I met Ralph over thirty years ago; he was the canoeing instructor at a Christian camp. I observed his patience and caring approach to students. He also brought his telescope out in the evenings and taught from his abundant knowledge of the sky. One of his favorite off-time pleasures was sitting down with his mountain dulcimer and strumming out period pieces from early America and Texas. Many years later I re-encountered Ralph in the world of reenacting. He and I camped and interpreted Texian soldier life at the annual San Jacinto commemorative battle event on several occasions. He would demonstrate musical instruments prevalent from that time and took pleasure in working with wide-eyed School Day participants on Friday as well as families on the weekend during each of these events. Ralph was a simple, humble, obedient child of God who made a positive impact on myself and those around me. -Butch Durham, Colonel, The Texas Army