A life well lived ended Jan. 25, 2011, for Wesley Lynn Ralston. Gracefully, he accepted and lived with Alzheimer’s after a life of many accomplishments and loving relationships. More than the accomplishments, he would rather be known for his love of Jesus Christ and family. His most cherished role was as Poppy to his eight grandchildren.
The son of Arthur Wilson Ralston and Ida Olena Peterson of Huron, S.D., he was born on Feb. 21, 1927. Wes graduated with a BS in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Colorado in 1948. As a Naval Aviator, he was stationed at Pensecola, Fla., for flight training, where he met his bride of 60 years, Geraldine Campo, who was there on vacation from New Orleans. It was love at first sight and they were married less than a year later. Together they had four children and were able to see much of the country while moving as a young Navy family.
Wes continued his education while serving in the Navy and earned his MBA from George Washington University. As an aviator, he flew Corsairs in the Korean War, followed by A3’s and A6’s, before retiring after 26 years in the Navy. “I’d do it all over again, if I could fly,” he said of his naval career. Flying was one of his passions. He was Commander of VAH-10 and completed his service to the military as a Captain and Assistant Chief of Staff at the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station in Oak Harbor.
After retiring from the Navy, Wes was the first Naval Science Instructor (ROTC) at Oak Harbor High School. “He played a big part in my life and was very influential in all the success I achieved in my Navy career,” said one former student.
He went on to teach Drafting and Mechanical Drawing and then introduced Computer Aided Design (CAD) at the high school, followed by teaching CAD at Everett Community College. He was always busy and contributing in some way. He only stopped teaching when he realized his memory was not allowing him to best serve his students.
In addition to his career, Wes had strong convictions to his faith. He and Gerry have attended First Reformed Church in Oak Harbor for 45 years and Wes served as an elder for many of those years. A skilled craftsman, building was his hobby and he built five homes for his family.
Wes was an amazing father to Jeff (Mary), Rod (Sally), Jenny (Rich) and Denise. He was middle brother to Melvin (deceased) and Harry. He was a loving grandfather to Wesley, Michael, Carly, Jill, Ryan, Anthony, Stephanie and Jess.
Memorial Services will be held Saturday, Feb. 5, at 2 p.m. at First Reformed Church in Oak Harbor. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Building Fund at First Reformed Church of Oak Harbor.
