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June 9, 1929 - December 10, 2013 Ralph Eugene Whitford passed away peacefully on December 10, 2013 in Newport Beach, CA. He is survived by his three sons, William (Pua), Robert (Leann), Brian (Dom) and grandchildren Alexandra, Broderick, Kekai, Wailana and Kainoa. Ralph was born on June 9, 1929 in Orange, CA, where he was raised with his 3 sisters, Marie Brown, Marilyn San Ramon, and Shirley Martinez. He graduated from Orange High School and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Ralph then worked as an aide to William Spurgeon III to prepare the open Irvine ranchland that is today Newport Center to host 50,000 scouts from around the world at the 1953 Boy Scout Jamboree. He also got his degree (later earning a Master's degree from Chapman University) and began teaching. Ralph, former wife Barbara (Corki) Rawlings, and their three sons, called the Sea Scout Base on Newport Harbor home from 1956 until 1969, where his commitment to teaching youth seamanship and life skills was apparent to all. He volunteered extensively to bring the tall ship 'Argus' into service for the benefit of many of the area's youth. Yet Ralph may be best remembered as Mr. Whitford, the teacher who taught generations of sixth graders at Newport Elementary School from the 1950's into the 1990's. After retiring he especially loved playing the role of Santa every Christmas. A memorial celebration will be held at the Newport Aquatic Center (One Whitecliffs Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660) on Saturday January 11, 2014 at 3:00pm.
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Ralph was always an encourager and mentor to me during the time I was at the Newport Sea Base. He had great focus and a desire to inspire those around him. I continue to be inspired by his example.
Knowlton Shore
January 25, 2014
I attended Ralph's memorial get together last Saturday afternoon and I am so glad that I did! The amount of people that showed up to pay their respects was a testament to the way Ralph touched so many lives. I live in San Diego now and it would have been easy for me to talk myself out of the drive but I could not miss it thinking back at all of the time that Ralph and Corki invested in the operation of the Sea Explorer base and putting up with all of us day in and day out. How could I not go and in some small way thank Ralph for the fun we had, the bantering, but mostly the life lessons that would help us function as adults. It takes a very special person to dedicate his life to teaching young people and making them want to emulate them and Ralph certainly was one of those people. I am sorry that I didn't take the time to visit him more as I got older but he will be remembered and missed by this old Sea Explorer and I am glad I got to see his wonderful family, another testament to him. Thanks Ralph!
Randy Molho
January 15, 2014
Mr. Whitford was a wonderful teacher and taught me to believe in myself. I am forever grateful. Thank you.
Tami Niblick Clayton
December 30, 2013
It has always been with such pride and privilege to say my uncle is Ralph Whitford! People that he has taught tell stories to me of how much they hope he knows he impacted their lives for the better! My fondest memories have been holidays at the sea scout base or the Whitford clan pulling up Grandma and Grandpas in some big bus or with some incredible story of what they have been doing! My mother Marilyn Whitford SanRoman always cherished and held her brother with high regard! They will be together again and greatly missed by all left behind!
Carol SanRoman-Skaggs
December 26, 2013
I was so blessed (along with countless other lucky students) to be a part of Mr. Whitford's 6th grade class at Palmyra Elementary School in Orange. He had such an impact on my life! He, in significant measure, is the reason I became a science teacher. In his class I was loved, appreciated, challenged, inspired to work hard and think hard. He taught us how to play football, he proved Galileo right by dropping heavy and lightweight objects and showing us that they landed at the same time, he organized a Christmas fund drive so that we could donate $$$ to those around us who needed it more, he helped us understand the Cuban Missile Crisis. Many years later I saw him again in a class we both happened to take, and I am incredibly thankful I had the chance to tell him what a difference he made. God bless and bring peace to his family!
Connie Grosse
December 23, 2013
My condolences to Ralph's family. I remember meeting him at the Sea Scout Base with my dad, Basil Brewster, when my dad was helping out on the Argus. He talked about Ralph a lot and I know that they had a lot of good times together at the Sea Scout Base. Ralph did a lot to contribute to Boy Scouts and there will be many that will always remember him. My dad just passed away on November 14th, so I know that this is a very hard time. My thoughts are with all of you.
Stephanie Brewster Young
December 21, 2013
Ralph will be missed. He was part of our lives since way back. My Dad was his Scout Master for a time. He was in school with my husband, etc.
So long, old friend. Marjorie and Wayne Sherrill
Marjorie and Wayne Sherrill
December 20, 2013
R.I.P. Ralph. I remember you very well from my troop 53 Scout Days in Orange.
December 20, 2013
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