Ralph David Sweitzer
October 1, 1936 - August 14, 2017
Obituary
Ralph David Sweitzer
Ralph Passed away August 14, 2017 peacefully at home. Ralph was born on October 1, 1936 in Centralia, WA to Ralph and Katherine Sweitzer. They moved to Seattle where Ralph attended Holy Family Grade School and graduated from O’Dea High School in 1954. Growing up he was involved in Soccer, Scouting, and was Captain of the Bowling Team in high school. He married Verna Romine, his high school sweetheart on April 14, 1956. There were married for 61 years.
He worked for “Booth Fisheries” as a driver delivering seafood to the Seattle and Highline School Districts. He later worked in construction. One of his greatest achievements was building “Park Place” a 21 story building in downtown Seattle. He attended South Seattle Community College and received a degree in “Building Technology”.
He enjoyed time with his family, and was involved with the boys in Scouting, being their Cub Master, Scout Master, and attending their Soccer and Baseball games. With his daughter he loved watching her marching in many parades with her Drill Teams. It was special going to the “Rainbow Girls” Father/Daughter Banquet. The family went on many camping outings where motorcycling was a highlight for Ralph.
He started his own business with his wife, Verna. R.D. Sweitzer and Assoc. Inc. General Contractors. He specialized in remodeling kitchens and bathrooms, and his sons worked for him at one time.
“Trails End Lake”, where they owned property, was a place where Ralph could relax. Boating, fishing and canoeing, and a time to visit around the campfire with family and friends. His most memorable vacations were traveling by car with the family. Going to Mexico and spending a month touring the states, including a family reunion in Michigan, then on to the Atlantic Ocean. Ralph and Verna enjoyed cruising the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Alaska and Hawaii. They traveled over 39 states, Canada and Hawaii. They were members of the “King and Queens” Trailer Club.
After retiring he volunteered at the SeaTac Senior Center driving and helping where ever he was needed. At this time he became involved with installing handicap bars and other equipment for the disabled.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Verna who devoted her time caring for him and keeping him at home till he passed. Daughter, Sherry Weeth (Douglas), sons John Sweitzer (Sharon – deceased) and Jeff Sweitzer (Debra); grandchildren, Michelle, Candice, Chad, Breann, Elizabeth, Ashley, Jennifer, and Nichole; great-grandchildren, Jesica, Jason, Theodore, Calvin, Levi, and Kalysta.
At Ralph’s request he has donated his heart to the University of Washington. The family would like to give their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Daniel Fishbein and Dr. Rodney Skoglund. They took excellent care of Ralph all through his illness. Ralph will be greatly missed by family and friends. He will be in our Hearts Forever.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Ralph Sweitzer, 11207 26th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98146. Funds to be donated to a Heart Foundation.
We will miss you just like a brother to me.
Lov3 verda
IT WAS AN HONOR TO KNOW RALPH AS
A VOLUNTEER AT THE SEA TAC SENIOR
PROGRAM. VERNA AND RALPH HAVE
BEEN WONDERFUL FRIENDS AND I WILL
TREASURE HIS MEMORY ALWAYS.
DEATH LEAVES A HEARTACHE NO ONE CAN HEAL
LOVE LEAVES A MEMORY NO ONE CAN STEAL.
WITH LOVE & SYMPATHY
ALICE BELENSKI
Rest in peace Ralph you where a great brother in-law and family man, I hope there is some where in Heaven for you to go fishing. Moe
So very sorry for your loss. I have many great memories of your Dad, including that funny dirt bike (motorcycle) that he had. I really appreciated him helping out with Boyscouts and the camping trips we went on.