Search by Name

Search by Name

A. Laurence Ralph

A. Ralph Obituary

MANCHESTER -- Larry Ralph is not around any more to tell bad puns, go take a hike or canoe down a river, help AFSers who are having trouble, or build Mt. Grampy, the snow mountain that grew each winter beside his driveway for his grandkids. A. Laurence Ralph, 62, died Thursday, June 10, 2010, at Maine Medical Center in Portland. He was born in Fort Myer, the son of Shalon and Ruth Ralph.

"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.

Published by Kennebec Journal on Jun. 13, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for A. Ralph

Not sure what to say?





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.

Showing 1 - 43 of 43 results

Make a Donation
in A. Ralph's name

Memorial Events
for A. Ralph

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support A.'s loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor A. Ralph's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more