Obituary of Ralph ELDRIDGE

Ralph Earl Eldridge P.E.Ralph Earl Eldridge was born to John (Jack) and Arbutus Eldridge of Port Angeles, Washington on January 7, 1931. He passed away on December 13, 2008 of cancer at his home in Lake Havasu, Arizona, attended by his wife of thirty one years, LaRae.Ralph was a princely Father and inspiration to his children as well as a great friend and mentor to many people. He was always ready and willing to lend a hand wherever needed. His daughter, Tina, writes, "Ralph...a man loyal to his family, friends and country. He was committed to loving us, living life to the fullest, making dreams reality and teaching us the same. He never stopped trying to make our lives the best they could be. His wisdom, integrity and humor defined him, our renegade cowboy at heart, who took wing whenever he could to bring his passion to life. To know him is to love him! He will always be our hero."After graduation from high school, Ralph came to Alaska and worked for Alaska Airlines. Ralph served in the U.S. Army, Alaska (USARAL) as an Aircraft Mechanic from 1952 -1954. Shortly after graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Oregon State University in 1960, Ralph became a Licensed Professional Mechanical Engineer. His professional career in Alaska began with Honeywell Controls and then progressed to partnering with Ray Carey at International Mechanical of Anchorage. Later, he became owner of Southside Mechanical, building many schools in Alaskan bush communities. He was a member of the Alaska Mechanical Contractors Association (AMCA), serving on the Apprenticeship Committee.Ralph and LaRae built and operated the Big Lake Motel, a motel, restaurant and lounge on the shores of Big Lake, Alaska, from 1985 -1997. Afterward, Ralph and LaRae spent winters in Lake Havasu, Arizona and summers in Big Lake, Alaska. Ralph always had a project going, building a unique, octagonal cabin in the Arizona desert and a recently completed residence in Big Lake.Ralph was a Bush Pilot and renowned hunter, sharing many wonderful adventures with friends and family.He is survived by his dearly loved wife, La Rae Eldridge (Bergstedt); his brother Russ Eldridge (Carol); his children Kristina Warner (Wes), John Eldridge (Cathy), Merry Blair (Edwin), Jane Pickard (Brian), Jon Bergstedt (Yvonne), Roni Hale (Jim), Mack Bergstedt (Sharon); twenty grandchildren and five great grandchildren and his ex-wife, Patricia Porter. Preceding him in death were his brothers and their wives, John Eldridge (Jane) and Robert Eldridge (Elaine); his sons Robert Eldridge and Richard Bergstedt.A Celebration of Ralph's life will be held at a later date in Alaska. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Hospice of Havasu, P.O. Box 597, Lake Havasu, Arizona 86405.Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.comArrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home & Crematory