Ralph Wayne Cornwall's Obituary
Ralph Wayne Cornwall
Ralph Wayne Cornwall was born on December 4, 1926 to Herbert and Thelma (Reynolds) Cornwall in Ellensburg, Washington. He passed away on January 22, 2009 in University Place, Washington. He graduated from Ellensburg High School in 1945, and the University of Washington in 1951 with a bachelor's degree in Pharmacy. Later he received an associate's degree in Business from Fort Steilacoom Community College in 1977. Ralph married Ruth Acteson on June 17, 1951 in Hoquiam, Washington. They met while attending the School of Pharmacy at the University of Washington. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2001 by renewing their vows to each other. Over the years, they had six children and lived in a variety of locations. They moved to Lakewood in 1971. Ralph served in the Army for 26 years, retiring as a Major in September 1975 from Madigan Army Hospital. He was stationed in several places through out the US, as well as in Japan, Korea, Germany and Vietnam. After retiring from the military, he worked as a pharmacist for many years in Pierce County. Ralph was very proud of his yard and garden. He inherited his love of plants from his mother, who was an avid gardener herself. He learned a lot of labor skills while completing their cabin at Lake Christine in Mason County. He served on the Lake Christine Community Club board for many years. He loved being in the out-of-doors. As a family, we enjoyed many camping trips over the years. In the wintertime, he enjoyed both downhill and cross-country skiing. He was a hiker and kayaker for many years. He was a charter member of the Puget Sound Paddle Club and was also a member of the Polar Bear Paddlers. One of his favorite places was going to Lake Powell in Utah with some of his kayaking buddies. Other favorite hobbies included making latch hook hanging and doing genealogy research to verify his family heritage. He made several trips to various parts of Canada and the United States while doing his research. Ralph was a loving husband and a devoted father. His family was his pride and joy. He was preceded in death by his parents Herbert and Thelma Cornwall, his three brothers, Edwin, Robert and Duane, and a grandson, Shawn. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ruth, of Lakewood, Wayne (Suekii) of Winthrop, Charles of Seattle, James of Mount Lake Terrace, Mary Healey of Tacoma, David (Debbie) of Tacoma, and Nancy (Mike) Rohona of Snohomish. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. His sister Zella McFarland of Granite Falls is the last remaining sibling. Services will be held in the Mountain View Aspen Chapel on Friday, 1/30/2009, at 1:00pm. Graveside services will precede the service at 11:30am. Viewing will be from 1:00pm to 9:00 pm on Thursday, 1/29/2009, and 9:00am to 11:00am on Friday, 1/30/2009. The family would like to thank the staff at University Place Care Center, St. Claire Hospital, and Franciscan Hospice House for the excellent care they provided to our loved one. Remembrances in his name may be sent to Franciscan Hospice House, 2901 Bridgeport Way West, University Place, WA 98466.
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