Kelso, Washington
1925 - 2010
7/2/1925 - 2/15/2010
Ralph was one of those rare people who never met a stranger. He had a hearty laugh and an easy charm that brought joy to those whose paths he crossed.
Ralph had a passion for music. He played the harmonica and sang in a square dance band for many years. He helped form the Kitchen Band in 1984 with friends, relatives and the love of his life, Faye. Together they would perform at nursing homes bringing joy through their music for over 20 years.
A fierce competitor Ralph loved sports and board games. Ralph loved the coast. Whether digging for clams and camping on the Washington coast or enjoying the beauty of the Oregon coast he loved the ocean.
Ralph was a passionate fisherman and could often be found on the Kalama or the Cowlitz rivers fishing for salmon. Constantly on the go, he was the father of five children, was the beloved grandfather to 13 grandkids and 11 great-grandkids plus one great-great grandchild. With an easy style and charming smile Ralph left his mark on this world one person at a time. Kindness is his legacy and he is an inspiration to all who knew him.
Ralph's family and friends will remember him from 1 to 3 p.m. on Feb. 28 at Kelso First Baptist Church, 214 S. Fourth Ave., Kelso, WA 98626.
Arrangements are by Columbia Funeral Service.
Please sign the guest book at www.tdn.com/obits.
This obituary was originally published in The Daily News (Longview, WA).
Never met a person that didnt absolutely love my grandpa! I can still his two favorite sayings while we played games "TEN THOUSAND" and "HEY you birdbrain!".
Grandpa was the absolute best at what he did, being my grandpa.
Scott Mosqueda
March 02, 2010 | Austin, TX
We will miss you Uncle Ralph, and our prayers are with you Aunt Faye. Doug Maynard and Family
Doug Maynard
February 25, 2010 | Woodland, WA
Grandpa Ralph was a great man. He was tender hearted loving Grandpa. I will miss him greatly.
Linda Mosqueda
February 24, 2010 | Pflugerville, TX
We only knew Ralph in a limited way, having met him a few times. What we do know is the incredible impact his son Gary has made on our lives and the lives of so many people.
As a father of three, I can only hope to leave the mark Ralph has at least in the form of his son Gary. I'm sure that mark is much more than we are aware, but if our sons mirror the lives of their fathers in any way, Ralph "ran the race" exceptionally well.
DJ and Kim Cardon
DJ Cardon
February 23, 2010 | Mesa, AZ
WE ALWAYS ENJOYED RALPH, WE HAVE MANY GOOD MEMORIES FROM OUR SQUARE DANCING DAYS.BELIEVE ME FAYE, WE WILL "SQUARE UP OUR SETS ONCE AGAIN WHEN WE ARE REUNITED.KEEP THE FAITH.
DON SHELDON
February 23, 2010 | LONGVIEW, WA
Just want to know that we will miss Ralph's wit and charm. Until we see him again in Glory. Faye you are in our prayers.
Cindy Lovejoy
February 23, 2010 | Kelso, WA
It was an honor and a pleasure to know you.
Sonja Schamel
February 22, 2010
The best dad ever, lived, loved, laughed his way into everyone's heart! With a heavy heart I say goodbye, I will miss him greatly!
Beverly Mosqueda
February 22, 2010
Although no relation to Ralph, he made us feel welcome like family during the few occasions we had the privilege to spend time with him. He was clearly a warm and kind individual that would not hesitate to "rough up" the competition with feigned gruffness - all the while nearly concealing a smile - but never the twinkle in his eye.
Our very fond memories of Ralph, which reach back nearly 20 years, will be with us for many more. When remembered, Ralph brings a smile to our...
Ted O'Malley
February 22, 2010 | Riverview, FL
