Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
FUNERAL HOME
S. TOURKOW Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for S. TOURKOW
Judith Grossman
May 30, 2013
Dear Family,
Ralphie is forever in my heart. The world is a sadder place now as there is a lot less joy for those lucky enough to have interacted with Ralph daily. Next time around, cuz.
My love to all who cherished him.
Y. Mhas
May 29, 2013
The sadness of Ralph's too-quick and too-early passing remains profound. But the hope is that the merry love, music, wit, outrageousness and kindness that he gave us all is what we feel the most and what remains with us. Deepest sympathy to Leah, Lauren and all the beloved family and abundant friends.
Jeanne Grossman Szanto
May 26, 2013
Friends since age 10, Ralph will always be embedded in my fondest memories. My deepest condolences to the Tourkow family. He is now playing bass with the angels! With love always...
Shulkin Jensen Wedding 1982
Kathy Shulkin-Jensen
May 25, 2013
Kathy Shulkin-Jensen
May 25, 2013
Ralph being one of my older brother, Jeff's, best friends...it was an education growing up around him. An education Jeff probably thought I shouldn't have! I'll never forget the pool parties that I watched from the window. To say that Ralph was the life of every party is an understatement. I'll always remember the Utopians and The Candy Store. Then Ralph became my "Uncle-In-Law" when his brother Josh married my aunt. We had great times together in California. Then Ralph honored me by performing at my wedding in 1982. My heart is broken for all of us touched by Ralph's madness.
Jim Thompson
May 22, 2013
Ralph was a great friend of ours. We just found out about his death today as we were behind on reading the paper. Ralph played with a basement band with me for years & we were great friends. I just saw him last week so we are shocked & saddened by this news. We send our sympathies to Ralph's family, you are all in our thoughts & prayers. We are so sorry we missed his funeral, we would have definitely been there had we known. Take care & God bless. Jim & Deb Thompson, Decatur, Indiana.
Herb & Mical Rynearson
May 22, 2013
Sorry for your loss. To the entire Tourkow family. We will miss your happy smile. With deepest sympathy!
David Crell
May 21, 2013
I really liked Ralph. I'd run into him around town fairly frequently. He was also so nice and lively. I remember him being nice to me when I was a little kid too. Your dad/son/brother was a really good man. He always made me feel good about myself...something I'd imagine he did for many others as well. I'm sorry for your loss.
Barry & Lisa Ochstein
May 21, 2013
Sorry for your loss, with deepest sympathy! To the entire Tourkow family, he will be missed.
May 21, 2013
Ralphy was my favorite "almost relative".
Niesie Shulkin
Tom Colvin
May 21, 2013
Always happy and full of smiles and jokes. I'm gonna miss dat guy. Many blessings and warm thoughts.
Aliza Tourkow
May 21, 2013
The world lost an amazing musician, Fort Wayne icon, true-hearted friend, and my dearest Uncle Ralph. I am heartbroken.
To Ralph: The bass lick on Brown-Eyed Girl will forever remind me of you.
All my love,
Your niece Aliza
Lauren Caggiano
May 20, 2013
Although I only met him once, I knew how much he meant to Lauren and Aliza. I'm sure he was very proud of such fine ladies. :)
Harriet Ochstein Sills
May 20, 2013
To the entire Tourkow family: very sorry to hear of Ralph's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Heather Bailey
May 20, 2013
Ralph could make anyone laugh and smile. He will greatly be missed.
Peter Derheimer
May 20, 2013
It was particularly sad to play Mahler's 6th symphony this past weekend in Seville, knowing that Ralph Tourkow, one of the funniest, kindest guys in my hometown of Ft.Wayne... had suddenly died.
My thoughts and prayers to his family, especially his Mom Lea.
Marsha McCroskey
May 20, 2013
Goodbye Ralph, we will miss you! I always thought you were the funniest and kindest guy I knew! Rest in peace, and my condolences to the family!
Marsha Ochstein Meister
May 19, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Tourkow family. Our hearts and prayers are with you at this time.
