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RALPH GEORGE DREHER
January 9, 1918 ~ April 28, 2014
Ralph George Dreher was born Jan. 9, 1918 in Vancouver, WA where he spent most of his life. He died April 28, 2014 at his home in Washougal, WA. Ralph graduated from high school, and then joined the army, serving his first enlistment at Ft. Vancouver. He reenlisted in 1940 as the war in Europe escalated, and served with the 168th Infantry Regiment in Northern Africa and Italy.
During the war, Ralph corresponded with the sister of an army buddy. Her name was Harriet, and she was living in San Francisco, while serving in the Coast Guard. After both were discharged, the two met in Vancouver in August, and married on Sept. 2, 1945. Harriet was the love of Ralph's life.
They enjoyed camping with their two sons, traveling, and spending time with their many friends and extended family. He loved fishing and gardening.
Ralph and Harriet were both VFW Lifelong Members.
Ralph worked for various construction companies and for the City of Vancouver after the war. He retired from Crown Zellerbach Paper Mill in Camas, WA in 1975.
Ralph is survived by son, Philip (Donna) of Camas; grandson, Brent (Missy) of Beaverton, OR; granddaughter, Taryn of Aloha OR; nephew, Richard Kendall (Holly) of Vancouver; and by Tom Durgan of Vancouver, who Ralph and Harriet considered "family by choice" for many years.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Harriet in 2009; and his son, Michael in 2007.
A Celebration of Ralph's Life will be held on Thurs., May 8, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Columbia Ridge Senior Living Facility, 2300 W. 9th St., Washougal, WA.
Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
I loved Ralph and Harriet! They were like grandparents to my children. They were my partners and mentors during the camp Bonneville brac and taking care of the dreher cemetery. I find comfort that Ralph is finally with Harriet ... who i believed he loved more than life. I will always be so grateful... honored. .. loved. .to have known both of them.
Stella Bourassa
May 18, 2014
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Funeral services provided by:
Straub's Funeral Home & Columbia River Cremation325 NE 3rd Ave., Camas, WA 98607
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