Ralph Raymond Heyward

Ralph Raymond Heyward of Bellevue, WA passed away peacefully on September 13, 2023, at the age of 82, surrounded by his daughters, grandchildren, great grandchild and his dear friend, Jerry by his side.

Born on July 8, 1941, to Ralph and Alma (Brown) Heyward, Ralph, with his late sister Helena, lived his early life in Philadelphia, PA, attending Dunlap Elementary before moving to Shoemaker Junior High School in West Philadelphia. At Overbrook High School, he was a successful cross-country and track and field runner. His true passion, however, was basketball, and he excelled as a standout player at Overbrook, helping to lead the team to three consecutive Philadelphia City Championships from 1957 through 1959. He received the coveted All-American honor recognition as a senior in 1959, and was also named Overall City Player of the Year by the Markward Club. The ’57-’59 Overbrook team is said to be considered the second-best team to come from Philadelphia, behind Wilt Chamberlain's '54-'55 Overbrook team. After high school in 1960, Ralph attended the University of Kansas, where he continued playing basketball as a Kansas Jayhawk before transferring to Seattle University to complete his academic studies and basketball pursuits. At Seattle University, Ralph would not only go on to be a prominent player for the Redhawks, but also to meet the love of his life, Pat (McCabe) Heyward.

After graduating from Seattle University, Ralph began his career at KING 5, where he spent 18 years in radio sales and management. In 1984, Ralph went on to work for Sun Belt, where he managed, with his team, to put KMGI, Magic 107.7 on the air. In 1988, Ralph went on to manage Blair Radio, commuting between Seattle and Portland, before being hired as General Sales Manager of KOMO Radio in Seattle. After 22 fulfilling years at KOMO Radio, Ralph retired to spend more time with his family.

Ralph was a believer in giving back. Over his life he served on the Board of Directors for Children’s Hospital Seattle as well as Overlake Hospital. He also spent many years on the Board for the Bellevue Boys and Girls Club and most recently was a Fire Commissioner for the City of Bellevue. Ralph was involved in community, peace, and justice initiatives, including as an active member of the IFA (Interracial Family Association). Ralph also gave back to Bellevue and Seattle youth over the years through time spent coaching basketball and being a mentor in the VIBES program (Volunteers in the Bellevue Education System) at Stevenson Elementary. Outside of this, Ralph formed profound friendships and brotherhood as a long-time active member of Men's Group.

Ralph was a family man. He and Pat had their first child, Sheri, in 1966, and completed their family with the birth of Megan six years later. He loved spending time at home with his family, playing and watching basketball with his daughters, and tending to his garden (with special attention to his beloved roses). Ralph dedicated his life to raising his family in Bellevue, WA. He is survived by his daughters, Sheri and Megan (Andrew); his four grandchildren, Kianna, Alia, Alexandra, and Sebastian; and his great-grandchildren, Amarece and Kalani. His family, friends and colleagues will never forget him. He leaves an outstanding legacy and goes on to be reunited with his beloved Pat, wife of 55 years, his late mom, dad and sister Helena.

Just prior to his passing, the clouds parted, and the sun shone through, ushering him gently on his way.

In lieu of flowers, his family would ask that you consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.