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Ralph Arias Obituary

An amazing man! Born to Ralph and Anita Arias on July 12, 1937, Ralph's life had many dimensions.

He was a highly skilled sheet metal worker, loving his trade, loving to teach those that really wanted to learn. Ralph was a master mechanic with mechanical ability of the highest caliber. Hot rods, especially his 1932 Fordor and roadster, were not only phenomenal mechanically but true works of art. Ralph loved to race cars in the 50s and got great pleasure in not only building his Fordor for racing but later building for show. He designed and fabricated many of the parts in his own garage, loving the creative process. Later in 2000, he built his 32 Ford hiboy, a roadster he had always dreamed of building.

Ralph also loved bowling, and, as with everything else he did, mastered that as well. Ralph bowled several 300 games and loved the intense competition.

Ralph's dreams became realities because of his strong determination, hard work and love for what he was doing.

He was so courageous and strong, a loving, caring, honest yet modest man. His friends and family knew him to be a master storyteller.

Ralph loved being Papa and was so proud of his granddaughters. He relished the time he spent with them, especially going to the flea market to scout for swans for their collection.

He is survived by his wife, Diane, son Tim Arias, daughter Monica Arias, sister and brother-in-law Rita and Jack Drinkard, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Steve and Theresa Giganti, and granddaughters Kira, Kiana, and Sarah. He is also survived by nieces Cherie Smith, Virginia and Grace Giganti, nephews, David Baker and David Giganti and great-nephews Chase and Chad Smith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, Uncle Frank Sandona, Aunt Eda Sandona, and Aunt June Sandona.

Ralph died at home in Bonny Doon on January 20, 2009. Diane, his wife of 49 years, will love him and cherish his memory forever. He will always be at her side.

Visitation services will be Sunday, January 25, 2009, from 3:00-6:00 p.m. at Pacific Gardens Chapel, 1050 Cayuga Street, Santa Cruz. Funeral services will be on Monday, January 26, 2009, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 126 High Street, Santa Cruz. Burial will be at Alta Mesa Cemetery immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army, 721 Laurel Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 or to Faith Community Church, 1729 Seabright Ave. Ste F, Santa Cruz, CA 95062.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Santa Cruz Sentinel on Jan. 23, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Arias

Sponsored by Monica Arias.

46 Entries

John A Yung

January 22, 2025

Well, times sure have changed! Life is a lot different than it was during my last entry, and much has been gone through. Truthfully, I am a little bitter that I never got to know Ralph personally. However, I am always blessed by the love, admiration and great stories shared by all his family and friends. Godspeed, Ralph!

Monica

January 20, 2025

I cannot help but wonder what you would think about a day such as this. You are still loved and missed as much as ever.

Monica

January 20, 2024

DAVID PILLADO: thank you for taking the time for your entry, so many years later. Dad is of course deeply missed. Did you paint the roadster?I'm sure Dennis has stories from painting the sedan in the 70s. Both of Dad's 32's are safe and sound-we would love to see photos of your 32 build, and it is no surprise to hear Dad was an inspiration. Perhaps you could reach out on Facebook? --Monica

David Pillado

January 19, 2024

It's been many years since Ralphs passing but must say I think of him. I worked at the shop at the time he was working on his 1932 Roadster (Ave Auto). He and I shared a common passion on cars and specifically my 1964 GTO. He thought the car that I was restoring was once his GTO from 1964, but it wasn't. In fact, the original owner of my car, Roger Vasquez, inspired him to order a 1964 GTO in exact color and mechanical options. Reason why he thought my car was once his...we laughed about that and he told me stories about his and my car when they were new. I was so happy for him working on his Roadster and told him one day it would be my dream to build a 32 myself. Always told him "your building my dream build" and everyone could see the true joy he was having in doing this. You see, it's 2024 and I'm on the tail end of the long journey of building my 1932 Roadster, just like he did. Really feel a connection with the passion we both have for cars and specifically the two cars we both own. I never met his family but knew he was a wonderful family man. I knew he had a business at one time and always thought he would have been a terrific boss. I feel lucky to have had the moments I had with him especially when he was building. RIP Ralph, was a honor knowing you. Your friend Dave.

