Ralph Rawson

Former boat builder and Kirkland, Washington resident Ralph L. "Ron" Rawson, 84, passed away May 17, 2013, with family at his side.

Ron was born August 14, 1928, in Seattle, Washington, to Dr. Errol W. Rawson and Leotta (Foreman) Rawson.

He graduated from Broadway High School and Washington State University, married Gloria Peterson with whom he had four children and joined the U.S. Air Force.

In 1959 Ron and Gloria started Ron Rawson Inc., making some of the first fiberglass commercial fishing and sailboats in the United States. He was especially proud of working with the fishermen of Togiak developing the 29' Bow-Picker which affectionately called "The Togiak Skiff". Other commercial fishing boats included 38' Chignik Seiner, 32' Bristol Bay Gillnetter, Bobtail Gillnetter and Bobtail Seiner.

In retirement, Ron enjoyed touring the world - especially as a passenger on cargo ships, attending steamship and RV rallies and spending time at the family cabin in Skunk Bay.

Ron is survived by wife Virginia "Ginny" (Lettengarver), sons and daughters-in-law, Rolf and Gina (Riggi) Rawson of Temecula, CA; Karl and Lorianne (Nielsen) Rawson of South Naknek, AK; daughters, Rebecca Rawson of Kent, WA, Kari Rawson of La Connor, WA; grandchildren, Kameron Mengel, Kendra Mengel, Jessica Benton, Morgan Johnston, Kiel Myers, John Welskop, Kody Welskop, Joseph Abruska II (Hanna), Lorianne (Nickolas) Zimin and Paul Abruska; great-grandchildren, Emily Abruska, Lyra Abruska, Aurelia Zimin, Tilden Zimin and Evie Zimin; sister and brother in-law Marion (Rawson) and Joe Nagashima of San Raphael, CA and in-laws Donald and Mary Jane Nielsen of South Naknek, AK.

Ron was preceded in death by his former wife, Gloria.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Nature Conservancy and Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity - Washington State University Chapter.