Ralph Edward Tuomi

Ralph Tuomi was born in Hibbing, Minnesota to parents, Edward and Aileen Tuomi. At the close of WWII, the family moved briefly to California, but settled in Milwaukie by 1949, where Ralph would reside for the rest of his life.

Ralph graduated from Milwaukie High School in 1952. On a fortuitous trip back to Hibbing to visit relatives, he met Eleanore Johnson and they were married in 1955. They settled back in Milwaukie where they raised a daughter and two sons.

After serving in the Army, Ralph graduated from Portland State College (now Portland State University) in 1961 with degrees in engineering and economics. After a short stint with the Western Union engineering department, he went to work at the University of Oregon Medical School, now Oregon Health Science University (OHSU). Ralph spent over 37 years at OHSU, beginning as a draftsman and retiring as Assistant Vice President for Facilities Management. During his time at OHSU, Ralph oversaw several major University building projects, including the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and the Casey Eye Institute.

In retirement, Ralph volunteered as a member of the non-profit Nordic Northwest. He shared his rich experience with building projects by playing a significant role in the construction of Nordia House on the Nordic Northwest campus. Ralph was proud of his Finnish heritage and he saw his volunteer work there as a way to share that pride with others.

As a long-time member of Milwaukie Lutheran Church, he sang in the church choir for more than 30 years.

In his free time, Ralph was often found using the carpentry skills that he learned from his own father to take on remodeling projects at his own home and the homes of his children. He built two different drift boats and enjoyed fishing and hunting.

Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanore Tuomi; youngest son, Eric Tuomi; brother, Lawrence; and second wife, Amy Noble Tuomi. Ralph is survived by his son, Paul and his wife, Teresa; daughter, Jean and her husband, Michael Gipson; grandchildren, Sam and Peyton Tuomi; and sister, Carolyn Riley and her husband, David. 

In lieu of flowers the family suggest donations or memberships to Nordic Northwest (www.nordicnorthwest.org)