"Ronnie-baby"

January 18, 2022

An important mentor to me, Ralph offered more than he knew to my personal development and attention to detail. His warmth and caring nature will last in my memories of him for the rest of my life. I miss you, Ralph - but I know you're not far away.

Douglas (Ted) Martin

March 10, 2019

It took me a while to get over the news of Ralph's passing. He was my teacher, my idol and a very patient foreman. He never even got mad at me when I broke the cigarette lighter off in his 32 Ford with my long legs. I don't know of another person I looked up to as I did Ralph. Fortunate to of known him and Diane

January 20, 2014

Five years ago today, "the music died".
My amazing husband, father, papa and friend left us.
To all of you who have supported my family and I, I am truly grateful.
His legacy is truly astonishing, as was he.
There are no words to express the pain..Always, LOVED, HONORED AND REMEMBERED. Diane

John Ziegler

November 11, 2013

Arias family - I was glancing through the Nov '13 issue of Hot Rod Deluxe and came across the article about Ralph and his cars. I never met him but did correspond with him back in 1973. At that time I lived in Kennwick, WA and was in the process of installing air conditioning in my '32 Ford 5/w coupe. My wife and I were planning a belated honeymoon to Calif. She was the one who wanted air cond so I wanted to please her. I built the car so figured I could also install air cond. I had everything installed with the exception of the condensor. I couldn't find one to fit the '32 grill. One day I was looking through Rod & Custom magazine and spotted an article on Ralph's '32. It had air conditioning. I wrote a letter to Rod & Custom magazine asking for Ralph's address, surprisingly they sent it to me. Doubt if any magazine would do that now! I wrote Ralph and he resonded very quickly with a detailed letter explaining everything he used to make it work. He even sent diagrams and dimensions. The condensor he used was out of a Ford Bronco. The next day I went to the wrecking yard and found one. The coupe was quickly on the street with air conditioning and we went on our honeymoon to Calif. I still have the car, it has been to 46 different states attending rod runs and still has the same air cond all these years. The article in Hot Rod Deluxe mentioned that Ralph's '32 was the first to have air cond. To my knowledge our '32 coupe was the first street rod in the pacific northwest to have air cond. My buddies called our '32 the "chicken coupe" because of the air, they were just jealous! It's been 40 yrs since I corresponded with Ralph, quess it's about time to say thank you!

October 13, 2013

I just wish to say how special I think it is that you take the time to sign this book, especially those who never even knew my special Pop. Thank you, you have blessed us! -Monica

October 12, 2013

Spent a trip to Walmart shopping with my wife reading the exceptional article of Ralph in HOT ROD DELUXE, and coming home and reading all this website, what an amazing story of a man and family. I am about the same age, married my high school sweetheart, in our 49th year, hoping to make 50 and like Ralph had a deep love of cars but never owned one, so it was extremely interesting to read of someone who held on to his dreams and never let them go. Although the article was special, about a special man, it was sad, someone so great had to go so early. In this day of time with all the troubles and problems, it was really refreshing to read that there are still some special people mixed in the crowd. Great story.
pepper of plano

Gary DeBenedetti

October 12, 2013

Hi.I was looking thru hot rod mag.,and said I know that car!I also know Ralph,i worked for him for 25 or so years.I lost contact with him a long time ago but to see those cars reminded me of him.We also bowled with him ,he could what ever he wanted to do and was great at it.I hope things are going well with Diane and the rest of your family.I have nothing but fine words about Ralph,miss him also.I did't hear about his passing until a few months after,so I say show them upstairs how its done because you can teach us all a lot.Gary D

September 29, 2013

The Hot Rod Deluxe feature was heartwarming.The cars are beautiful.What I enjoyed most about the article was learning about a man I never met but wish I had.His talents are obvious.More important he was obviously a role model husband,father and grand-father while he was still building his dream rods.Thanks for sharing your story with myself and all dedicated readers and rodders.

Robin Collins

January 21, 2013

Ralph, Yesterday marked the day of your passing. It is such a sad day yet the sun was out and shining down on Bonny Doon. I can feel your presence and see your work everywhere.
Your ingenuity and brilliance are evident at every turn around here. I miss our "front gate" chats, you had the best stories. Thank you for being the best neighbor anyone could ask for.

