay Collins and Kyle Christian and two nephews, Mike and Terry O'Neill. Ralph will be missed by many, most especially by his family. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Providence Mount St. Vincent in appreciation of the ten years of kindness and friendship given to him by the staff while he lived in this very special care facility. A memorial service will be held at Alki Congregational Church, 6115 SW Hinds St., in West Seattle, Wednesday, August 30 at 1:30 p.m.
