RALPH E. PHARES
June 12, 1926 ~ November 24, 2012
"Ralph was a devoted husband of Lawana,
a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
He will be greatly missed by
many relatives, friends, and former students."
Ralph E. Phares, age 86, of Vancouver, WA, retired science teacher of Evergreen High School, who taught at EHS for 40 years, passed away in peace at his home on Sat., Nov. 24, 2012. (He retired in 1995.) He was born in Sidney, MT on June 12, 1926 to William and Alice Phares.
Ralph graduated from Lambert, Mt. Hight School as valedictorian. He was an honor graduate of Clark College, B.S. Magna Cum Laude from Lewis & Clark College and M.S. honors from Oregon State University.
Ralph was a veteran of World War II as an Army infantryman who fought in the Philippines; he was proud of his 37th Infantry Division. His prized medals were the Combat Infantry Medal, the Bronze Star for Valor, Good Conduct Philippine Liberation and Independence, Asiatic Pacific, and World War II victory.
He was an avid reader, music listener (especially country), genealogy researcher, stamp and coin and glass collector, traveler in all the USA by car, airplane and Amtrak. He really loved all animals; many cats, dogs, fish, iguanas and birds were his pets.
Ralph's memorable cruises with his wife were Panama Canal, where they visited South America, Costa Rica and Mexico. He loved their Mississippi River Steamboat cruise and the Alaskan cruise.
He is a long time member of the American Legion, VFW, Washington Retired Teachers, AARP and the NEA, WEA and EEA.
Ralph loved his large family of relatives
and dearly loved teaching.
He dedicated his life to family and his teaching.
Ralph's survivors include his wonderful wife of 60 years, Lawana; his close-knit family: daughter, Carla Groce; four sons, Craig (Sheri), Mark (deceased), Lee and Kirk, all of Vancouver, WA; many grandchildren, Kelsi, Cory (Amy), Jamie, Tyler and Kirk Jr. (all Phares'), Jennifer Groce and Kelly (Bart) Sullivan; and our great-grandchild, Emily Sullivan. Ralph had nine brothers and sisters. Only one sister, Amanda (101 years old) is still living in Lodi, CA and only two brothers, Wayne (June) and Daryl, live in Vancouver, WA; and many, many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, William and Alice; dear son, Mark; brothers, Arthur, Wilbert and Orville; sisters, Louise Perry and Ruth Maschera; nephew, Kenneth Phares (killed in the Vietnam War); son-in-law, Kenley Groce (died of mesothelioma); and two other nephews, Art and Raymond Phares.
A funeral service will be held at Columbia Presbyterian Church, where Ralph and Lawana are members, on Sat., Dec. 1, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Heart Association and Hospice Care.
Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
You are still missed to this day. As my granddaughter is at Evergreen now she will miss your wit and wisdom.
Bambi
Other
November 21, 2022
The best teacher I ever had in any school, for ever greatfull, god bless the fami8ly
Don Lee
December 8, 2012
Mr.Phares not only made Biology bearable, but interesting and fun! Truly one of my favorite teachers....My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Sandi (Allen) Lanz
December 5, 2012
Mr Phares made the Biology class the best class that I ever had at Evergreen High just by being the kind of a teacher that he was.Rest easy, my friend and condolences to his family.
Randy Large( class of '59)
December 5, 2012
Mr. Phares was an amazing teacher and friend. Since high school I have stayed in touch with him and Lawanna through their annual Christmas newsletter and Facebook. Ralph was the best teacher that I had. I will truly miss him.
Deanna Lentz McLaughlin
December 4, 2012
I was in Mr. Phares class for 2 yrs and my senior year his assistant,I think that says how great of a teacher he was. I even met my husband in his class (Class of 1974). Its true what one person said you say Mr. Phares, it puts a smile to your face. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Cheryl (Blohm) and Jerry Brough
December 4, 2012
What a wonderful teacher!! Of all the teacher I had in school, he was the kindest and caring of all..He will be missed..
Dixie Nystrom( Barber)
December 4, 2012
Mr. Phares,
I was a young punk fresh from a school in CA (90-91) taking human phys and zoology as a sophomore. Being a year younger than all the rest didn't lower the bar, you expected me to have the best score and it drove me to excel.