Tim Arias

July 27, 2012

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD
LOVE TIM

July 27, 2012

Happy 75th Dad I know u were celebrating that day 7/12/12 when American Pie came on the radio,and they played the whole song the 8 minute version.I later that following weekend went and visited you and it played again the whole version I thought wow you really were there. Happy Birthday Dad once again. We love you and miss. Love Tim.

July 18, 2012

so glad he was able to save my brothers 32 roadster from total ruin and bring it back better than ever bob florer la roadster #47 ralph was a master at everything . [email protected]

January 5, 2012

To the Arias family,
I was lucky to meet Ralph and Diane when I was their meter reader while they built the granny house in Bonny Doon. Every month as I came around to read the electric meter, Ralph would show me the latest details and progress on the work that he was doing. I have never met anyone as talented and skilled at creating just about anything as Ralph. Over the course of the completing the lovely little house, it became apparent that Ralph was a man who must have the mind of an engineer, the heart of an artist, and the determination of one who grew up having to work hard. As we talked, we found out that Ralph knew my dad, who had a machine shop in Watsonville. My dad raced a modified Riley roadster at Palm Beach (now Pajaro Dunes) and other venues in California about 10 years before Ralph raced.
It was such a pleasure to see what a difference and what beauty that a man such as Ralph could add to our world.
I just picked up the January 2012 copy of the Aptos Times-Community News and cried and smiled as I read Monica's tribute to her dad. Besides being a perfect tribute to Ralph, it is also a thought provoking testament to caring, capable parents raising wonderful children. I never got to meet any of the Arias kids, but I am certain that Ralph was every bit as proud of you, and must have been comforted by knowing what a legacy he was leaving the world.
Sincerely,
Cathy Marino, Santa Cruz California

December 30, 2011

The Arias family. I didn't know Ralph but when I read about his life and hot rodding in the Capitola Sequel Times I wanted to reach out to you. I was very impressed by the cars he owned and built, very nice and he weas a talented craftsman. Reading about his passion brought back memories feom my own pass and the many good times building and drivind old Fords. I hope you all are holding his spirit close to you. God bless and Peace to you. David A

Maurine Winkley

February 7, 2011

Hi Ralph,

I was just thinking about you. Thanks for watching over us.

Maurine

August 10, 2009

Hey Pops where ever you are I sure miss your wisdom and guidance you bestowed on me when working on projects such as the Mustang I have it now and it sits in my garage in my home here in Sacramento, wow what a wierd feeling it is to start a refurb on it after all these years I have already started please bestow your tears of wisdom from above again, I miss you Dad, and love you. Tim

Deb Fahey

July 31, 2009

Ralph, I sure miss you. Every time I look at your picture I think of how kind and talented you were, how upbeat, how much you lifted the spirits of others. Your stories are legendary, as were you. You built a wonderful family, beautiful home, spectacular cars, and friends everywhere - testaments to the kind of person you are. I was so lucky to have met you and my world has been bigger and better for it ever since.

Robin Collins

July 28, 2009

Ralph you were the best. I had the great pleasure of being your neighbor in Bonny Doon. You greeted me by bounding across our road, a risky move on a good day, and welcomed me to the neighborhood. Your second sentence was " Yep this is the most beautiful place and be sure not to tell anyone."
We laughed and shared stories. I think my favorite was your story about the well witcher you hired decades ago to find water on your property. His fee was a bottle of whiskey and he found water a mere 25ft below ground. My well is 600ft deep, not uncommon for a Bonny Doon well. Your good fortune of a 25ft well is an example of your uniqueness I think.
Many times you told me how crazy you were about Diane your wife and the sweet spot you have for your grand-daughters. You spoke with love for your kids.
You made sure that we were ok during big storms and during the wild fire that threatened us all.
We miss very much hearing the roar of you hot-rod fire up. I would always run to see you fly by like a flash ground shaking with the thunder of a precision machine. Like I said you were the best.

Dwayne Harrold

May 14, 2009

Steer well my friend!
From: The National Streetrod Association.

Donald Vieira

March 15, 2009

Ralph I am so sorry I didn't get to see you and your wonderful family. You were just an incredible man, not only with your mechanical hands but your brilliant mind and gentle demeanor. I wish I had finished my bronco so you could have driven it.

