Friday, August 21, 2015
I am proud to say that Ralph was one of my best friends. I fondly remember the many great times we had playing golf together. We were partners in the HRB league and in the Penn State burning tee over the last years of his playing career. In his day Ralph was a fine golfer and won the HRB tournament on year at Center Hills, beating all HRBers including some really good really good stick men. It was only until he had real problems with his knees that I would occasionally better him. The funny thing was, I never felt good about it because I knew that his natural golfing ability was far superior to mine.
I saw my first pro golf tournament with Ralph, my Dad, and I think Ralph's father-in-law. It was the 1964 US Open at Oakmont, Pittsburgh, won by Johnny Miller. It was on a Sunday, the last day, and I think Ralph drove us there. All in all it was a very special day for all of us.
I remember the last bridge session we had at my house after a Wed breakfast club. It was I, Ralph, Carl Detreit and Fred Ranck. Even though I had played bridge for years over the lunch hour at HRB with Ralph and other HRBers including Webley Watson, Bob Huber and Reo Briscoe, Ralph was pretty much the only one at the table that day who remembered how to keep score! Ralph was a very astute bridge player and very enjoyable to play with.
I'll always remember Ralph as a quiet intellect, gentle giant, and wonderful friend. We will miss him at out "Breakfast Clowns" meetings and I will always miss him immensely.
My sincere condolences to all of his family and friends,
John Showalter
