Ralph Peter Eckerlin

I worked with Ralph and Tim McCarthy at Powdermill. He was fun to work with and always supportive of me and the other interns. So sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family.He will be missed.

My sincere condolences to your family. I am a flea worker in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and I corresponded with Ralph over the years, though sadly, we never met in person. His many contributions to ectoparasitology are a lasting tribute, not the least of which is his co-authored monograph on the fleas of North America, soon to be published.

I will remember Ralph as a wonderful father. He raised two special girls. Pat Wiersch

I was just interviewed for a piece on my retirement in this year's yearbook. I was asked if there was a teacher who inspired me to become a teacher. That man was Ralph Eckerlin, the best teacher I ever had. I have taught Biology for the last 29 years because of the example he gave me. I did tell him years ago that he was my inspiration and my image of a great teacher, knowledgable, open, and with a wonderful sense of humor. Thank you Ralph.

I just learned about Ralph´s passing. He was a hero at a time when I needed one. He inspired me to complete college and to love biology. He never talked down to his students. His love of nature and his constant curiosity was truly inspiring and made me view life in a whole different way. Some of the greatest times of my life were the trips with Ralph and Walt. Costa Rica twice, Jamaica, Iceland, the Dismal Swamp. He was my favorite professor ever and I will never forget him. My deepest...

I am very sad not to have visited before Ralph passed. He was a great friend from the trip wehad together to Outer Banks of North Carolina to pick up Mary and Deb after they had spent a week in the sun and surf. I was delighted to awaken him with spoon music when working on loan at FAA in 1998 when Mary and Ralph let me stay in their basement apartment. Our son Carter would like to thank Ralph for keeping such a well-stocked bar in that basement as well. There were only good times when in...

Ralph, with his sharp mind, was an excellent card player. He often beat us in hearts. He will be missed.

I will lift a glass in his honor. May his memory and spirit be a blessing.