Ralph William Gurwell

Ralph served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged in 1953 with a purple heart for his service in the Chosin Reservoir Conflict. He was a member of the Veterans for Peace chapter 72 and was known for his love of the rodeo. Ralph became a bull rider at the age of 50 and never looked back.

When he wasn’t at the rodeo he could be found enjoying the NASCAR races and listening to country music “the old stuff, not the crap today!” he would often say. Although Ralph was a snowbird who spent seasons down in Gila Bend Arizona, he loved camping in Oregon the most where he could relax with his family at Celilo Falls near The Dalles. He loved his children and grandchildren and often invited them to hang out watching NASCAR races. One of Ralph’s fondest memories was of his grandson Robert who at the age of 2 was found inside the refrigerator eating grapes, his favorite snack.

Ralph had a great sense of humor and loved his dog named “Burrito”. He would tell folks that he named his dog “Burrito” because he couldn’t spell “Taco”, which always made everyone laugh. He was a Casanova who loved the mother of his children and always remembered her during his journey through life. Ralph will be missed by all and he will always be remembered in our hearts.

He is preceded in death by his parents Paul and Florence Gurwell; his sister Betty Balzano; his sons Ralph Gurwell, Michael Gurwell and Mark Gurwell; his daughter Marion Gurwell and his beloved dog Burrito.

Ralph is survived by his son Paul Gurwell; his daughter Barbara Gurwell; his four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A committal service will be held at 2:00pm on Wednesday, August 19, 2015 at Willamette National Cemetery, 11800 SE Mt. Scott Blvd., Portland, OR 97086.