Ralph was born in Chula Vista, California on April 11, 1954. He grew up in a house filled with love in a neighborhood that was full of other children. He was devoted to his parents. He graduated from Hilltop High School in 1973 and attended Southwestern College. His neighbor taught Ralph how to create graphics for cars, and how to install the graphics, and Ralph decided to turn it into a business.
He was the definition of a self-made man. He grew his business during the years so that he had a shop in National City and a mobile service with employees servicing dealerships and body shops. He was a dedicated business owner and very proud of his craft. He operated the business for over 43 years.
Ralph always loved sports and activity growing up. Ralph played soccer, racquetball, and pickleball throughout his life. One of his biggest loves was surfing. He rode the waves from Imperial Beach to San Onofre. He loved the challenge of the sport and the beauty of the ocean.
In 1995 he met his wife, Valorie, and they were married in 2003. She introduced him to her love of cats, wine, and traveling. Together they traveled to many of our national parks, including the Grand Canyon, Zion, Hawaii Volcanoes, and Yellowstone. He always looked forward to annual Labor Day visits to Wisconsin with Valorie’s family. In 2018 they traveled together to Greece, which he loved.
He was diagnosed with ALS in 2015. He approached the disease with spirit and courage. Throughout his illness, he never lost his sense of humor. He would joke with people even when he had to spell every word with his eyegaze tablet. As the disease progressed, Ralph kept his spirit and dignity until the end. He was a kind and gentle soul. He is survived by his wife, Valorie, and his sister and brother-in-law Gloria and Peter, and countless friends.
DONATIONS
The ALS Association, San Diego, California
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