There are only 3 teachers in my life that really expected a lot out of me and I reach into that reserve today in my career.
You had an impact Mr. Phares. I will always remember you, and appreciated our long talks after class about science.
God bless you and your family.
Robert (EHS 93)
Robert Quimbey
December 2, 2012
Mr. Phares...
You were amazing. I loved your dry humor and the looks I always got from you. How in the the world did you put up with us all? You made me love science,which inspired me to work in the medical field. God bless you and your incrdible gift for teaching.
To your family I am so sorry for your loss,you will be missed dearly.
December 1, 2012
Mr. Phares was the teacher of all teachers. His lasting impression on all of us that had class with him will forever be honored.
Mike Palmer
December 1, 2012
Just thinking about Mr. Phares' warm smile makes me smile! How lucky are we to have been his students at EHS? He will be missed by all who knew him well and those who just passed through! If only more teachers were just like him. My sincerest sympathy to his family and closest friends.
Lisa Mezi Driver
December 1, 2012
We were fortunate to meet Ralph at the Phares family get-togethers over the years. Though we didn't know him well, he was a joy to talk to, was interested in everything, and I get the feeling that he never met a stranger. Our condolences to his family, friends, and students.
Bill and Mary Griffith
December 1, 2012
Ralph, I will always remember the many nice talks sitting in your living room about anything and everything as the hourly chimes of the "bird clock" rang and the talking continued (for hours!). You were such an interesting person, you always made me laugh! I will most especially remember you as a great "family man", the best I've ever known. Thank you for sharing your true self with me and I loved you for this and many other things. God Bless your soul.
Sherry Ray
December 1, 2012
Mr. Phares will always be the teacher I endeared the most. He touched so many lives and will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Ann Marie Villaluz Harris
November 30, 2012
I wish I could have lived my life as richly as did Ralph. He served as a model for his many students, even those who did not fully apply themselves, of which I was one. I have thought of Ralph many times since knowing him as a great teacher in high school and will fondly remember him forever. Once when we were trying to come up with a name for our biological science team to compete against the other biology class students, I suggested the name "Phares Wheels." It stuck and we were all proud to carry that name to victory!!! He was such a great guy. I will miss him.
Clinton Sturdevant
November 30, 2012
I loved his smile the most. He made me want to come to all my "ology" classes. Mr Phares enjoyed teaching us, even though we were at an obnoxious age. I was lucky enough to get to be a TA for him in 1986. He will always represent the great high school times for me. The world is at a loss without him in it, I cannot even guess how many kids he inspired. Thank you to his family for sharing him with all of his students. Tina Dorey Yorke
November 30, 2012
Mrs. Phares, Carla, Kelly, Bart, Jennifer and Emily; Craig, Kirk and Lee - our sincere condolences on the loss of this wonderful man. You will be in our prayers. Anita, Sharon and Robert Groce
November 30, 2012
Mr. Phares had more influence on me than any other teacher in my life, including college professors. I remember being crushed if I didn't get 100% on his tests, and it was kind of a thrill getting the results . He did that to us kids - he had a way of making us do our best. I was lucky enough to be a Biology assistant to Mr. Phares, so I was able to prolong having him as a teacher a year longer.
He was a tough teacher, but we liked him. On a fairly regular basis, when a bunch of us were cruising around Vancouver looking for something to do, we'd stop in at his house. He'd crack that smile on us, and invite us in for pop and conversation. Pretty amazing.
If all teachers were as good as Mr. Phares and could get through to kids like he did, just imagine the level of education in this country. Good bye and thank you, Mr. Phares.
Craig Smith
November 29, 2012
I was so lucky to count myself as one of his students in 1970 & 1971. I shared that class with my boyfriend/future husband and remember well how he made each class a fun learning experience. My favorite memory of his class was him sending Hugh and Brad Hamburg out into the "breezeway" nearly every day as they were laughing uncontrollably and couldn't settle down. Boys will be boys after all. After a few minutes he would ask them if they had a handle on it and allow them to return. MANY times Hugh would not even make it back to his seat before he was collasping in tears of laughter again. Mr. Ohares NEVER lost his temper about these antics, and one time when Hugh barely made it in the door he banished himself back outside disolved in raucous laughter....Onlt time I saw Mr, Phares, :lose it." And by that I mean HE had to take his own seat, cover HIS face while he dissolved in uncontrollable laughter himself....He was a great teacher and treated us ALL with respect and concern! He truly cared. THAT is the teacher you NEVER forget! Even 40 plus years later....Rest in Peace Mr. Phares! And say "hi" to that crazy student Hugh.....I am sure you will share a laugh or two.....
