Ralph Elbert Garner

Ralph was born in Longmont, CO, on March 23, 1933, to Elbert and Amy Garner, and graduated from Longmont High School in 1951. After high school, he married his wife Theresia and had many careers and interests, including his family’s road construction business, journeyman electrician, and certified welder. In 1965 he designed and built the house in which he and Theresia raised their children. In 1973 he decided to follow his passion and open his own business, The Ship’s Wheel Marine Center. Ralph and his family hosted a Swedish exchange student, Kent Jacobsson, with whom he became lifelong friends. In retirement, a love of the Arizona desert led them to Queen Valley, where they spent their winters.

Ralph loved to be outdoors and his favorite hobbies were hunting and fishing, and he never lacked for funny stories about his adventures. He also enjoyed golfing and watching the critters in Arizona. As a young man, he was a member of the B.P.O.E. and Jaycees, as well as a lifelong member of St. Vrain Lodge #23 AF&AM and was a 32° Scottish Rite. He was a member of LifeBridge Christian Church.

He and his wife raised two children, both graduates of Longmont High School. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Theresia; son, Curt (Donna) of Rio Rancho, NM; daughter, Karen (Rick) of Longmont; five grandchildren: Andrew (Ashli), David, Amy, Jim and Jessica; two great grandchildren: Olivia and Brendan, and his honorary son, Kent Jacobsson of Hofterup, Sweden.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday April 22, 2016, at Foothills Gardens of Memory, Longmont, CO.

Memorial contributions are requested to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Hunter Education, Attn: Kris Eng, 6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216. Please include his name “Ralph Garner” in the memo.