Ralph William Bradshaw

Born in Beaver, Pennsylvania and calling Phoenix, Arizona home, distinguished Arizona teacher, Ralph William Bradshaw died Wednesday, May 29, 2013 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Ralph’s roots in Arizona traced through a talented, Pennsylvanian, musician father, Crammer Bradshaw, who died while Ralph was young. Ralph’s mother; a single mother dedicated to raising her children during the war, and The Great Depression would come to Arizona and live her remaining years with Ralph. His early life was hard, but filled with strong souls. This experience gave Ralph a significant and intense commitment to teaching.

Ralph was a graduate of Beaver High School and Arizona State University. Ralph served with the United States Army. He began his teaching career, and would retire from Coronado High School after 25 dedicated years. He was a respected educator and individual.

I first met Ralph 46 years ago, his first year to teach at Coronado, my second. During nearly a half century of friendship Ralph and I (and three or four of our English department’s teaching pals) Hiked the Grand Canyon, camped at Rocky Point, bowled in a teachers’ league, sponsored school clubs and dances and worked with many of the great students and supportive parents during Coronado’s Golden Years. Wonderful times, lasting memories.

Recently, after he was restricted from driving, I would pick him up say “HI” to his beloved dogs, Buddy and Kiwi, and we would lunch and solve our Nation’s and World’s political woes. God Bless him, he was never shy to express his opinions! Never at a loss for the right word! We had many things in common Ralph and I, and I was blessed in so many ways with his generous friendship and love of life.

I join hundreds of students and legions of fellow teachers and parents to salute him and his lifetime as teacher, role model, mentor, and friend. We will miss you, Ralph Bradshaw.

Your fellow teacher

And friend, Gary Stephens

“Now cracks a noble heart.

Good night, sweet prince,

And flights of angels sing thee

To thy rest!”

--Hamlet---

Act 5, Horatio to Hamlet