Maurine Winkley

February 23, 2009

Ralph, you are dearly missed. I am so thankful that I have been able to get to know you over the past six years. I will always remember your smile and your willingness to share stories, advice and a good glass of wine. It is a month later and I can hardly believe you are gone. Each time I am at the house I expect you to come to the back door, as you always did, right when I am about to clean the floor telling me “if you don’t stay for lunch, she’s (Diane) not going to feed me.” Well we all know Diane definitely fed you well and that was your indirect way of inviting me for lunch. I have to say that one of my favorite things to do since I have met you and your wonderful family was to head up to the house on a warm afternoon and sit on the deck with you, Monica and Diane (and the girls when they are around) to sip wine, discuss past, present and future endeavors and breathe in that fresh mountain air.

Though you are gone it is wonderful to observe the lives you have touched, including my own. It was overwhelming to meet all of you family and friends and those who may have only met you once, but appreciated you and your sincerity. You have treated me like family and encouraged me to pursue my dreams and I will never, ever forget that. Thank you for being the man you were and will continue to be in spirit.

Courtney Kreuzwiesner

February 16, 2009

Ralph was a loving, caring and talented man who brought more to this earth than he ever took with him. Like my brother, I knew Ralph and Diane from childhood as friend's of Monica and Tim's, living down the street from them on Fernside in Redwood City. I always admired the special bond he had with Monica, the playful banter they shared, the twinkle in his eye when she was near him. He was a great storyteller and was one of those people that looked you right in the eye when he talked to you. I can picture him with his chin casually propped up on his hand, elbow on the kitchen table, an easy, wide smile on his face while he listened to me share about my life. And it's been 15-20 years probably since that memory but that's the one that sticks with me most. He will be dearly missed and we are better for having known him. All my love, Courtney Kreuzwiesner

Amanda Holmquist

February 10, 2009

Ralph was like a second father to me. I loved him so much. I have so many fun memories with Ralph. The most recent one that I will never forget is when we listened to jazz music in his garage. He was introducing me to musicians and songs that I was unfamiliar with. I have a love for music and I never knew how much he loved it too. He was so enthusiastic playing song after song asking me "have you heard this song?" I truly could have stayed in Ralph's garage all day talking about jazz music. I was having so much fun. I wish I could relive this memory. I'm so thankful for all the years and wonderful memories I have with Ralph.

My prayers are with you Diane, Monica, and Timmy. I love you all.

Love,

Amanda

Steve Giganti

February 9, 2009

I have a memory of Ralph and it too is associated with his '32Ford - he asked me to push the brake pedal for him as he was working on the rear lights -
The year was probably 1958 - I was 8 years old then and Ralph had been dating my sister Diane and had rented the garage from my mom to work on his car.
They were married in 1959 and I was the ring bearer in their wedding.
Like so many things in life we seem to take for granted until they are not there any longer, I was looking forward to bringing pictures of my son's graduation from Army Basic training to share with him. He seemed to really connect with my son David and was proud that he was serving the country he so loved.
He had a gift - and shared with others not to show what he could do but enjoyed teaching others and sharing what he learned so others too could benefit.
Being one of his relatives - my daughter Virginia was so proud of her Uncle Ralph. We all were.
I didn't have the opportunity to see him one more time; we thought he was through the worse and was getting better. We never know for sure if we have tomorrow.

To have him take me to his garage one more time and show me his recent progress - hear one more story and just be in his presence - I would like to have had one more time with him - but God has taken him to Himself and look forward now to the reunion.

Jesse Cohen

February 9, 2009

Many blessings to the whole family. My thoughts and prayers are with you Monica. May the love you all have for each other be a reflection of the strength that family provides. My condolences. Jesse

Madeleine and Joel Kasof

February 5, 2009

We will know Ralph by loving our fuure daughter-in-law that he lovingly raised to be the wonderful person that she is! Our sympathies to Monica and her family.

