Ralph Edward Tackett

Ralph Edward Tackett was born in Portland, OR to Claude and Ruby (Dobkins) Tackett on February 7, 1936. Ralph was the third oldest sibling of six brothers and sisters: Richard, Ruth, Mike (a brother who sadly died at the age of three), Leroy, and Patty. He attended Pleasant Valley Grade School, and attended and graduated from Gresham High School. In high school, Ralph was involved in band and track. Following high school, Ralph went on to a career in the railroad industry. He first worked for the Spokane, Portland and Seattle Railway (SP&S) and later served Burlington Northern which then became the Burlington Northern/Santa Fe. Ralph retired as a yard master after 40 years of service. Ralph served his country with a three-year enlistment in the National Guard between the Korean War and the War in Vietnam.

In the early 1960’s, Ralph met Virginia Hammill, a friend of his brother, in his mother’s kitchen. Although their first meeting did not leave the most positive first impression for either of them, they eventually warmed to one another. The two exchanged wedding vows on December 14th, 1963, in Vancouver, WA. They first settled in NW Portland, later lived in SE Portland, spent 11 years in North Portland, 21 years in Aloha; and finally settled in Hillsboro, where they spent the rest of his days.

Ralph was a loving, dedicated, and supportive father to his children Murray, Rochelle and Thomas. Ralph and Virginia became part of Aloha Church of God in April of 1982, and the two were devoted, involved church members. Ralph served as an elder, Sunday School Superintendent, Trustee, church greeter, usher, food cupboard deliveryman, and in his younger years even played on the church softball team. Ralph especially loved the acts of offering and receiving communion. He loved his church family so much, and they loved him. Ralph had a special place in his heart for the elderly. He served as the church bus driver for the regular Seniors’ gatherings and all their outings for many years; and over the years transported many elderly people to worship services every Sunday.

For fun and recreation, Ralph and Virginia enjoyed league bowling together, and they embarked on many camping and fishing trips to Central Oregon. They traveled together to many destinations in the Western and Southwestern US, and to the Midwest to visit family. The two enjoyed baseball and were Hillsboro Hops season ticket holders since its inception. Over the years, the two became a well-recognized couple of fans, and they forged many special relationships with other returning ticket holders and the great staff at Ron Tonkin Field. Another favorite activity for Ralph and Virginia was community theatre, and the two attended many plays with friends.

It has been mentioned that Ralph and Virginia were “involved in everything.” Wherever Ralph and Virginia frequented, whether it was the baseball field, the Reedville Café, or any of the places where they were regulars, they were an adored and recognized couple. They were connected and involved in the lives of the staff and patrons and they knew many, if not all of them of them, on a first-name basis; the two developed special connections with so many.

Every December, Ralph and his close friend and pastor, Tim Irwin, would drive together to the Oregon Coast to pick up oysters for holiday celebrations back home. It was a special tradition for Ralph and he looked forward to the annual “oyster run” with Tim. He had many long-time friends from his school days and from working on the Railroad.

It has also been said that in certain situations Ralph tried to come off as a bit of a curmudgeon and a prickly grump, but that this façade was not effective for very young children and the elderly. They always seemed to see right through him. There were a few in between those ages who were actually scared (terrified, even) of him; and he had a private chuckle when he successfully convinced them with a coarse exterior. A neighbor who knew Ralph well explained to her daughter that Ralph was like a toasted campfire marshmallow: dark and crusty on the outside and soft and sweet on the inside.

Ralph will be remembered as someone who loved and was so good to his family and friends. He showed his deep love with action in the form of service to his fellow human being. He was a devoted and loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great grandfather, church family member and friend; and he will be missed by all who knew him.

Ralph is predeceased by his parents, all of his siblings, and his son Thomas Tackett.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Virginia; son Murray Tackett; daughter, Rochelle Tackett-Palmer, Tami Rambeau; two grandchildren and their spouses; six great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren, two godsons; many honorary grandchildren; and wonderful friends.

A celebration of Ralph’s life and memory will be held at Aloha Church of God, 18380 SW Kinnaman Road, Aloha, OR, Saturday, June 3, at 2:00 pm.

Ralph will be privately laid to rest in Valley Memorial Gardens, Hillsboro, OR.

Remembrances may be made to Aloha Church of God, or to the charitable organization of your choice.

Please visit the guestbook portion of this site and enter a special memory or message.

Arrangements under the direction of Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, Portland, OR, (503) 292-6611