Ralph L. Sweet III

Ralph was born on November 25, 1953 in Seattle, and was enjoying his final scuba dive when he passed away on May 24, 2014. He was a 1973 graduate of Roosevelt High School where he was a member of the football team. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1974 and was honorably discharged in 1980. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Ralph and Mrs. Margaret Sweet; and his in-laws, Mr. and Mrs. John and June Brown. Ralph met his wife, Linda in 1977, and they were married on March 31, 1979. They became an instant family with daughter Christie, son Michael, and Ralph Jr soon following. The family moved to Edmonds in 1981 and resided there for the next 23 years, until they relocated to Marysville in 2004. Ralph became a proud member of the Teamsters Union in 1977 and was was affiliated with Locals 174, 741, and most recently 38. He began his truck driving career at Best Way Motor Freight, spent 26 years at YRC where he was a shop steward for may years, and was most recently driving for Hogland Transfer in Everett. He enjoyed hiking, camping, swimming, but most of all scuba diving. He was an integral part of the group of volunteers who created and maintained the underwater park in Edmonds. Ralph is survived by his wife, Linda; his three children; his daughters-in-laws, Bree Sweet and Barbara Accetturo; and his eight grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Mary Ilisko (Harry) of San Jose, Calif., Penny Sweet (Larry Springer) of Kirkland, Terry Strausser (George) of Lynnwood, and Cathy Sweet of Marysville; two nieces, four nephews, their families, and his closest friends, Dan and Collen, Mike, Bruce, Kirby; and all the members of the diving community. A memorial service will take place on Saturday, June 21, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at the Plaza Room of the Edmonds Library at 650 Main St., with a reception to follow. The family will then be walking down to Brackett's Landing where military honors will take place. All who wish to join them are most welcome. At this time members of the dive community will escort Ralph into the underwater park. Our thanks to all of the people who put forth valiant effort in rescuing and reviving Ralph. We will be eternally grateful. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Ralph's name to the Edmonds Parks Dept. or your favorite charity. "The sea, once it cast its spell, holds one in its net forever." Jacques Cousteau.