Timothy Arias

February 1, 2009

My Dad, what can I say. He was the best at everything. He could tell stories that were sometimes funny and sometimes taught a lesson. I think that sometimes I had learned some of that story telling abilities. I remember one story he used to tell us about being poor when he was a child and not having enough to eat. It went somewhat like this: "His mother would boil bacon and tie it on a string and pass it around the dinner table and if my Dad and his sister were chewing to much she'd yank the bacon out of their mouths." His whole point to this story was that we had too much and he was poor. My sister and I kinda believed him until one day I asked my Grandmother if it was true and she said "Oh your father is just telling stories." We would laugh all the time about this story.
My Dad was a master craftsman. He could build anything and he taught me so much that today I have used some of the basics he had taught me. Everything had to be built just right or he'd say "move aside we're doing this right or not at all." I loved my Dad in more ways than ever and I will never in my life forget his love for me. I know Dad now that you're racing down that highway in the sky with "American Pie" playing 32 times in your Highboy. I Love you Dad -Tim

Joe Kasof

January 30, 2009

I only got to meet Ralph a couple times, but I will never forget him. His kind nature was prevelent even after a summer full of treatments. I am honored to have been able to spend time with him on his last day on this planet. It was a lunch with his wife, daughter and grandkids. His spirit was light and happy. he was really beaming that day, he WAS happy. I get the feeling most of his days were like that. I was thinking to myself how lucky I was that day I had many more more lunches ahead of me like that. Little did I know.

I do however get handed his most prized possesion...no, not the 32, his daughter. The greatest testimony to Ralph's life is not what he built, superb as all those things may be. It's the work that went into his kids, family and friends. I get the honor of being witness and being able to love what he loved...his daughter Monica. She is a wonderful testament to his love, his character, his dovotion to doing it right everytime. Thank you Ralph, for allowing me to reap the rewards of your greatest work. I am glad to have known you for the short time I did. and sad to not be able to have any more lunches like the last.

His future son in law,

Joe

monica arias

January 30, 2009

Useless Things (title and format borrowed from Kira)

A pair of snips without your hand
a walk on the beach without any sand
Don McClean without American Pie
The color green without your eye

A Fordor plate without a car
ole Bing swingin' without a star
A rod-run without you driving
a really good story without your jivin'

The number 3 without a 2
How my heart is breaking without you
A dragster race that doesn't stop
That is me without my Pop.

Chris Lopez

January 30, 2009

My relationship with Ralph Arias began at birth as Ralph was a very dear and long time friend to my father. My earliest memories of Ralph began at local bowling alleys, 49er home games and his home in Redwood City. My father often brought me with him when he would stop by after work to visit Ralph and Diane. I would characterize their home as the equivalent of “Central Perk” the stop-by coffee shop of the popular TV series “Friends”. And, it was just that, friends constantly stopping by.

Thinking back nearly 37 years ago I remember three distinct things about their home. Extremely high-backed dining room chairs; a three car garage full cars and parts, with the shiniest one behind door number one and a room full of towering trophies* that stood about as high as my shoulders. Those trophies dwarfed the only two I had.

I remember one time gazing into the rear panel of the 32, mesmerized as it cast a flawless mirrored sphere in black lacquer. I could see everything behind me in the sharpest of detail. I then stepped a bit closer to get a better look when Ralph’s voice rang out “Could you take your jacket off? I can’t help but notice the zipper on it”. I don’t blame him a bit. That car was “Flawless”. You couldn’t buy a new car off the assembly line as perfect as this. My dad explained to me that the car was assembled with Allen bolts. It had a Chevy V8, a Corvette rear end and air conditioning. I was naïve at the age of 12 but even I knew those weren’t Ford options in 1932. How in the world did he get all this to fit in this car? The answer; hard work, creativity, ingenuity and determination.

As years went by, Ralph and Diane moved to Bonnie Doon and we continued to see them at parties, birthdays, weddings and every year in Felton where my parents vacationed. I always looked forward to seeing them. Diane’s constant compliments and listening to Ralph’s stories (especially his political views).

Several years ago my dad told me that Ralph was working on yet another classic car. One he had always dreamed of building. He told me of all the custom parts he was fabricating for it. I saw only a few pictures of what he was doing, but rest assured I knew he would produce another classic. The first time I saw the roadster was at the San Mateo show. It was the first car visible when I walked in the front door.

It was stunning.

It was a beautiful combination of taste, class, muscle and refinement. He stole the show. I know I sound biased, but had I not known that that was Ralph’s car I would have picked it as the standout of the show. Another rolling work of art.

