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Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel - Santa Cruz

1050 Cayuga St

Santa Cruz, California

Ralph Edwards Obituary

Ralph Reuben Edwards
September 3, 1923, - January 22, 2014
49 Year North Coast Resident
Services will be held in Santa Cruz on Saturday for longtime Santa Cruz resident and North Coast rancher, Ralph Edwards, who died at Stanford Hospital in Palo Alto with his loving family at his bedside. Born in Westminster, California, he was 90 years old. Mr. Edwards served his country in the US Navy during WW II and saw action in the Pacific Theater. Following his service in the Navy, Mr. Edwards returned to Westminster, and farmed his father's property with his brother until the mid-1950. He then moved to Chico, California and ranched there for a number of years before moving to Santa Cruz in 1965. For the past 49 years, Mr. Edwards has operated both his Coast Road Ranch in Santa Cruz, and the Red White and Blue Beach. His family will forever remember his passion for living on his ranch, his rugged nature and work style, and of course the funny stories that often went along with his management of the beach and campground.
Mr. Edwards was a car aficionado and a member of the Horseless Carriage Club. He restored many automobiles including his 1912 LaFrance Fire Truck, '35 Ford Coupe and a 1922 Dodge. He loved to go ocean fishing right in front of his property, and enjoyed working with his son who now helps maintain the ranch.
Mr. Edwards is survived by his five children; Roger Edwards of Thailand, Rhonda Abel of Lake Tahoe, Kristin Scofield and her husband Philip of Soquel, Janie Edwards of Chico, and Roland Edwards of Santa Cruz. He also leaves his seven beloved grandchildren: Roger Ralph Edwards II, Stacie Edwards, Andy Nelson, Mandy Alamillo, Heather Scofield, Amber Tesler, Heidi Locatelli; and nine great grandchildren: Duke Edwards, Nicole Lloyd, Austin Lloyd, Olivia Nelson, Anthony Rastellini, Hayden F. Tesler, Wyatt A. Tesler, Kyle Scofield, and Kayla Barros. Mr. Edwards also is survived by his brother, Roland Edwards of Westminster, CA.
Friends and family will gather to say farewell on Saturday, February 1, 2014 at Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel in Santa Cruz beginning at 3 p.m. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Westminster Memorial Park beside his loving wife, Kathleen Edwards who preceded him in death this past year. Any kind acts of charity can be made in Mr. Edward's memory to Disabled American Veterans, www.dav.org or a charity of your choice.

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

Published by Santa Cruz Sentinel on Jan. 28, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Edwards

Not sure what to say?





Valerie bland

January 22, 2025

Ralph miss your smiling face. My family enjoyed many Years coming to the red white blue blue Beach. My kids and myself have some wonderful memories from those days. Thank you.

Chris Stone

January 22, 2022

Still think of you, your enduring smile and the fun times at Red White and Blue beach. Hard to believe it´s all gone except for memories. The nightly campfires, huge pig roasting on a spit, fireworks shot out over the ocean until it was banned, the year everyone had shields set up because it was windy for months, and of course the Scaroni ghost. Wonder if it still haunts there....

Barbara Rae Baker

January 22, 2021

Miss his dearly he was a wonderful caring gentleman and long term friend met Ralph 1966 at the Red White and Blue Beach my daughter was 4 years old and my daughter and I flew out to visit Ralph about a year before he passed So glad we did . I think of him often and his great humor and care for his good friends He will always be missed one of a kind man full of spirit God Bless Barb Baker

Barbara Baker

January 22, 2021

MISS HIM DEARLY EACH DAY HIS SMILE LAUGHS AND HIS WONDERFUL FRIENDSHIP

valerie bland

October 13, 2014

October 13, 2014
My condolences to the family of Ralph Edwards. I only just learned of his passing. My family and I have so many fond memories of the weekends spent at the RWB beach. My kids were 5, 7 and 12 when we first discovered paradise. They are now 40, 42 and 47. I remember easter eggs being hidden in the sand for the children. Loosing my kids one evening only to find them around someone else's campfire roasting marshmallows. You gave us so many happy memories. RIP Ralph.

Joyce Stafford

February 8, 2014

My love to you Uncle Ralph. Your niece.

Diane

February 4, 2014

To the family of Ralph and Kathleen
Many a fond memory of hauling a trailer (first a tent) over the hill, Friday afternoon until the last of the sunset on Sunday….repeat over and over for many consecutive years. Wonderful memories- my children enjoying healthy and happy outings, potlucks and community camp fires, lasting friendships! Fond discussions with Ralph and Kathleen about pride of service and ghosts! Rest peacefully, Ralph and Kathleen, knowing the joy you created by sharing yourselves and your beach world.

Annika Corley

February 1, 2014

Thank you for so many wonderful weekends at Red, White and Blue beach. My condolences to all of Ralph's family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Tony Sanchez

February 1, 2014

Thank you Ralph for so many beautiful memories at RWB.

