Ralph Edwin "Ed"'s Obituary
Ed Sheriff died April 19, 2004, at St. Clare Hospital of complications of pneumonia. He is survived by his loving companion of 25 years, Sylvia Monaco; daughters Karen (Larry) Taylor of Anaheim, California; Lani (Riley) Brown of Portland, Oregon; and Karyl Monaco of Tacoma; six grandchildren Wendy (Tim) Greenleaf of San Marino, California; Amy (Jeff) Ludwig of San Diego, California; Scott (Mary) Taylor of Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California; William (Carolyn) Brown of Milwaukie, Oregon; and Katelyn and Kelsey Monaco of Tacoma; and nine great-grandchildren Taylor, Vannessa, Annika, and Olivia Greenleaf; Jennifer, Emily, Christopher, and Joshua Ludwig; and Andrew Brown.Ed was an incredibly generous and loving father and grandfather. He loved children and was never happier than when he was lying on the floor playing with his grandkids or holding little ones on his lap, showing them how to snap his suspenders. He also loved animals and was a soft-touch for those who had gone astray, from a kitten abandoned in the blackberry bushes to a duck trapped in the neighborÂ's chimney. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.Ed was born November 7, 1916, in Alpine, Oregon. After graduating from Multnomah College in Oregon with a degree in engineering, he served in the Navy aboard the USS Tabora in the South Pacific. He moved to Tacoma in 1953, and a short time later started work at Woodworth and Company, where he stayed until his retirement in the mid-80Â's. He greatly valued the many friends he made during those years and always looked forward to delivering Christmas baskets to the Woodworth retirees each December.He was a long-time member of the Tacoma Elks and an active volunteer for the Eastside Boys Club, receiving a commendation from them for 38 years of dedicated service. Those family and friends who needed a helping hand could always count on his love and support a kind word or a hug, his appearance on their doorstop with his toolbox in hand, or a check in the mail. He was unfailingly giving of both his time and possessions. He was always there.He was preceded in death by his first wife, Virginia, and his younger brother, Merle, of San Clemente, California.In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound (253-527-8440 or www.bg-clubs.com).The family would like to thank the many friends, family, and co-workers who have prayed and offered their help and support during EdÂ's final days. Your love has lifted us up and given us strength.A remembrance service will be held Saturday, April 24, 2004, at 10:00 at the Garden Chapel at Mountain View Funeral Home, 584-0252. Reception following.
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