Ralph Carr Gregory Jr.

1937 - 2017

Ralph Carr Gregory Jr. was born on Dec. 2, 1937, to Ralph and Ellen Gregory in Elmwood, Okla. He grew up helping on the family farm, plowing the fields and exploring the canyons and hills with his dogs and horses. He graduated from Balko High.
Ralph met his sweetheart, Wanda Joy Clark, in Perryton, Texas, just across the state line. He proposed at a drive-in movie. They were married on Aug. 18, 1959.
After studying engineering for three years, Ralph found his passion in architecture. He finished his Bachelor of Architecture degree at Oklahoma State University in 1964 and took a job with W. C. Kruger & Associates in Albuquerque, N.M.
He moved his young family to Juneau, Alaska in 1966 to seek adventure and work for Linn A. Forrest & Associates. He received his Alaska Architectural Registration in 1967. Other work experience included Olsen & Sands in Juneau and Francis B. Mayer, Architect in Anchorage.
In 1970, Ralph moved to Ketchikan, Alaska, as an associate with Graham Associates, until 1981 when he started his own architectural practice. He moved to Eagle River, Alaska, in 2006 and retired in 2010.
He worked on the design of many buildings around the state including the State Court and Office Building, U.S. Post Office, Ketchikan Cultural Heritage Center, and the Anchorage International Airport.
His last major project was the Ketchikan Indian Community Health Clinic. Ralph also donated large amounts of professional time and energy to churches and his family. As mayor of the Ketchikan Gateway Borough for two terms from 1984 to 1990, Ralph contributed to the development of his community through local politics. He was also active in the Whale Pass Home Owners Association. His family still owns the Whale Pass beach cabin, which he built.
The great Alaskan wilderness was always spellbinding to Ralph. He also loved writing, sketching, music, photography, marksmanship, and spending time with family. He was a man of great faith.
Ralph is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joy Gregory of Eagle River; daughters, Paige Van Wie, of Pullman, Wash.; Saree Gregory, of Spokane, Wash.; Shanna Ladd, of Houston, Alaska; and Tabitha Gregory, of Valdez, Alaska. Grandchildren are: Josh Van Wie, Nate Ladd, Peter Van Wie, Jessica Ladd, Beth Van Wie, Jacob Timmons, Will Timmons and Annetta Van Wie. Great-grandchildren are: Jared Ladd, Derek Ladd, Jaden Van Wie and Ariko Joy Van Wie. He is also survived by his sister Amelia Cowan, of Balko, Okla.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Ellen Gregory; and his brother, George Gregory.
Ralph passed away on Nov.14, 2017 at his home in Eagle River after a short battle with cancer.
A viewing was held at Janssen's Eagle River Funeral Home. He was interred at the Anchorage Memorial Park, and a memorial service was held at the Community Covenant Church. In lieu of flowers please send contributions to your favorite charity.