It’s hard to imagine how you can start with a vision and then begin building. Because, every change or modification you make effects another portion or function of the car. And yet he brings it all together harmoniously. Better than the original product. Maybe if Ralph was in Detroit they wouldn’t need a bailout.

I’m not sure we will see the talents of Ralph or anyone else of this generation again. Craftsmanship, honor and integrity may be a trait of the past.

In my line of business I try to strive for excellence. Often I find myself redoing tasks because they don’t meet MY standards, even if my client was happy with the first attempt (maybe I’m OCD). Yet I know Ralph has set the bar even higher.

I have placed Ralph’s picture on my desk as a reminder of excellence; as I will always strive to raise my standards.

Ralph was a good friend of my father and a good friend of mine. My father respected and adored him. He will truly be missed.

* Kids; this was a time when you only got trophies for wining.

alyssa holmquist

January 28, 2009

I have know Ralph my entire life - he was like a second dad to me. I knew he would always be there if my family needed anything. He was the most wonderful friend my parents could have asked for.

I always talked about designing stuff with Ralph one day....time passes so quickly....I wish I seized the day and spent time doing more with Ralph over the past couple years.

One of the first times I felt like I had reached adulthood was after a year abroad in Italy, I met up with my dad + Ralph for dinner when they were visiting for a car show. We sat and had a 3+ hour dinner and a nice bottle of wine (or maybe 2) - and I got to practice my Italian ordering their dinners (we had an authentic italian waiter transplanted to southern california). It was so nice to be old enough to share some wine and conversation with Ralph and my dad - I felt all grown up.

I will cherish my lifetime of memories with Ralph. He was a wonderful husband, father, and friend. I miss him so much.

Love + prayers to you: Diane, Monica, + Timmy.

Nor and Shirley Souza

January 28, 2009

Diane, Monica, Tim and families,
We were so saddened to learn of Ralph's passing. Having known all of you for almost 40 years, we have good memories of a very special, gentle man. Nor and Ralph had so many shared talents and interests. You are all in our thoughts and prayers, and Ralph will always hold a special place in our hearts. We are so sorry we were unable to be with you on Monday.

Monica Arias

January 27, 2009

I Love My Dad
I cannot honor my father on earth without first honoring my Father in heaven. The Almighty God, Creator of the Universe chose to reveal himself to us first by relationship. That relationship, that history with our God began with the Jews. The rich lineage of these chosen people is how God chooses to reveal His story. And it is through the redemptive work of Jesus, Immanuel, God-with-us that the rest of us can be adopted into God’s family and be loved just the same as God’s own children, to fully participate without reservation in the blessing of communion with our father in heaven.

God’s gracious story of love toward his children begins with an adoption. My own story also begins with an adoption. Bear in mind, to honor the man I call Dad (Father, Pops, Papi) I must share the sense of humor we had between us. If you don’t get it, it’s ok because I know that Dad does. We gave each other a hard time a lot, but always in love.
If I ever crossed the line I could always remind him “HEY, I’m no accident! You chose me!” He would sometimes tell people that he picked me out at the orphanage. “Eenie, meenie, miney, MO!” and named me Monica.

Hardly a day went by that I didn’t remind him that I was his favorite daughter. And hardly a day went by that I didn’t remind him that he was my favorite father! “That’s really saying something,” he would say, “You’ve got more than one!” And if my Godfather was around he’d say, ‘How many fathers you got?!”

A few of you have expressed having told Dad that you love him. Don’t let it bother you, he couldn’t say it back, but he loved you in his way. He had so much love and support and care, and it was so overwhelming and humbling for such a strong, independent, capable go-getter of a guy. Dad did say “I love you” to me as a child, and even if he hadn’t it wouldn’t have mattered because I knew he did. But he couldn’t say it to my girls to which I want to say, Girls: you know your Papa loved you so much. And if you don’t believe that today, I know you will someday. You are the motivation for so many of his labors. Often when I said “I love you, Dad,” he would respond with a BLEH or a crinkled nose or a raspberry. And I know that’s his ways of saying I love you back. But many times his response was just, “Thank you,” which many of you are probably familiar with.

When we are children we think our Dads are super smart, super strong, magical superheros. We could pound on him and he’d say, “You can’t hurt steel.” Just like superman. My brother and I almost fell over when in the superman movie with Christopher Reeves, Lois Lane asks superman if he has a name and the reply was, “You mean like Ralph or something?”