Dixie Bradley
May 19, 2013
Much too soon to lose such a sweet soul
May 19, 2013
Words seem so weighted, not knowing what Ralph now knows. We wait to understand. Ralph's presence around me, around anyone, has always brought joy--he has always been thoughtful, accepting and encouraging, kind, funny, bright, and creative. His being has always given me these light and beautiful moments. With my heart full of love for all of you in Ralph's family, and a special love for you, Becky, for, among many other reasons, bringing me Ralphie... thank you.....
Robin
Mary Bissontz-Lyons
May 19, 2013
My dear friend of 37 years I still haven't recovered from the shock of your passing. The memories of our times together I will hold close to my heart and cherish forever. Good travel to you on your journey home my friend and I hope that we will meet again in another time and place.
Elaine Snow Dolgin
May 19, 2013
So sorry to hear........my condolences to all the Tourkows.
Glenn Druhot
May 18, 2013
I was stunned and saddened to hear of my best friend Ralph's passing. I will never forget the first time I met Ralph. We were both selected to be in the Fort Wayne All City Orchestra in 1968. I was immediately struck with his magnanimous personality. Everyone always wanted to be his friend and to be around him. Over the years we stayed in contact because we were both professional musicians. Then, we reconnected to form a band called Power Play. We played practically every single weekend for over 12 years. Those fleeting years were indeed the most exciting years of my professional music career. We would often laugh so hard together that we would both end up crying. My heart aches for the Toukow family for their loss. I agree with Kim, life on earth will not be the same without Ralph. The world has lost an accomplished musician and a very funny man, but moreover a precious human being who loved life more than anyone I have ever met. Anyone who ever met him knew he was one of the most creative and expressive people they had ever had the fortune of knowing. He and I had made tentative plans for him to come visit us here in North Carolina so that we could take him out sailing. I'm certain he is jamming with Joe Michael, a fellow bandmate, in heaven; I look forward to seeing both of you guys when we can play music once again. I will miss you Ralphie – rock on brother!
Jeff& Charlene Gubitz
May 18, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to the entire family. May his memory be for a blessing
May 18, 2013
I am so very sorry for your loss. Ralph will always be remembered for his style and good nature. Lynne F. Margolies
Rita Creech
May 18, 2013
Ralph was a unique and wonderfully funny and talented guy. He made everything fun and full of humor. My heart and prayers go out to his family for their loss.
Karen Allen
May 18, 2013
The world has lost a great man much too soon. It is obvious he was so beloved and loved by everyone he touched. Those of us who ever had the joy and pleasure of being touched by him at any time during our lives were so blessed. My deepest condolences to his family and close friends. Know that he will always be with you and smiles down on you everyday of your lives.
Gary Krager
May 18, 2013
Ralph was one of those too rare people who, whenever you saw him or spoke with him, it left you better for the experience. He will be missed.
Bridgett Santiago
May 18, 2013
This candle is for all the smiles Ralph gave us. He will be so missed! My heart to his family.
May 18, 2013
Ralph had a wonderful joy of life. Whether riding our bikes as kids or playing music as we grew up, Ralph always made everything fun! We will miss him! Peace and love, Mark Paul Smith
David Hines
May 18, 2013
I always knew Ralph to be good humored and generous. I knew him in school and as a neighbor, and I will always remember him fondly.
Dave & Shari Ray
May 18, 2013
Ralph was a great guy with a wonderful personality. We always enjoyed him when he was performing with "The Remnants" at the American Legion Post 241. He will be greatly missed.
Charles Moore
May 18, 2013
My prayers are with the Tourkow family in their time of need.
Kim Reasoner
May 18, 2013
Ralph, earth will not be the same without you on it. our lives will be changed forever. you gave so much joy, humor, and brightness to someones life every day. Your memories will never fade. I love you dear friend, and will see you heaven one day playing your music again. My prayers go out to the family for this horrific loss in your life, Thanks for sharing Ralph with us. Will miss you greatly Ralphie!!
Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results
Make a Donation
in S. TOURKOW's name
Memorial Events
for S. TOURKOW
Funeral services provided by:
Klaehn, Fahl, Melton Funeral Home6424 Winchester Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46819
How to support S.'s loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor S. TOURKOW's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
