Ralph Smith Ralph Smith Feb. 2, 1957 — Oct. 29, 2009 MONTROSE — Ralph Smith, age 52, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009 at his rural Montrose County residence. Ralph Ingram Smith was born on Feb. 2, 1957 to parents, Robert Wands and Lucille Mae (Roderick) Smith. In 1966, the family moved to finger-lake country near the Skaneateles. He attended schools, grew to adulthood and graduated from Canandaigua. Following high school, he attended and graduated from Clarkson College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry. In the early 1980’s, Ralph would visit his brother in Colorado and was drawn to the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. He made Colorado his permanent home in 1986. Ralph loved the great outdoors, adventure, on and off road motorcycles, kayaking and boating. Ralph’s passion and talent always remained in mechanics. He constantly was building and rebuilding anything from automobiles to home construction to property development. He greatly enjoyed his property in beautiful Happy Canyon in rural Montrose County. Ralph was a reserved person with a great love for his friends, his family and life in general. He had a dry sense of humor with a keen intelligence that made him stand out above the crowd. He could have conversations with anyone, about any topic, at anytime. He was an avid reader of anything from manuals to novels. Ralph loved to absorb education, any reading material and had knowledge of almost any subject. Ralph was the anchor of his family, he was always well prepared, educated and was a quality person in every way. Ralph is survived by his three brothers: Richard Smith of Olathe, John Smith and wife Laura of Roseville, Calif., and Rod Smith and wife, Linda of Poultney, Vt.; niece, Rebecca Bowers of Chesapeake, Va.; and nephews, JR Smith of Charlotte, N.C. and Garret Smith of Roseville, Calif. Ralph is also survived by numerous friends all over the country. A memorial service was held on Friday afternoon, Nov. 6, 2009, at Sunset Mesa Funeral Directors, at 2 p.m. A reception for family and friends followed the service. Visit the website, sign the online register and send condolences to his family at www.sunsetmesafuneraldirectors.com Arrangements are being handled under the care, direction and have been entrusted to Sunset Mesa Funeral Directors (970) 240-9870. |