November 29, 2012
Uncle Ralph always made me feel like family...I will miss him!!
Sandy Phares
November 29, 2012
Mr. Phares was not only a great teacher, but a great example and role model. He had a way of making his students want to learn. As a person, there are none better and we are all much better people for having him as a part of our lives.
Erick Williams
November 28, 2012
Mr. Phares will be greatly missed. He made learning fun and was such a funny instructor. Their arent many teachers that students remember 20 years after graduating but he did, not only with me but with so many students.
Desiree meisner
November 28, 2012
So sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Phares.
> to Lawana and the rest of the family.
Christina
November 28, 2012
Mr. Phares was the BEST teacher!! So funny and always trying to keep me on my toes lol.....He taught me a lot and I will forever be grateful for knowing him since he retired a year after I left Evergreen. You will be missed, Mr. Phares. Prayers go out to your beautiful wife and family!! Hope to see you in heaven!! xoxoxo
Holly Saucke (Burton) EHS 96
November 28, 2012
Mr. Phares will always hold a special place in my heart. An article I wrote for Evergreen High's newspaper on his 35+ years of service won me a scholarship. I also have this little scrap of a plant left that once was a clipping from a plant in his classroom, which I pressed between the pages of my biology book to take home! He was best known for his slogan: 'My students dont care how much I know, until they know how much I care." Those with the pleasure of knowing him would agree that he did both indeed!
Jennifer Boyle
November 28, 2012
Uncle Ralph...I am goung to miss seeing you at our fanily gatherings and all the laughs we had together! U will forever be missed!!
Tanya (Phares) Bradford
November 28, 2012
I loved having Mr. Phares as a teacher at EHS in the 80's. He made learning fun. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Dawn Pongon (Chandler)
November 28, 2012
I will always remember him for his smile and kindness,, he's made a huge influence on so many people...
cindy couch (phares)
November 28, 2012
I am so sorry for the loss of your wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle, and Grandfather. I can only imagine how loved he was in the above capacities because as a teacher he was loved by all who were lucky to have a class with him. I was one of those fortunate students.
Kathryn (Lyons) Ackerman
November 28, 2012
Our EHS class of 1966 was privileged at our 40th reunion in 2006 to have Mr Phares join us. He was so influential on a multitude of young lives and so many students truly loved him. How very proud his family can be of this wonderful, dedicated man.
Bev Hanning Henley
November 28, 2012
Mr. Phares was a great man...not that I ever realized that when I was in school.He led an amazing life. And was an extrememly dedicated teacher. He taught my father in 1964 and taught me in 1992. My heart goes out to the entire Phares family, I know many of them personally and it is a very special family. Bless you all
Lisa Ireton-Randle
November 28, 2012
Grandpa, you were the person i always went to talk to. You were there for me thru everything, you were like a dad to me after i lost my dad. I love you so much. Being at school these last few years has hurt so much cause i havent been there with you and grandma. You were the best and it hurts so much to realize i wont get to see you again. Say hi to dad and uncle mark for me. I miss you!
Jennifer Groce
November 28, 2012
May your memories be a lasting tribute to such a wonderful person.
Lovica Read
November 28, 2012
Mr. Phares was not only an exceptional teacher, he was an amazing person. His humor and ability to put up with my daily antics are what I will always remember about him. He will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.
James Chang
November 28, 2012
What a great and wonderful man, He was my favorite teacher at EHS. He made science fun and exciting. He will be missed by all
Matthew D
November 28, 2012
My sincerest condolences Mr. Phares' family. Ralph was one of my most memorable and impressionable teachers from Evergreen an it was a privilege and pleasure to have been instructed by such a wonderful person. Thank you Ralph for making a difference in the lives of so many students.
D Miller
November 28, 2012
Mr. Phares was an exceptional teacher and man. Very astute, kind, and respectful soul who will be dearly missed!