The earliest memory I have of Dad is when I was two in preschool and there was a Daddy Day. I remember showing him around and doing a painting of my hand. He went to the one when I three and in teacher Janet’s class. It was always a BIG DEAL to have Dad at school. I remember him going to some of our swimming lessons, horseback riding lessons, my volleyball games, plays through Campfire Girls and Christmas choirs. And anytime I did any sort of public performance, he would try to make me laugh. Such a troublemaker! He’d do one of these….And he never outgrew that! Whenever one of my girls had a performance he would do the same to them, be it for church or school.

When I was four Dad decided he wanted to take me on my first date. I got to pick the restaurant so I picked Lyons. Now, he wanted something a little fancier, but like a good date, let me have my way. I remember getting dressed up and meeting Mom and Tim at Stickneys for dessert after. We’ve had many dates since. During extended stays in Redwood City at my grandmother’s he would sometimes come and pick me up during his work day and take me to lunch or on work errands. I remember him dropping me off one time after and my aunt was there and she said, ‘Your father LOVES you,’ and I was thinking, ‘well, DUH’. I never doubted it. But these times in the car together, and especially when he would drive me to and from friend’s houses in RWC in combination with his commute…these were the best times. He would tell me stories about his life and teach me important lessons about life. One of my favorite stories, which I can’t remember the details of now, involved him and his boss Leo getting chased by a pig. Another was how he got a loan by telling the interviewer to call his company’s Vice President for a reference. When the call came through, it went right to him…he was the VP and gave himself and excellent reference! Then there’s the story of how he acquired the roadster—you’ll have to visit the website for the details.

He also had a few mottos. One of his mottos was, “You can’t con a con-man” if I ever tried to pull one over on him. How about, “No hill for a climber” or if you asked how he was he often said, “Not bad for the shape I’m in…” I remember around 7th grade asking him about racism and he said, “You cut everyone open and they’re all pink inside.” On giving up he would say, “You might as well dig a hole and jump in it because someday you’re gonna die…” As we know, Dad lived by those words; never did he quit.

I’ve enjoyed many dates with Dad over my life. But the biggie, as you may already know, was our trip to Canada in the Roadster. Precious, priceless, valuable memories with my Pop, who was a little slower than he used to be, needed a little more looking after than he used to but, but was still every bit of the teenage hot-rodder he once was. A few of you here were a part of that trip and my heart is full of gratitude.

Even during his 54 zaps of radiation treatment he was still taking me on dates. We did a drive-by of the lamps on Menlo Avenue he admired as a kid and grew up to copy which now sit in his driveway on the brick pillars he laid himself. From there, we went to a park we used to go to when I was little for a picnic lunch Mom packed. We had a few other special outings over the course of his treatment on the days I was his driver. “I’ve got my B Team today,” he would tell people on his catch-up phone calls.

Through my Dad’s circumstances, I’ve seen so much of God’s grace during these past months. Through your love, support, prayers and care. He couldn’t always get back to your calls, but he got every one of the messages. He was touched by your concern, touched by the meals you helped provide, and touched by the many ways you showed your affection for him.
The bonus gifts to me in the last few months: taking dad to Stanford, we got in a few more dates. Having my dad with me at the Christmas Eve service after completing his radiation treatment. Spending Christmas in Bonny Doon with him and Mom and my fiancé Joe and his children and watching the snow drift down from the sky. Having an afternoon on January 2 with the entire Connors clan. Three days before he passed, he slipped and told Mom he loved me; the day before he died, Joe and I happened to be in the area around lunch time, so with the girls and Kira’s friend Allison, we all had lunch at Mom and Dad’s. It was a beautiful day and we ate on the deck and Dad was so cheerful and cute; he really seemed to be feeling better. And Dad got to hear more from the heart of the man I am going to marry. All of these mercies, special little gifts from God, for me to treasure when I reflect on the last few months with Dad.

When we were leaving their house, I put my arm around Dad, scratched his back and said, “Guess what Dad? You LOVE me!” He nodded his head and that is my last living memory of him. I am so blessed.

