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RALPH MESICK
January 13, 1923 ~ October 2, 2013
Ralph Lyle Mesick died October 2, 2013 after a full and active life. He was born in LaHarpe, Illinois to Lester and Allea and moved to Hoquiam, Washington at the age of five. From there, his family moved to Montesano and then to Elma, Washington where he graduated from high school. He served in the Navy during WWII and Korea. Ralph moved to Vancouver, Washington, graduated from Clark College, married Helen King, and started a family by the early 1950s. He later joined the Air Force Reserves and switched to the Air National Guard becoming the Command Chief Master Sergeant at the Portland Air National Guard Base. He retired in 1983 and immediately joined the Oregon State Defense Force where he served until his death, earning the rank of Colonel. Ralph was an electrician at Bonneville Power Administration retiring in 1988 after 33 years. He was active in many organizations: Destroyer Escort Sailors Association; vice-president of Air Force Sergeants Association Chapter 1451; president of State Guard Association of the United States; and staff member of the Lewis and Clark Young Marines. Ralph was a lifelong collector of old cars. Rarely did he make an appearance without his western hat and western boots, many pairs of which he could boast. Guaranteed, all had that military spit shine.
Ralph was a devoted husband and father and will be greatly missed by Sue, his wife of 22 years; his daughters, Taiwa Ulrich (Mykel) and Cathy Bloss; his sons, Ed (Diane), Bob (Amy) and Billy; step-son, Buddy Byrd; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and close friends. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Jean.
Military honors will be held at Willamette National Cemetery on Tuesday, October 15 at 1:30 pm. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Armed Forces Reserve Center (AFRC) at 3:00 p.m. at Camp Withycombe, 13500 Industrial Way, Clackamas, Oregon 97015. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Sacred Flight (www.SacredFlight.org)
Please sign his Guest Book at www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
So sorry to hear of Ralph's passing. He was/is a true hero. We will all miss him at our bowling lunches. Blessings to all of his extended family.
Mary Dahlstrom
October 15, 2013
We are so sorry for your loss. Ralph was a true gentleman and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers for your family at this time and always. Kim & Brad Holman
October 15, 2013
I am blessed to have known such a true American and teacher of youth. Sue, you and yours are in my prayers and thoughts.
Sonjia Shoemaker
October 14, 2013
I miss you, Ralphie.
Marsha Pollow
October 13, 2013
Ralph was a wonderful person.We could not have asked for a better brother-in-law. We have many memories of camping trips and family events.He will be missed.Harold & Billie Alcorn
Harold & billie Alcorn
October 12, 2013
Ralph was a positive influence in my life when we worked together at Bonneville Power. I think about him often. He was a good man.
Dennis Green
October 12, 2013
I have many fond memories of Ralph, and enjoyed working with him at Bonneville Power. He was a very distinguished gentleman, and will be greatly missed.
Robert Wanke
October 12, 2013
We will miss his service and friendship. Gene Katke
October 12, 2013
We will truly miss our newly found friend.
Jim/Nancy Hamilton
October 11, 2013
Thank you for being our Dad. We love you and will miss you. Time cannot erase that which the heart feels and understands.
Linda, Cathy, Ed, Bob
October 10, 2013
Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Ralph will be missed. Cherie Chevalier
October 9, 2013
Im so very sorry to hear of Ralph's passing. He is dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Patrick and Karon McManus
October 9, 2013
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