Sean Driscoll
November 28, 2012
The class of 82 will miss you Mr. Phares. You taught me so much more than biology. Without you I would have never got a degree in physics. We were the lucky ones to have known you.
Bambi Ferguson-Miner
November 28, 2012
Mr Phares was an amazing teacher and person! I loved is classes and he is one of the reasons why I am a teacher today! You will be missed and never forgotten!
Julie Roy (Harbison)
November 28, 2012
Mr. Phares was always my favorite teacher. He was my Human Physiology teacher and then I was his teachers aide. He was funny and made learning so much fun. My thoughts and prayers are with his family now. He will be missed.
Class of '84
Shawn Willson - Iblings
November 28, 2012
A wonderful man. A wonderful life and legacy of accomplishments. Someone for the rest of us to attempt to hold a candle to in our lifetime. Would take an average man two lifetimes to even begin to try and live up to Uncle Ralph. You were the strongest of glues that helped keep the Phares family intact and a master at communication amongst us all. Simply put, "You were ALWAYS there"
Ron & Family Liebelt
November 28, 2012
Ralph was an amazing teacher who captivated students thru many generations. Students genuinely loved science because of his passion and teaching skills. He was kind and funny and a wonderful colleague. He will be missed.
Tina bump
November 28, 2012
Ralph i will never forget how much fun you were at the family get to gathers,I thank you for being you ,, we will for ever miss you ,, Vern & Karen Liebelt
Vernon Liebelt
November 28, 2012
The entire Evergreen family loved Mr. Phares. He touched many lives. Condolences to his family.
Pete Dunlop
November 27, 2012
Words cannot express how much I'm going to miss my grandpa. He didn't belong to just us grand kids either; he was "Grandpa" to decades worth of his students as well. He loved everyone in his life equally and that is a virtue few possess. We will love and cherish him forever.
Kelsi Phares
November 27, 2012
I graduated from Evergreen in the '70's. I was privileged to be a biology assistant and it was great experience and a benefit in later college classes. Mr. Phares was an exceptional teacher. My condolences to all his family, may you find comfort and peace at this time
Virginia Corley Schroeder
November 27, 2012
I took an extra year of science classes even though I didn't like science just to have Mr. Phares as a teacher again. He was funny, sweet & a great person. I will miss him. (Class of 1994)
Shannon Kimball
November 27, 2012
Mr Phares was my home room teacher in the 60's. Thanks for listing and caring. My prayers go out to your family, but they should know that your watching from above
November 27, 2012
My very sincere condolences to the family, Mr. Phares was a one of kind teacher that show passion and care to his students. What I didn't know that he was a WWII Veteran, of our greatest generation who serve our country and as well served our community honorably. A great American, that will be missed. David Funk, class of 1958
November 27, 2012
Please let me extend my heart-felt condolences to Ralph's family.
I will always have fond memories of "Mr. Phares" for his teaching and involvement with students--both of which had a major impact on my life and career. His greatness was his ability to connect, challenge, and inspire.
Dave Harry
November 27, 2012
Mr Phares will be remembered by many of the Class of 1960. He was a great teacher and friend of all students at Evergreen H.S.
Lyle Paulson
November 27, 2012
I think our freshman class came through during his first year of teaching. I know all my talking drove him crazy - I probably made him tough enough to handle 40 years of teaching. Oh those poor frogs - we had a good time in his class - he was a class act - great teacher and many former students kept in touch with him over the years. I was a neighbor of Mary Mullican so I knew all the history of the Art & Ralph Phares family. Beverly Plaisted Cobb, class of 1958
Beverly Cobb
November 27, 2012
To my Aunt Lawana, cousins Craig, Carla, Lee and Kirk, and all your spouses, children and grandchildren. I am so very sorry for your loss. Uncle Ralph was a very loved person. From his family to all of his students. He will be very missed by all.
Robyn (Phares) Ponder
November 27, 2012
Mr Phares was a wonderful teacher and friend...He made biology fun and very ineresting....His wonderful smile will be sorely missed...my prayers go out to the family for their loss...He was a very great man
November 27, 2012
I remember Mr. Phares as a wonderful dedicated teacher. My thoughts & prayers are with his family.
Karen Williams
November 27, 2012
So sorry Craig, He was my science teacher in high school. A great teacher!
Bob Edwards
November 27, 2012
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