January 31, 2014

I would like to express my deepest condolences to all the Edwards family for your recent loss. If your dad had another moment I am sure he would convey to each and everyone you that he very much appreciates the time you will spend in reflection of the life you sheared for so many years.

Robert Wolfe

David Foote

January 31, 2014

Ralph was a Great American and the essence of a California gentleman from the old school. It's hard to imagine a more perfectly Californian place than his Red, White, and Blue Beach, from which I carry countless memories. So long Ralph, you will be dearly missed.

Ralph at the entrance to RW&B Beach

Rich Pasco

January 30, 2014

Rich Pasco

January 30, 2014

So many wonderful weekends at Red, White & Blue beach began with this man at the gate. He was always a good host who did his best to keep everything peaceful and orderly. I will forever remember him.

January 30, 2014

My parents were avid skin divers & surfers & whenever we'd head to Santa Cruz, the mailbox let me & my brother know we were almost there! Thanks to the Edwards family for this "signpost" memory

Barbara Baker

January 30, 2014

Since I will not be able to attend the service for Ralph being so far away in Bagley MN, I wanted to add a candle fo Ralph in loveing memory God Bless and Hope his spirit stays with us forever.

Katherine Cerino

January 30, 2014

Red, White and Blue will always hold a special place in my heart. The family that was created there, the gorgeous beach, the canyon, Thanksgivings. We are so lucky that Ralph allowed us all to share his special piece of property.

Tom King

January 30, 2014

RWB was a special place, and Ralph a special person. Made many longtime friends and memories. Forgot to sign previous entry.

Chris Stone

January 29, 2014

So sorry to hear...every weekend from Memorial Day through Thanksgiving, for over 10 years. What great memories of one of the most beautiful beaches along the Santa Cruz coast. My daughter literally grew up there. My prayers are with your family.
Chris Stone

fred and mary

January 29, 2014

Going to miss working with you

V. Tim Keene

January 29, 2014

I spent 30 years camping and raising my children, Colleen and Heather at Red White and Blue beach, and we always missed it, and Ralph when it closed. The end of a memory.

Linda Morejohn

January 29, 2014

RWB was indeed a special place created by a special family. I discovered it in 1975 and enjoyed the peaceful beach, camping, bonfires, and times with friends. I even met the man I married there. Wishing your family the same wonderful memories of times well spent.

Jill Mesaris

January 28, 2014

So many wonderful memories from age two up to age 51, visired Ralph in 2012 so glad my mother and I did...He was a very spiritual part of my life..Will miss him dearly...Love to all the family

Barbara Baker

January 28, 2014

I was introduced to Ralph in 1964 at RWB, He has been a very special and spiritual part of my life and my family,he will be forever in my heat for the change he made in my life, Love and Condolences to all the family. He will be missed dearly.

January 28, 2014

RWB changed many lives for the better, mine included. I've made many longtime friends because of Ralph & RWB, as have so many others. RWB was a special place, and Ralph was a special person.

Jim,Marianne&Annika Haglund

January 28, 2014

Thank you for all the years of beach and camping,many wonderful dinners with good friends and sometimes you with your funny stories.Our daughter Annika often remarks on what a wonderful,magical childhood she had there.Thank you is not enough but it will have to do,thank you Ralph.

Sheri Tye

January 28, 2014

Thank you Ralph for so many happy memories at your lovely beach in Santa Cruz. Love to your whole family. You will be greatly missed!

Mia Piazza

January 28, 2014

With deepest Sympathy, My prayers go out to the family.

January 28, 2014

So sorry to hear of Ralph's passing, my prayers go out to his family. My Inlaws, husband and I used to camp at the RWB for several years. Met alot of nice people there, love waking up to the sound of the ocean.

Surryhne Family.

sherry gomez

January 28, 2014

Ralph thanks gor all the good times at your beach rip frank and sherry gomez

Vern & Jan Williamson

January 28, 2014

Ralph and the RWB are responsible for so many memories and friendships. He'll be missed.

Julie Cook

January 28, 2014

We will miss you dearly. May God guide you up to His palace forever.

Rest in Paradise Ralph Edwards

Manny & Linda Lopez

January 28, 2014

Ralph, Kathleen and Red White and Blue were weekend and summertime staples for our family for years. My kids don't hesitate to say they had the best childhood ever. Thank you Ralph. We will miss you.

Diantha Stensrud

January 28, 2014

Dear Family of Ralph Edwards,
My sincere condolences to you at this time. I have many good memories of Ralph from my camping trips at the beautiful RWB Beach.This unique California place will go down in history with its returning visitors each summer. The music, volley ball games and evening potluck dinner parties with music being played by many campers, were great times! I think that You and your wife are both enjoying a reunion now up in your own pretty heavenly beach in the clouds. Thank you for all you gave to us during your lifetime! RWB was a rare jewel of the Santa Cruz coast line.
Sincerely yours,
diantha duckworh stensrud

TerriLynn SantaCruz

January 28, 2014

Thank you Ralph for sharing your beautiful property with all of us for so many years.

Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results

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Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel - Santa Cruz

1050 Cayuga St, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

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