Ralph Wayland Christopher

WEEDSPORT - Ralph Wayland Christopher, of Weedsport, entered eternal rest on Aug. 15, 2010. Ralph was born on Sept. 16, 1914 in Pompey. He was the son of Isabelle (Wayland) and Kenneth Christopher. He graduated from Jordan High School where he was a talented athlete and outstanding scholar. He was married for 72 years to his high school sweetheart, Marian (Wheeler) Christopher. Ralph had many diverse interests and work experiences. He bought the farm close to his parents' farm and joined his father in annually 'white-washing' more than 2,000 dairy barns in central New York. During World War II, he was a shift foreman in a local war production plant. Late in the '40s, as an entrepreneur, he started a commercial, weed and insect control, spray business that included both aerial and ground equipment and did work for several local municipalities and many farmers. He held a private pilot's license and helped pioneer aviation in the Weedsport/Auburn area. In the 1950s he purchased a fuel oil delivery business with his brother-in-law, Joe Wright, and in the 1960s he sold that and initiated the Chris-Lee Equipment Co. In later years he worked as a real estate developer and served two terms as president of the Cayuga County Board of Realtors. He also served a six-year term as a director to the N.Y. State Association of Realtors. He remained active and worked part time into his 80s. Ralph was an avid reader, especially enjoying a good Zane Grey or Louis L'Amour western. He was also a passionate hunter, including big game hunting throughout North America. He brought many trophy racks home to decorate the walls of the family den. He was the 1966 New York state all-bore skeet shooting champion and won many other state and world championship team events over his 40+ years in the sport. He loved to go new places and was ready to travel at the drop of a hat. As a youngster he traveled with his parents, continued that practice with his own children, and later he and Marian traveled throughout the U.S. (including trips to Alaska and Hawaii), Canada, New Zealand and Western Australia. They were ardent bridge players especially with long-time friends Jim and Louise Compton. They were active members of the Methodist Church of Weedsport, later Port Byron and also Hernando, Fla. where they enjoyed a winter home. Ralph was very proud of his 63 years as a member of the Masonic Fraternity and served as Master of Weedsport Lodge No. 385 in 1954. He was a 32nd Degree Mason, a recipient of the Dedicated Service Award, and a proud member of the Shrine. He continued to serve his community as a founding member and president of the Weedsport Lions Club; member and president of the Owasco/Fleming Kiwanis Club; integral member of the Brutus Unit of the Auxiliary Police of Cayuga County; and 10 years as a member of the Weedsport Central School Board of Education and served as president during construction of the existing high school. Ralph lost his wife and sweetheart, Marian, in 2008. He is survived by his sister, Louise (Christopher) Wright, of Cortland; his two daughters, Carole Christopher and her husband, Richard Pollay, of Vancouver, B.C., and Marian (Bitsy Hinman) Davie, of Groton; two sons, R. Keene Christopher and Bruce (Kathy) Christopher, all of Weedsport; sisters-in-law, Elsae Chamberlin, of Pennsylvania and Betty Wheeler, of Jordan; grandchildren, Lauren Christopher and her husband, David Duffield, of Indiana, Mark (Stephanie) Christopher, of Colorado, Scott (Laura) Christopher, of Rye, Brian (Heather) Christopher, of Weedsport, Elizabeth (Edmond) Rogers, of Missouri, Shannon (Michael) Gonnella, of Auburn, Kenneth (Erin) Christopher, of Liverpool, Rick (Sue) Hinman, of Locke; great-grandchildren, Ann, Christina, Thomas, Kate, Kyle, Emma, John, Hannah, Madeleine, Grace, Will, Michaela, Alexis, Quentin, Brandon, Matthew and Christopher; daughter-in-law, Margaret Christopher, of California; and many nieces and nephews. Ralph will be deeply missed by his children and his many relatives and friends in New York and Florida. Memorial services will be held Saturday, Aug. 21 at the Port Byron United Methodist Church, 8510 South St., Port Byron, beginning with a Masonic Memorial Service at 2 p.m. A reception will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to your favorite charity. Arrangements are under the care of White Chapel Funeral Home, 2719 Erie Drive, Weedsport. To send a message to the family, sign our guest book at www.auburnpub.com and click on obituaries.