Ralph’s passion for the practice of law was clear. After 63 years of service to the Oregon State Bar and his community, Ralph retired at the end of 2011 and enjoyed his retirement before passing away in December of 2015.
“I became an attorney because I was interested in helping people,” Ralph was quoted as saying. “I have obtained great satisfaction from the help I have given my clients over the years and equally from the people I have met doing so; not just my clients, but other lawyers, judges and professionals in the industry.”
With the strength of both his extensive experience and respected reputation with attorneys throughout the state, Ralph worked to assist clients who suffered personal injury due to the fault of another. He also brought his experience to the table as a panel member of the United States Arbitration and Mediation of Oregon, Inc.
Ralph was admitted to practice in all Oregon state and federal courts and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. He was a member of the American Bar Association; Oregon State Bar (member, board of governors, 1976-1979; secretary 1979); Lane County Bar Association (president, 1948); Oregon Association of Defense Counsel; American Trial Lawyers’ Association; American College of Trial Lawyers; Oregon Trial Lawyers Association; and the American Board of Trial Advocates (which named him Distinguished Trial Lawyer of the Year in 1998.) Ralph is also a prior member of the Senior Advisory Board for the Ninth Circuit Court.
With his avid interest in all sports, Ralph devoted time each day to read the sports page and follow the athletic adventures of his grandchildren and the children of staff at the office. He always had a smile on his face and a joke to share. Even with his busy schedule over the years, Ralph always found free time to tend to his rose garden and read numerous books on a variety of topics.
Education
Yankton College (B.A., 1948)
University of South Dakota (LL.B., 1948)
Civic Involvement
Ralph served as president or chaired a number of civic organizations including the Oregon State and Eugene Junior Chamber of Commerce, Oregon Junior First Citizen (1953), Round Table of Eugene and the Eugene Downtown Lions Club. He also served with the governing board of Sacred Heart General Hospital (1977-present) and PeaceHealth, and was chairman of the Eugene Airport Commission (1978).
