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Ralph "Howard" Metcalf Jr.

Ralph "Howard" Metcalf Jr. obituary

FUNERAL HOME

Berry-Bell & Hall Fallbrook Mortuary, Inc. - Fallbrook

333 N. Vine St.

Fallbrook, California

Ralph Metcalf Obituary

Ralph "Howard" Metcalf, Jr. 07/16/1935 ~10/03/2010 BONSALL -- Our beloved husband, father, and "Papa" passed away at home peacefully, yet suddenly, on Sunday, October 3, 2010. Born to Ralph and Emily Metcalf in El Centro, Calif., he was the eldest of four sons. His joys in life were gardening, being outdoors in his avocado grove and hiking and spending time with his family. He married his soulmate, Fleeta, on April 12, 1958. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and faithfully served from 1958-1961, when he was honorably discharged. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Inspection from Cal Poly, Pomona in 1963. Shortly after graduating from college, he started working for the San Diego County Agricultural Department. From inspecting plants to candling eggs, he spent 36 years working as an agricultural inspector and retired as a Deputy Agricultural Commissioner. He loved his occupation more than most people do. Howard is survived by his wife, Fleeta; two daughters, Tami (Tom) Toomire, and Diane (Dan) Wilbers; and grandchildren, Adam and Eric Toomire, Jonathan and Caitlin Wilbers. He also leaves behind three brothers, his 96 year-old mother-in-law, Beulah Kimbrell, and many nieces and nephews. If a man's worth is measured by the number of people he touched, then Howard was the richest of men. Visitation will be held between 4 - 8 p.m., Wednesday, October 6, with a funeral service being held at 11 a.m, Thursday, October 7, both at Berry-Bell & Hall Mortuary in Fallbrook. We love and miss you, Papa! Sign the Guest Book online obits.nctimes.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by North County Times on Oct. 6, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Metcalf

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October 16, 2010

Our hearts go out Fleeta and family for the loss of Howard. WE all carry with us fond memories of Howard that will never disappear. I was also fortunate to ahve worked with Howard at the Vista office of the Dept of Agriculture.

Paul Boch

Nancy Booth

October 9, 2010

Dear Fleeta and family,
My father worked with Howard at the Dept of Agriculture for years and always spoke highly of your husband, dad and grandfather. Over the years either at company picnics or Christmas parties, our family remembered him as a smiling gentleman. We are sorry for your loss.
The Blake Family

October 8, 2010

I worked with Howard as his supervisor for about thirty years. I was proud to have known him. He was very dependable and reliable to get the job done well. Our sympathy goes out to his family.
Ray Rinder

Kari Reoh

October 8, 2010

Diane and family- I am very sorry to hear about Mr. Metcalf's passing. When I remember him I think back to 30+ yrs ago when I was a child and being impressed with his avocado trees in your yard. I wish I could of attended his services but found out about them too late. I am thinking of you all and hoping that your memories will carry you through these difficult times. My condolences-Kari Critz Reoh

Jorge Olivares

October 7, 2010

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

John Blocker

October 7, 2010

I am so sorry to here of Howard's passing. I first met Howard over 35 years ago on my first outing in Fallbrook while working for the Dept. of Agriculture and worked with him on many projects for the next 30 years. He was a true gentleman. My condolences to his family.

David Fritz

October 7, 2010

Howard hired me back in 1981. I had the priviledge to work with him for over 20 years. He was a wonderful man, full of vigor and a great sense of humor. Always considerate, always caring, always kind. He was a very good man. Howard has left me with wonderful memories. I will miss him very much.

October 7, 2010

"Mr.Metcalf was a great supervisor and a very good man. His knowledge of agriculture and San Diego County was amazing. It was a pleasure to work with him and a pleasure to know him." Guy Allingham (La Mesa,CA)

Cathy V. Neville

October 7, 2010

"I worked for Howard int the Agricultural Weights and Measures Department for many years. He was such a kind sould and he was so proud of his daughters and all of their accomplishments. I loved to hear about all of his family stories and the history of San Diego County agriculture during our coffee meetings. It was always a hoot to see his vacation and family pictures. His calm deameanor and wonderful smile will be missed by many. I am happy to have been able to work with Howard! "

Linda Feeley

October 7, 2010

"Good bye to a dear and previous Boss, co-worker and friend...You will be truly missed by all of us. You were one of the first people that I met that could see a leaf or a piece of fruit and know instantly what it was. You passed on your knowledge of fruit trees and plants willingly and often and impressed those of us that were new in the field. You were and are an inspiration to me. May you rest peacefully. Until we meet again...Linda (Hamel) Feeley

Delores Brandon

October 7, 2010

I worked with Howard for many years both before his retirement and after when he returned to help out from time to time at the County Department of Agriculture. I also had the opportunity to work with both Tami and Diane for their short stints in Pest Detection. Howard's joy in his family is as legendary as his scrapbooks of family adventures. To say that we will miss him is such understatment. Sometimes I could not tell when he was teasing me, at least not until I looked him square in the eyes and saw an actual twinkle. He seemed to delight in my discovering that I was being teased. Delores Brandon (San Diego)

Joyce (Hatch)Paarman

October 6, 2010

I am so sorry to hear of Howard's passing. I have many fond memories of my youth and the Metcalf family's support of our Bonsall 4-H club. He was a true gentleman and loving father and husband. I consider it a privelege to have known him and his family. My deepest sympathy to Fleeta and family for the loss of this fine man.

David Demmer

October 6, 2010

I worked with Howard at the County Ag department and before that attended Cal Poly, Pamona with him. I am so sorry we lost this special man and extend our sympathy to Fleeta and his family.

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Funeral services provided by:

Berry-Bell & Hall Fallbrook Mortuary, Inc. - Fallbrook

333 N. Vine St., Fallbrook, CA 92028

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