Obituaries

Ralph Raymond Walbridge, son of Ralph and Myra Knupp Walbridge, died at his residence in Berkeley, California, on March 26. He was 92.

Ralph was born on August 18, 1928, in Santa Barbara, California. He graduated from South Pasadena-San Marino High School. In 1961, he received his Bachelor's Degree from San Francisco State College, where he majored in Language Arts.

Ralph's work experiences were diverse. He was a writer and editor for Lockheed and other engineering companies; He was a social worker in San Francisco for eight years, where he also wrote articles and poems for the agency newsletter. In New Mexico, he built adobe homes and fought fires across the West as a member of Southwest Firefighters. Ralph also participated in many poetry readings at local venues with other poets. 

Always, Ralph was a poet, an eternal maker of verses. We are fortunate to be left with an abundance of his work. His poetry reflected his great intelligence and ability to go further, deeper. The desire for his writings to be in accord with Truth also applied to his interactions with everyone he encountered. He was much respected for his wise counsel and ability to see beyond the literal. 

Ralph was a beautiful, gentle presence, always exploring untrod paths, seeking understanding. He often found inspiration from his love of nature and the many trails he walked with family and friends 

Ralph is lovingly remembered by his sons: Charles, Julian, and Aland; four grandchildren; and dedicated friends Jane Welford, Emily Hancock, Carol Chandlee, and Leatrice Asher. 

A celebration of Ralph's life will be held at Redwood Gardens Community Room, Berkeley, California. Please contact Jane Welford (510) 812-7450 for the date and time. 

snow rides the rafters 

as day comes down 

a shute of sun 

truth burns wearily 

in the fireplace 

an old man rises pensively 

seeking bearings in pinon 

and sage 

landmarks for the definitive mind 

he frets sometimes 

a joker pulled from 

a random deck of memories 

the wild one played in too many hands 

he falls back 

exhausted 

refers to the cold outside 

what can be saved along the red deck of sun 

shadows will find 

lengths of ground throughout 

the day 

between them he will tarry 

snow will darken 

in places where its fallen 

—RRW