Ralph died September 4, 2008. He started work with the USFS on the Angeles N.F. right out of high school and spent three years in the Army before returning to the Angeles. In 1957 Ralph was Air Officer for the Angeles, was Superintendent of the Chilao Hotshots 1960-61, and later Helicopter/Helitack Specialist for R-5 in Redding.

Ralph was the first USFS Helicopter Trainer, and worked with and trained Helicopter Managers in all nine regions. During his career, he trained over 7,000 personnel.