To Ralph....

I first met Ralph when I was about 7. He and his wife Ruby had just moved in next to my parents. Right off the bat, they introduced themselves and instantly we all became friends. They were the nicest couple. I would go to there house when I was in 3rd grade spend hours over there telling them about my days at school. My parents would have to call letting Ralph and Ruby know that I had spent way too much time over at there house and that it was time for me to come home. I can still remember sitting in that recliner, my feet not even able to touch the ground. Just rocking back and forward talking about anything and everything my big mouth could. They would let me borrow videos such as his Looney Toon Collection with special Fog Horn Leghorn episodes. Even special videos that had the world's best roller coaster rides with 3D glasses that you wore while the video gave you a virtual ride on the coaster. I even remember little things like my first time having A1 steak sauce over at their house (from then on out, I ALWAYS had to have A1 on any steak). I remember spending hours on end in their hot tub. When I was at that age of wanting to work but being too young and inexperienced, I remember Ralph letting me do yard work. I wanted to make enough money to buy a new golf club. Looking back, I just laugh thinking about how they already had a yard cleaning crew that came once a week. I think he just wanted to let me know that I was needed and most importantly, that he along with Ruby just wanted to care and support me. Ralph was a funny man. Right before they moved in, him and Ruby won the lottery, instantly making them millionaires. This was a sign that it was time to retire seeing that they were of age anyways. Upon their new fortune, Ralph wanted to get a new car. Of course, his idea of big spending was going out and buying a used car which he drove for the next 8 years of his life. I am sure this gives you a grand idea as to the type of person Ralph was. Ralph and Ruby were simple people. Despite winning the lottery, they found no real reason to change the way they were living. They never spoiled their children or grand children with the money. They pretended as if they had never won the lottery. Ralph was one of the first people I went to when I told him I wanted to become a photographer. He then told me all about how he was a photographer. Maybe I would have found this out sooner had I not always talked so much upon visiting. Ralph went on to say how he was the first photographer in the Central Valley to use color film for portraits. He also told me about how he went to Brooks Institute of Photography when it first opened. And it was there that he did a photo shoot with Norma Jene (Marilyn Monroe). He was offered stock in Polaroid and turned it down because he thought it would never be successful. Maybe he saw a little too far into the future and saw that it would eventually fail. What is funny about Ralph is the moment I told him I wanted to become a photographer, he went home, looked through all his photo stuff and then came next door to give me....everything. Photo magazines from the 30's, 40's, 50's and 60's in mint condition. Books upon books of these amazing photographers such as Karsh and Leibovitz. He then gave me a Mamiya RB67 with a 180mm lens, 90mm lens and 24mm lens. Also threw in the extra film back and Polaroid back. He also gave me a tripod to go with it. That camera is awesome. It is a tank. I remember thinking it was probably the nicest thing anyone had ever done for me. I mean, he not only took interest and supported what I wanted to do but gave me all of his remaining equipment to help me achieve those dreams. When I went to school, every time I came back, he always wanted to see my work. To see what I had produced. Ralph always expressed how proud he was of me. And even when I forgot to stop by, he would always catch me as I pulled into my drive way to say hi and if I had a chance, I should stop by his place and show him what I have been up to. He never stopped his love for photography and bringing his good spirits with him where ever he went. Ralph would always take pictures of Ruby when she was asleep, print off the pictures and then give it to her when she woke up. That's just the way Ralph is. Ruby then would seek revenge by taking pictures of him in his sleep. Today was no different, Ralph went to go take a nap and Ruby snuck in a picture while he was asleep. Except today, Ralph never woke up from his sleep. My parents called me today to tell me that Ralph passed away around 4pm today in his sleep. I am devastated. Ralph was always so encouraging, so loving, such a great guy. He was so friendly, always wanting to talk, even if just in passing. Money was nothing to him. All he really wanted was relationships with the people around him. Ralph played such a huge part on me becoming who I am today. He will be missed dearly. Thank you Ralph for everything. Words can not express my gratitude for everything you did for me. You fueled my passion for photography and showed to the fullest what it means to love your neighbor as yourself. You were such a kind hearted loving person. Rest in peace my friend....