Ralph Baxter LaForce

1925 - 2011

Ralph Baxter LaForce, loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away on Saturday, March 26th surrounded by the love of his family and friends. With his favorite music playing in the background he slipped away to begin his next journey. He was our mentor, cheerleader, councilor and friend and will be missed more than he will ever know.

He was born on November 2, 1925 in Sacramento, California to Carl and Georgia LaForce where he joined his brothers Richard, Carl and later came his sister Beverly. He graduated from Analy Union High School in Sebastopol, California and after that, at the age of 18 he joined the US Coastguard and was stationed in Miami, Florida. While he was waiting for his ship to come in, he and his friend George walked into Liggets Drug Store and saw a woman behind the counter. He told George "See that woman behind the counter? That's the woman I'm going to marry". Even though she told him that wasn't going to happen, he and Ora have been married for over 66 years.

When health issues forced him to retire from his vice presidency with Premier Insurance he and the love of his life, Ora Mae (Boots) packed up their RV and headed out on a great adventure. For the next 25 years they traveled all over the United States and Mexico making many good friends along the way. Many of those trips included their six grandchildren showing them places like Mount Rushmore and the Salton Sea. On one of their journey's they discovered Yuma, eventually making it their home.

Dad loved to be in the company of family and friends and often entertained us by playing the guitar and singing songs. He was kind, compassionate soul. His outlook on life was always the glass is half full and could be heard saying "I'm feeling pretty good for the shape I'm in". He never met a stranger that didn't soon become a friend. He will miss opening the back door for his morning paper delivery and conversations with Mary and his daily 4:00 calls from his good friend Gene.

He is survived by his wife, Ora Mae; daughters, Carol LaForce Amweg of Los Alamos, New Mexico, Linda (Neal) LaForce of Yuma, Arizona, Gayle (Patrick) Berry of Santa Rosa, California and Debra (Michael) Ambrose of Meridian, Idaho; son, Brian LaForce of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands; brother, Carl LaForce; sister, Beverly LaForce as well as his grandchildren, great-grandchildren. We raise our glasses to toast the wonderful man that you are! You will live on forever in our hearts.