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A. Ralph Obituary
"Is this the way to Canada?" he would ask fellow hikers passing on the trail. Larry loved Maine and the outdoors. He canoed, hiked, skied, walked, and enjoyed the sights, smells, and sounds of nature. He and his wife danced joyfully with the Squire Town Squares.
With years of service to the AFS international exchange program his family extended from China to Canada. "Mr. AFS" worked with students, teachers, and families. He helped make the world smaller and our hearts bigger.
He graduated from American University with a J.D. and the University of Pennsylvania with a B.S. He married Stephanie Piper, his beloved other half, on June 21, 1969. After a 10-year teaching career in Massachusetts, Holland and Norway, he worked as an attorney for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Central Maine Power. After retiring from CMP he volunteered as a mediator with Community Mediation Services.
He is survived by his wife, Stephanie, his daughters Tanya Chauhan and Heather Ralph, his son-in-law Sanjay Chauhan, his grandchildren Emily, Leela, and Ria Chauhan, his sister and brother Diana and Kenny Ralph and his AFS children Dagmar, Breda, Luis, Lena, Marwa, Techy and Eva.
A service is planned for 3 p.m. Saturday, June 19, at the Unitarian Universalist Community Church, 69 Winthrop Street, Augusta. Contributions in honor of Larry may be made to AFS Intercultural Programs at www.afsusa.org.
To help Maine students who want to go abroad with AFS, mail checks payable to Maine AFS Americans Abroad Fund c/o Mrs. Patty Holt at 65 Pine St., Ellsworth ME 04605.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for A. Ralph
Halyna Barannik
July 8, 2010
Dear Stephanie, I was just looking for you on the internet, and came across this very sad news about Larry. I also saw his picture in an article you wrote about AFS. I am so sorry. You lost him way too soon. I hope your have your children nearby to help you through this time of loss. With sympathy, Halyna
Ann & Steve Sweet
July 3, 2010
Dear Stephanie and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Larry's passing. Although we only knew him briefly through AFS when he stayed at house last summer, you could tell he had a passion for life and was a wonderful caring person.Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. He will be missed in the AFS world.
Ellen Johnston
July 2, 2010
Our family is very sad to hear of Larry's passing. He was a true crusader for AFS-ers. I myself am an AFS returnee, and our family hosted short term and also for a year. Larry could not have done more for AFS the years we were involved. Stephanie, thank you for sharing him with the many students he helped bring here. He has changed many lives for the better, and in that, his memory will live on. May God bless you, your family, and your (AFS) extended family, as you grieve, and may you be comforted.
Robert Austin
July 1, 2010
I was sorry to hear about Larry through the AFS Newsletter today. I worked with him on the Regional Council, he from the NE and I from the SE Region. He was a great guy and an inspiring leader. I enjoyed our times together, sharing different approaches to problems. He helped me a lot from just watching him at work. I'll miss him.
With sympathy,
Bob
Alice Bissell
July 1, 2010
I was recently an AFS liasion for a student who came to our school from Norway. I knew Larry only through phone calls and emails, but his dedication to the AFS students and their families, and in his compassionate understanding and practical advice for both visiting students and the host families who adopt them, came through loud and clear. His experience, insight and support was invaluable to me when I (and my student and her family) needed it, as I'm sure it was for many, many others. It will surely be difficult to fill the void left by his passing, and he will be much missed. Thank you, Larry, for all you have done for so many others. My deepest sympathies to Larry's family.
Ann Ruhman
July 1, 2010
Dear Steph, I am stunned to hear of your loss. In the short time I knew Larry, he was always upbeat and fun. AFS will certainly miss him... My best to you and your family, extended across the globe. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Lisa Ladd
June 29, 2010
I met Larry through AFS when he contacted us about having a teacher from Thailand stay with my family. He helped open the door to another world. I am sad to hear such a vital person is no longer brightening the world except in our memories.
Christina Bauman
June 28, 2010
Dear Stephie, I was very sorry to hear about your husband.
Xiaoyan Tang
June 23, 2010
Dear Steph,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss but I am sure that Larry now is in a wonderful place. I myself have been through very difficult times since last May and my father-in-law passed away 2 months ago but my family and I are even stronger and closer than ever before. We all believe good men such as Larry will be in a better place with all of our best wishes. I am very much obliged to you for your unselfishness and kindness. I will always keep the best memories we share in my heart for ever.
June 18, 2010
Dear Steph and Family,
I'm so sorry to hear of Larry's passing. That's a big loss for the AFS family. I still have lots of fond memories working with him through my AFS year in Maine. His smiling face and sense of humor always brought happiness and cheer to the people all around. Please accept my sympathy and good wishes.
