Ralph Benjamin Steelhead

Ralph Steelhead Obituary

STEELHEAD -Ralph Benjamin Steelhead, better known as "Ben" or "Coach", passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Sunday June 29, 2008. He was 80 years of age. He is remembered most for being a devoted teacher and coach in the Pasadena School system for 42 years. Ben touched many lives because of his ability to inspire and give hope to so many young people. He was equally loved and respected by friends and colleagues who admired his commitment to serving God. Ben was actively involved in the Prison and Gideon Bible Ministries, allowing him to share his faith with inmates and people all over the world. Ben is survived by his wife Phyllis of 58 years, son Ben and daughter Susan, son-in-law Dan, and 3 special grand-children Amelia, Hayden and Griffin. Ben will be buried in Nampa Idaho alongside his mother and father. A memorial service will be held on Jul y 12 at Pasadena First Church of the Nazarene at 11:00. All are invited.

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Published by Pasadena Star-News on Jul. 8, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Steelhead

11 Entries

Ron Uyematsu

September 27, 2008

Ben Steelhead was my gymnastic coach at John Muir High School. At the start of the school year we did not have a coach, he stepped in and filled that spot. He was a blank about gymnastics, so he would take us to P.C.C. in his Nomad and we would workout there under the coach for their team. Ben would study and ask questions about all there is to know about being a gymnastic coach and gymnastics. For somebody who didn't know the first thing about gymnastic, I feel he did an excellent job. He even took us to University of Arizona at Tuscon for a week for a gymnastic camp. We all got into his Nomad and he drove the whole trip there and back.
But the greatest thing he did was that he was a man of God. I've met several men who followed God, but none of them were like Ben. Ben showed me that you could still have a Godly attitude and be in the world.
YES I'M SORRY TO HEAR THAT HE'S GONE, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN.

Samuel Hooker

July 25, 2008

I met Coach Steelhead while an athelete at JMHS, he was not only a great line coach, but he lifted those doggone heavy weights which I was not partial to, but did so at his insistence, and I am doing so even today, in moderation. I remember him inviting me to a meeting of Christian atheletes at his home and today am grieved at his passing. To his family I send my love to help cover them during this time of sorrow. We have hope.

George Thompson

July 19, 2008

I knew Coach Steelhead through football. He was truly an impactful man. A man of this magnatude will alway live on spiritually in each and every one of us who had contact with Ben Steelhead.

Joe Paggi

July 18, 2008

I met Ben Steelhead at the Pasadena Athletic Club many years ago. I marveled at his magnificant conditioning. His surname couldn't have been more appropriate. He was a friendly, kind, non assumming gentleman. I'm blessed to have known Ben.

Craig Levine

July 13, 2008

I have great memories of Mr. Steelhead. I am sad to hear of his passing.
Craig Levine JMHS 67

Harold Malaby

July 12, 2008

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember "coach" from Muir but also remember him from the church. What a wonderful service he has made to many may God continue to bless him as he enters His Kindom.

Sue (McCloud) Gibson

July 11, 2008

Mr. Steelhead was at Muir during my HS years and was known as a good coach. I had the privilege years later, as a substitute teacher at Blair, of talking to him about high school students and how attitudes toward PE had changed throughout the years. Although I didn't know him well, I felt he was a very sincere and caring person. May he rest in peace knowing he did a job well done.

Judy Taylor

July 11, 2008

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Chuck Malouf

July 11, 2008

I worked with Ben for many years at John Muir High School. He was a great coach and teacher and a positive influence on the faculty/staff.
He was always pleasant and was dedicated to the students. He will be missed. Thanks, Ben, for all you have done for many individuals, including me. May God grant the family strength in this time of need.

Jim & Chrystal Johnson

July 10, 2008

I will be there, at the July 12 services, at Pasadena First Church of the Nazarene at 11:00 - to pay my deepest respect to Ben and his Family – Ben/ Coach Steelhead made a huge difference in my life in many ways that meant the most - Much of my high school (John Muir High School – 1968) and college football success [University of Arizona / Starter in my freshman, Junior, and senior years (1968, 1970 & 1971 / Graduated in 1972)…USC/MBA 1978- and in life I can attribute directly to Ben - He was truly Loved and Respected by all who knew him - My deepest condolences and prayers go to his family - His wonderful family. – He was the Best - Ben was one of the top ten persons in my life who made a tremendous difference when it meant the most. I am most fortunate to have had his guidance and support in my early and formative years – and throughout my life. – God grant his family the peace and comfort that comes when one passes on –
A life well lived -

Mike Dills

July 8, 2008

What a great coach we had at Blair with Mr. Steelhead. We all marveled at his physique. Coach you helped us out and we will miss you.
Mike Dills Blair '75

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