Ralph Edward Heffley, 68, longtime Whidbey Island resident, passed away at his home in St. George, Utah, on Dec. 14, 2006 after a short, but courageous, battle with cancer.

His wife Lauana, son Leonard and his beloved little four-legged companion, Teener were at his side as he passed on. Ralph was born in Chicago on June 7, 1938 and joined the military at the age of 17.

The next 22-and-a-half years were spent in service of his country and the adventure that made up that service very much made him the man that he was. He was a veteran of the Vietnam conflict and survived the horrific explosions aboard the USS Enterprise during that time.

After retiring from the Navy in 1976 he chose to stay on Whidbey and went to work at Whidbey General Hospital where he was a familiar face for over 25 years. He was known for his wonderful sense of humor and genuine way with people. He so loved the Seattle Mariners and was honored by them as their number one fan just days before his passing.

Ralph and his family “fled” the damp and cold for the sunshine and warmer temperatures of St. George in May of 2004. He had enjoyed the new warmer surroundings and close proximity of extended family very much in the last two years since the move.

Ralph is survived by his mother, Grace Hoium; wife, Lauana; son Leonard; daughters, Holly Ausmus, Tonya Thompson; stepchildren, Timothy Fischer and Malissa Fischer; 13 grandchildren; brother Michael Mick; and a sister, Pat Palmer.

Notes, cards, condolences, etc. may be addressed to his wife, Lauana Heffley, 1236 E. Oak Circle, St. George, UT 84790.