Dang Wirat Khamkhien, VTP19, Thailand
AFS Sugarloaf 2010
Donald McLeod
June 18, 2010
Steph and Family,
It has taken me several days to write I am stunned and can't begin to imagine your loss. I can remember my wife and I crying when our 1st host daughter left and there was Larry with a box of kleenex and an oversized shirt that read Don't Worry Be Happy it was silly but it helped me then and it will help me now. Larry brought my family 2 daughters and a sister. So on behalf of my family Mei(China),Marge(Italy),Masami(Japan),Stepen,Ryan and my wife Donna Thanks to Larry and AFS for enriching our lives. Don and Donna McLeod
Art Lamothe
June 18, 2010
Stephanie,
I'm so sorry to hear of Larry's passing. I still have strong & fond memories of sharing an office with him in the CMP legal department & of his sense of humor. He undoubtedly will be sorely missed.
June 17, 2010
Dear Steph,
I'm so sorry about the sad news. Larry was such a great AFS teacher that I will never forget him. His contributions to AFS are beyond my description. Take care!
Bin Zhou from Nanjing, China
Mike and Amy Smith
June 17, 2010
Our family is very sad about the passing of Mr. Ralph. Together, with the his wife, Stephanie, Larry helped facilitate a wonderful chapter in our lives with the addition of our Japanese AFS son, Takuto. Larry was always there to give advice and encouragement to us during the difficult times as well as the good times. We are grateful to have known him. Mike and Amy Smith and Takuto Fujimura (Japan)
Larry with his "pet dog" and 2 AFS Visiting Teachers at Niagara Falls, June 2009
Susan Thanas
June 17, 2010
Larry's passing is a huge loss for AFS, where I was honored to know him. He was the epitome of what a leader should be --always generous, encouraging, outgoing, funny, and fun -- a blessing to all he met. My thoughts and prayers are with Stephie and family.
Elizabeth Leatham
June 17, 2010
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Larry's loved ones, especially to Steph, their daughters, son-in-law and the grandchildren. I will always treasure the fun and working memories as we served together on the NE Regional Council and the Educator's Teacher Task Force for AFS. I will miss our conversations, his humor and warm laugh, silly hats, and especially his invisible dog. Larry will be hard to replace, and will be sorely missed, and I thank his family for sharing him with the AFS family.
areti menoudarakos
June 16, 2010
I had the pleasure to meet Larry as a AFS host parent...Larry you will be missed greatly by all the people whose lives you have enriched over the years...to stephanie and family we are sorry or your lose...with love menoudarakos family....Rita, Vee, Zaharias, Stavroula, and Karine (brazil)
Don Lockhart
June 16, 2010
My deepest sympathies to the Ralph family as well as Larry's extended worldwide AFS family. He was a dear friend to so many AFS students, both here and abroad. Walking his invisible dog, Spot brought smiles to so many faces... some of those just having arrived in the US. It didn't take long for them to realize they already had a friend here in Larry.
I feel fortunate to have met and worked with Larry in AFS volunteering. His dedication to and love of the AFS program was immense and he had such a positive influence on many people.
Becky Anderson
June 15, 2010
I know of Larry from his daughter, Heather, whom I met out here in Seattle. She's a scientific woman, like me, and I know the influence that parents have in creating the I-can-do-anything attitude that we share.
I also know what it is like to lose a parent -- my Mom died far-too-young, in her 60's. I send my thoughts and sympathies to the whole Ralph family. Peace to you, and I hope you find the smiles in all the memories!
June 15, 2010
My deepest symphathies to the Ralph family. Larry's great attributes and his dedication to AFS work is always remembered. (Patita-Bu, AFS Thailand)
Happy Scherer
June 15, 2010
We in Eastern NY AFS are shocked and saddened by the loss of such a generous, humorous, loving gentleman! He had such a positive influence on so many. What a wonderful life! Our condolences to the family and all of the volunteers and students in Maine!
Happy Scherer, Eastern NY AFS Area Team Chair
Dawn King-Jones
June 15, 2010
I had the opportunity to work with Larry at CMP. I will always remember his gentle nature, good sense of humor and his persistence that I house a foreign exchange student in my very small apartment (smile). He had a passion for working with AFS students and shared his experiences with those he came into contact with. He had a curiosity of the world around him. I remember how much he loved his family. The Beer Bread that he made for us at work for one of our pot luck lunches was very delicious. Whenever I think of his Beer Bread, I still smile today. Larry was good person. He will be missed. So sorry for your loss Stephanie.
Betty (Nickerson) Balderston
June 15, 2010
My deepest sympathies to the Ralph family. My memories of working with Larry at CMP are filled with his gentle spirit and his ability to see the best in people. May you find peace in knowing that he has moved on to a better place. God's peace to your family.
Moo
June 15, 2010
I am very sorry to hear the news of Larry, the great person of Thai Exchange teacher. Words cannot express how sad I feel. I would like to thank him again for everything he had done. I will never forget how kind and wonderful he was. He will be missed and in my mind forever.