To have had Dad pass, with his mind in tact, in Bonny Doon, in his chair, remote in hand, wearing a Roy Brizzio Shop Party T-Shirt, in his sleep…is there any better way he could have gone? Thank you God, that this man in whom you bestowed so much talent, so many friends, so much capability, wisdom and influence, would go in such peace, such dignity, and with such love surrounding him. God, you are good. You picked the best dad for me.

When Gary from the Chapel was showing me caskets and explaining the different gauges and metals, I had to chuckle. Dad would SO have an opinion about this. I said to Gary, “If Dad knew this were coming, he would have made his own copper box.” How fitting, that Mom chose the copper. Dad would have been upset at the cost… He always said to bury him out next to Sport in our pet cemetery.

Dad died on our darling Amanda’s 32nd birthday. The blessing, Amanda, is that you will always think of good ole’ Ralph on your birthday. And just for grins, he’ll lay to rest in plot number 2232, for which Mom has receipt number 1932. There are so many stories I could tell about my Dad but I hope you will come up and share some of your stories.

The night Dad died I had been reading my Bible in the book of Job. I came across some verses and made a mental note to myself to remember them so that I could share them with Dad. I didn’t get that chance but I would like to share them now with you:

Job 11:13-18

If you prepare your heart you will stretch out your hands toward him.

If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away, and let not injustice dwell in your tents.

Surely then you will lift up your face without blemish, you will be secure and will not fear.

Phil Cool

January 27, 2009

I remember stopping by Ralph's garage late at night on my way home from machining parts for my 32 roadster. He was such an inspiration to me and gave me support when I needed it most. We had fun on rod runs and at swap meets in the 70's to. I have never forgot Ralph and have talked to him many times with that voice in my head. I really regret not having taken the initiative to look him up since I move out of town. One thing I will always have though are the great memories of the times we spent together. I am sure Ralph will be looking after
Diane, Tim and Monica. You are all in my prayers.

Wayne Rochon

January 26, 2009

I wish we could have met at some time. Anybody that is a friend of Clarke Pringle's would most certainly been one of mine.

Clarke Pringle

January 26, 2009

Craftsman, teacher, builder, gentleman, an old friend you'd just met. Great stories of Half Moon Bay and Fremont, smiles and laughs 'til you had tears in your eyes. Thanks for all of it Ralph, especially for the way you said "...you can do it." I'll never forget that.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Julie and Craig Markley and family

January 25, 2009

Dearest Ralph, it's hard to express the sadness that we feel about this tremendous loss in our lives. You were an amazing person and we are going to miss your great stories and beautiful smile, you could really light up the room. You were the most sincere person that I have ever met and I am such a better person for have knowing you. Every time I make bread, Ralph, I will think of you.
When we heard of your passing, one of the first things I thought of was my mom waiting to greet you and giving you a huge hug for all of us.
God must have really needed a model car built or an ace for his bowing team to have taken you so young.
Until we meet again, dear Ralph, we'll always hold you near.
Our love and prayers to Diane, Tim, Monica and girls, we are here for you.

Ray & Lynne Keck

January 23, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers will be with Ralph's Family in the days and weeks ahead. He will be missed.

Chris Casillas

January 23, 2009

I can only remember Ralph from when I was a boy, playing with his children Tim and Monica. I remember the passion he had for his cars, his straightforward attitude and his attention to detail in everything he did. He will be missed. God Bless.

Willie King

January 23, 2009

I got to know Ralph early in the '80s. He'd visit Felton Bowl, at first occasionally, and then he became a regular. His warm, engaging personality soon endeared him to everybody at the bowl -- employees and customers alike. I started calling him "Uncle Ralph" as a term of endearment, and soon everybody came to know him by that moniker.
He certainly had a huge capacity to touch everyone he came in contact with -- and my life was greatly improved by knowing and befriending him.

Alberta Patterson

January 23, 2009

Although I never new Ralph, I can see his goodness lives on in his precious little girl, Monica, Blessings on you all as you grieve the loss of, remember, and celebrate the life of the man who filled your lives with all that is wonderful.

Bob and Jan Casillas

January 23, 2009

Ralph was one of the most optomistic, positive, and caring persons that we have ever had the
pleasure to know. He always had a
story to tell, and they were always
worth the hearing. We are better
people for knowing him, and we will
miss him so much.

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