Ralph Westover

Former longtime Alaskan Ralph F. Westover, 91, died Nov. 30, 2007, at his home in La Conner, Wash., of natural causes. His children were with him at his death.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. His ashes will be buried next to his wife, Beatrice, in Angelus Memorial Park in Anchorage and in the Cook Islands.
Ralph was born Feb. 15, 1916, in Seattle, and raised there. He attended the University of Washington, majoring in civil engineering. He moved to Alaska in 1939 to build airports with the Civil Aeronautic Authority, which is today the FAA. He married Beatrice Walsh of Bellingham, Wash., in November 1941. He brought her to Anchorage, where they settled and raised their family of seven children.
During his career with the FAA, Ralph went from engineering to budgeting to emergency preparedness and finally retired as the regional representative to the Department of Transportation. He also was sent to the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Va.
Upon retirement, he and Beatrice toured Europe for a year in the "Orange Crate," a VW Vanagon they bought in Germany. Later they purchased a home in La Conner, Wash., and became snowbirds, living in Mesa, Ariz., during the winter except for the month of January, which was spent in the Cook Islands, and summers in La Conner.
"Ralph had many interests," his family wrote. "Among his greatest was being with family and friends. He was a caring and compassionate man who always conducted his life with strength, character and integrity. He shared his infectious humor with all. His obvious love of people attracted friends from all walks of life. He never met a stranger. He traveled extensively, eventually finding the Cook Islands in the South Pacific. He fell in love with their beauty and their people. He was treated as a respected elder, earning the title of 'Papa Ralph'."
Ralph was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Beatrice, in 2003, and their son, Mark, in 1969.
He is survived by his daughters, Penny May of Anchorage, Julie Latuska of Anchorage and Mary Ann Ballew of Marysville, Wash.; and sons, Ralph Westover III of Anchorage and La Conner, Brian of Milpitas, Calif., and Gregg of La Conner. He had 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Condolences may be send to 72 Hoh Place, La Conner, WA 98257.