Stephanie, my thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time of loss.
Moo --- Thailand
June 15, 2010
I am very sorry to hear the news of Larry, the great person of Thai Exchange teacher. Words cannot express how sad I feel. I would like to thank him again for everything he had done. I will never forget how kind and wonderful he was. He will be missed and in my mind forever.Stephanie, my thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time of loss.
Moo-Thailand
Chophaka Buthichak
June 15, 2010
As years goes by, many hindrances, problems to be encountered but we are there to be ready to face. I know that this is a great challenge for us to be strong even if one of our love one passed away, I keep on praying for him eternal happiness. To our beloved family, I would like to express my sincerest condolence. Thank you for being one at all times.
Since that I was in America. I was taking care of him. I would like to express my heart felt gratitude for him for being good. He is very good example for us. I will never forget him until the rest of my life and I kept those good memories that you've shared with me. I pray for your rest in peace. (Aow) Chophaka Buthichak AFS/VTP 2007-2008 Mukdahan Thailand
Pinitda Vasuphram
June 15, 2010
Larry ,you are super I never ever seen people like you. I am so sorry with Stephenies. I will keep you in my heart eternity. Respect and love you Larry . You are the gre at teacher . (miss Mam )
Evisabel Craig
June 15, 2010
My deepest condolences to the Ralph family. Larry was a wonderful human being and touched the lives of so many with this great charisma and his ability to bring the best out of each person.
Larry, you will be forever missed.
Roberta O'Neill
June 14, 2010
Larry's graciousness and humor will be missed by all who knew him. Stephanie, my deepest condolences go out to you and your family at this difficult time.
Kanya Saengpinit
June 14, 2010
"Larry,..he.. who was a very wonderful man...he took good care of exchange- teachers and students from everywhere....time's gone by...now he passed away ...but I'm sure that... the good things he had done for a lot of students and teachers...would have still been in our hearts..thank you for everything you'd done..." (..Kanya, THA)
Robin Weber
June 14, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss. While I did not know Larry outside of AFS, it is clear from these comments that he brought the same high level of quality, care, good humor and fun to the many projects and people his life touched. I am grateful that I am among those whose life and work he touched.
ron wheelock
June 14, 2010
So sorry to hear of your loss Stephanie and family....Larry sounds like such a wonderful person....My prays and thoughts go out to all of you ! Take care, Ron
Crystal Bond
June 14, 2010
Larry opened up the AFS world to me and my sons by aiding us in hosting an exchange teacher from Thailand. It was a wonderful and life changing experience for which we will always be very grateful. Our thoughts are with his family.
June 14, 2010
Larry is an AFS Legend. He always had a way of making every AFS student, hosting parents and siblings feel they would have the best experience of their life. My Family and my AFS students will carry Larry memories of the walking dog leash (without the dog), his hat with the spinner on top and his bad jokes in our hearts forever. The Staff at Manchester Elementary will miss Larry's visits supporting the many AFS teachers he has blessed us with. Stephanie we have all been blessed and are better people for having known Larry.
Love, Sharon Chaplin
Lily Jo
June 14, 2010
I am so sorry to hear that. Time will not forget the great AFS Maine father.
Somboon Utthayotha
June 13, 2010
I'm very sorry to hear that Larry Ralph was pass away. He is very good man, helpful,friendly. Thank him very much for every thing.
Daeng, Thailand
Ray Hepler
June 13, 2010
La mort. Ce n'est pas l'obscurite. C'est la lampe qu'on eteint le matin quand le jour est arrive. God blessed me with Larry's friendship. Know, Steph, that you all are loved by many.
Andy McLeod
June 13, 2010
I am very sorry to hear about Larry. He has made innumerable AFS experiences, including my own, positive and life-changing. He always had a big smile and useful words of advice for disoriented exchange students who surely left their weekends with him a bit more oriented. My heart goes out to Stephanie and who family.
June 13, 2010
Larry isn’t around anymore ;however, he is still in our memory. We will miss him so much. Throughout the years, we’ve had the chance to get to know Larry well. We’ll miss his good sense of humor and the good times we shared when we work as volunteer s of AFS. (Darunee&Viroon)
Karen Cox-Hatch
June 13, 2010
Stephanie,
Sorry to hear of Larry's passing. You made such a good team working as you did to provide AFS experiences to so many families and individuals. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
June 13, 2010
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of our neighbor. Larry always took the time to say hello to everyone walking past his home. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time. Brad & Margaret Davis, Manchester
David Whitworth
June 13, 2010
Larry has been missed at CMP since his retirement. His wisdom, humor, and grace made every encounter with Larry a memorable experience. My sympathy to his wife, daughters, and family.
Kevin & Dee Farr
June 13, 2010
We are so sorry to hear. As a past host family with AFS, Larry was a huge part of OUR AFS experience and that of the 3 kids we have hosted.
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