Paul Ralston was a husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, teacher, and friend. He passed away at 91 surrounded by family to be with the Lord. Paul was born November 7, 1925 in Diamond Center, Iowa to Reverend John L. and Grace E. Ralston. He was the youngest of three children with an older brother Lowell, and sister Margaret. He lived in several Iowa towns, moving frequently as his father was given charge of new churches. Paul graduated High School in Salix, IA. He continued his education graduating from George Williams College in Chicago, IL and then receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in 1943 from Morningside College in Sioux City, IA. He taught for one year in Climbing Hill, IA before entering the United States Navy. Paul was a WWII veteran serving as an Aviation Machinist’s Mate Third Class from 1 Mar 1944 to 14 Jun 1946. He went to Boot Camp in Pensacola Florida at NASS, Barin Field, Flight Engineer Training on the PBY Aircraft at NASS, Bronson Field, Florida and Preflight Training at USNPFS, St Mary’s College Alameda Air Station in San Francisco, California. He was also stationed at USNTC, Great Lakes, IL, Air Transport Squadron Number Two and Navy V-12, STC, Minot, ND. Paul enlisted a second time in the USNR-Reserves 15 Jun 1946 to14 Jun 1946 serving in the Naval Active Reserve Pool Ninth Naval District. He reenlisted a third time 15 Jun 1954 to 14 Jun 1958. He was awarded the Victory and American Campaign Ribbons. After completing his service, he worked at the Southtown YMCA in Chicago IL. He met his future wife, Martha Salato, at Lake Villa, IL. They were both on staff at Camp Cutten. Paul served as the camp’s Craft Director and Martha was the Camp Nurse. They were united in marriage March 10, 1956 at Grace United Methodist Church in Sioux City, IA, officiated by Paul’s father. Paul and Martha celebrated 61 years together. They lived in Independence, MO and Marion, IA. Paul worked as the Executive Secretary of the YMCA for the Independence, MO Office working out of Raytown, MO. To this union they were blessed with four children, Craig, Donna, Paula and Barbara. He was a man of faith and always admired his family. During his time working with the “Y” he worked with the youth of Raytown, MO. He ran a Gray Y program for grade school children treating them with special trips to downtown Kansas City, MO to swim. He started a baseball program called the “Stove Top” league for children that couldn’t play on the Little League teams allowing everyone a chance to play. Paul took many youth on canoe trip adventures down the Mississippi River starting at St. Anthony Falls, the head waters. At the age of thirteen Paul’s parents traveled to Colorado which left quite an impression on him and the want to return one day. So in 1962, he made the move to Colorado first living in Boulder and than in rural Boulder County. Paul taught 25 year at Northglenn Junior High in Northglenn, CO. Teaching Introductory to Physical Science (IPS), coaching 7th grade intramural basketball, and driving school bus to numerous school events. He took a bus load of students annually to the Air Force Academy. He worked with the Boulder Parks and Recreation’s Summer Youth Program for three years teaching many of the Boulder youth. Paul was an avid rock and mineral collector. There was never a rock he didn’t love. He joined the Flatirons Mineral Club (FMC) in 1962. He served as Club President two times, served on the club’s board, was on the show committee many years, and was Committee Chairman for the Rock and Mineral Show’s Special Exhibits. He helped to initiate the Flatiron Mineral Club’s Scholarship Program where he served as the Committee Chairman. Scholarships are awarded annually to students at the Colorado School of Mines to further their education in the field of geology. He was also a member of the Colorado Mineral Society and WIPS Paleontology Society - Fossils. He was also involved in the Niwot Senior Advisory Committee to help seniors in the Niwot area. Paul was an Amateur Radio Operator. He was a member of The First United Methodist Church of Boulder for 55 years serving on various committees over the years. He was a life time member of the American Legion. Paul had a beautiful tenor voice and loved to sing. He was a member of the Senior Saints that sang all around the area including retirement homes and schools. He sang many solos and was complimented many times. Paul is survived by his wife Martha, his four children: Craig (Linda) Ralston, Donna (Michael) Richter, Paula (Larry) Thompson and Barbara Ralston. Five Grandchildren: Rebekah (Joe) Savo, Jessica (John) Bradley, Sarah (Jesse) Hostetter, Christopher and Travis Richter. Four Great Grandchildren: Johnathan Ralston, Charles Savo, Nora and Madeline Bradley. As a young boy Paul moved many times leaving old friends and making new friends. Dr. Cutshall told him “Just think how many more friends you’ll have by doing this”. Paul found friends everywhere he went—no one was a stranger. He possessed a loving heart and great compassion for others. Paul never failed to lift the spirits of those around him. He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed. Memorials can be given to the Flatiron Mineral Club Scholarship Fund C/O Paul Ralston at 8952 Audubon Court Longmont, CO 80503. Arrangements under the direction of Crist Mortuary, Boulder, CO.
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