Ralph Patterson

Ralph Patterson, a loving husband, Dad, Grandpa, Papa, Pop, G’PA, friend, softball and racquetball enthusiast, avid Denver Bronco fan, and role model, left this world for a more peaceful resting place. On March 19th, 2012 at 4:00 pm, at the age of 75, he succumbed to complications brought on by a heart attack.

His family is holding a softball game and barbeque/potluck on Saturday, March 24th, 2012 from 1:00-3:00 pm at Goose Gossage Park to honor Ralph, by doing one of the things that he enjoyed most. Goose Gossage Park is located on Mark Dabling Blvd., between Fillmore and Garden of the Gods. It is open to anyone who would like to remember the life of such a wonderful, strong man.

Ralph was born on December 28th, 1936 in Charleston, MO. He was one of eight children and spent most of his childhood in Missouri. At the age of 17, Ralph joined the United States Air Force where he was proud to serve his country. During his twenty years in the Air Force, he worked as a radar technician, an electronics technician, and an instructor. He also served overseas in Okinawa and in the Vietnam War.

When Ralph was 18, he walked into a Dairy Queen where he would meet his future wife, Patricia Eiklor. Patricia saw him walk in, saw his blue eyes, and told her friends, “I’m going to marry that man.” A year later on July 21st, 1956 Ralph and Patricia were married. Their love would continue to grow with the arrival of their three children, Teresa (Patrick), Peggy (John), and Mark(Sarah), their eight grandchildren, Eli (Mariah), Ben (Amanda), Katharine, Cori, Ashley (Cori), Kayla, Austin, and Ralph, their six great grandchildren, Daniel, Kloie, Justyn, Caden, Brittani, and Molly.

Since his retirement, Ralph enjoyed playing softball as a pitcher on three different leagues (Over 60 league, Over 70 league, and on a team with his Grandson Eli and all of his friends). Softball was a passion for him. He also enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles, playing horseshoes, going geo-caching, and working around the house. He also worked part time as a school bus driver for the Community Partnership for Child Development.

Ralph was an amazing man. His family meant everything to him and he always found the time to be there for them. Words cannot describe how desperately he will be missed by his loved ones and everyone who was lucky enough to know him. Although our lives will never be the same down here, we take comfort in knowing that he is pitching on God’s team now.