I am so very saddened to hear this news. Ralph and I worked together at Fort Ord from 2001 until 2005 and he was a dear friend. He was a crazy old codger of a QA/QC but had the most tender of hearts. He and I would take these drives around Fort Ord looking for wildflowers and wildlife. Some of my favorite memories and pictures taken were during and on these \"recon\" trips of ours. I remember one time we were on this valley road between two fairly tight ridges on BLM land when we came around the corner and a wave of sheep came pouring over one ridge down across the road completely engulfing our vehicle. With the shepherd and herding dogs watching us from the ridge above we could do nothing but sit and wait and wait. Let me tell you those sheep were in no hurry. Another fond memory was the discovery of some unique wildflowers which Ralph spotted along General Jim Moore Blvd. He came and grabbed me and we went out to look at the technicolor glory of these beauties. While I was checking them out I look over and there\'s crass Ralph traisping about as gently as he could amongst the flowers. Although many were intimidated by his bark, those that knew him, knew what a kind man he was. He was just like my Dad big bark but the tenderest of hearts. Years, after our project ended, I found out a new colleague had just worked with him and I asked him to send Ralph my number wanted to check on how he was doing, Ralph called and left a message but life got in the way and I lost his number and always meant to try again. I\'ll always regret not calling immediately to check on my friend.

Ralph was a great boss, friend and dive buddy! We had some great times working up and down the East Coast and Bahamas in service of the US Navy's Submarine fleet and Range Tracking ships and anything else the Navy asked of us. There was no job too tough or complicated, Ralph ran towards the fire as heroes tend to do. Fair winds my old friend.

"Uncle" Ralph was one of my sea daddies. I am thankful for his service and his life. He was very senior to me and though he didn't have to, he was very kind to me and helped me in my naval profession. He was a sailors' sailor, a tough and brave. In a profession full of tough brave men, Ralph stood out from all the rest. Rest in peace, Ralph, thank you and give my best to those other heroes who have crossed the bar.

Ralph was a wonderful person. A great mentor as an MasterChief EOD Technician. He will be missed by everyone. God Bless him and my prayers go to "JoJo and his family. Donnie.

Uncle Ralph, thank you again for being a loyal shipmate. You will always be remembered!