Ralph was born in 1920 in West Jordan, Utah, to George and Edith. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Marjorie and Carol; and brother, Kenneth. He is survived by his sister, Faye (Walch) of Salt Lake City.

In 1941, Ralph reported to Boeing Field in air traffic control with the Civil Aeronautics Authority (CAA). He transferred to Portland for military defense and worked at the downtown library spotting airplanes. Ralph met his wife of 66 years, Virginia, on a Northwest Portland ice rink. She skated by and tripped him. In 1943, Ralph was stationed at Navy Sand Point in air traffic control. The couple married in 1946 and raised their three children in Portland. Ralph retired from the Federal Aviation Administration at the Portland Airport.

He loved carving, singing, fishing and Hood Canal. Virginia passed in 2008.

Ralph is survived by his daughters, Julie Bateman Accuardi (Nick) and Jean Bateman; son, Jay Bateman; and grandchildren, Sara Accuardi and Nicole Accuardi.

Ralph lived to make each day the very best.

We thank all who helped Ralph achieve his goal. Remembrances to LifeSPAN of Redmond, Washington, or Wilshire United Methodist Church Native American Fellowship.