When I entered a room with beautiful Juli in it, I knew not far away was her Ralph, somewhere, quietly watching with amusement on his face, at the ready to be there for his gal - Johnny on the Spot - deeply in love with the wise, kind Juli - his special gal. Oh, my - our loss, heaven's gain.

I met Ralph many years ago at the Cove Bridge club in La jolla, I was a beginner Bridge player at that time, He invited me to his home to play, and I consider this a kind gesture. I feel compelled to share with others the unbelievable character of this man. Like I mentioned earlier, I first met Ralph with an invitation to play bridge. Automatically I felt the hospitality and warmth that came from him. This made it so easy to become instant friends, making anyone who came into his house feel very special. I know many will miss this humble and intelligent person, all that were lucky enough to know him must feel a little emptiness now that he is gone. I am lucky to have spent the many years enjoying his company.

Ralph was a genuine gem. It seems that he invented the concept of proactive empathy: he constantly envisioned the needs of others, and then made sure those needs were met. Both his wit and knowledge of the nuances of the English language are legendary among the Tuesday night bridge group he hosted and alliteratively dubbed “Baty’s Bridge Bunch.”
Although I hate phone conversations, I enjoyed long phone chats with Ralph. His sense of humor and brilliant mind made it a pleasure to solve with him double-dummy bridge problems and explore innovative bidding concepts. As much as I’ll miss all the tournament and home bridge I played both with and against him, I’ll miss Ralph the man so much more.

Marty & I were shocked & saddened by Ralph’s sudden passing & still can’t believe he is gone. We will always remember him as will the many people whose lives he touched in such a positive way. We met him in the 1990’s in our early days playing duplicate bridge & enjoyed playing many bridge team games with him over the years. We also participated in the Tuesday night bridge games at his house that he so generously hosted & coordinated weekly for many years always making sure there were the right number of players & never canceling even when he had out-of-town company staying with him. He also went out of his way to help people learn & improve their bridge game by offering bridge lessons at his home. Moreover he was an active member of the San Diego Bridge Unit Board for 8 years during which time he served as Tournament Chairman & coordinated all the Sectional tournaments as well as holiday parties. Ralph will be sorely missed & long remembered for his caring spirit & all he did to help others & enrich their lives.

I know Ralph as the very special partner of my good friend Julie. He was always so sweet to her. He was always there for her. He just loved her: purely, unconditionally and wholeheartedly. We should all be so lucky. Ralph, you are gone too soon and will be greatly missed.

In the short time I have known Ralph, I quickly came to accept his generous & forgiving nature. I was looking foreword to playing cards with again at future meet ups. Like so many others I will miss him.

I remember meeting Ralph, at his home, in 2009 or 2010. I was impressed at his skill at playing games that required great memory. His often surpassed mine, even though he was almost twice my age! I enjoyed spending time both playing with him and chatting with him about different games, including Bridge, though I never had the opportunity to play Bridge with him. He will be missed by myself, my daughter, Kat, and his numerous friends with whom he had shared his life.

Ralph has been my friend for more than twenty years. Ralph was one of the most kind, helpful & gentle souls I have ever known. If someone or some group needed help, Ralph was the "go to guy" to offer his special brand of compassionate wisdom. We feel a great loss for someone we all cared about so much & who genuinely cared about us. Our heart & prayers go out to Julie, his loving partner, his children, grand children, great grand children & his many, many friends. Ralph has left us with an amazing legacy of love & caring. Ralph will remain in our hearts. Until our spirits reunite......... We will miss you Ralph.

Immediately after meeting Juli I knew she was and is an awesome woman of wisdom, courage and talent. So I was delighted to meet her Ralph one day in Spanish Village, one of my favorite places to just hang out. He was a hug me teddy bear kind of guy. His great laughter and "break apart" glasses have kept me from getting frustrated many a time while learning new card games. And of course I always have to squirrel away a few of his scrumptious cookies for myself when game night is at my house !!
Every April I run the La Jolla Half and then do the Art Walk. This year I stopped to hug Juli and there was Ralph, as always, her wonderful sentry siting in his chair, notebook and pencil in hand. We hugged and chatted a bit. Then I picked up an artwork of Juli's, Morning Mist, a beautiful scene of trees and mountains. 
Ralph mentioned that I hold that particular print each time I come. He told me this story about it: Juli worked on this one and Ralph said "that looks great just like that". But Juli added some more depth to the artwork and Ralph said "that looks even better." Juli added further touches and Ralph told her "you knew just what to do to make this perfect." Well, I knew it was truly such a great combination of Ralph and Juli that I bought it right then and there. 
I am So Happy that I have this wonderful memento of dear Ralph to grace my home.
Many Many Blessings to his Beloved Juli and to his family ...

Ralph was a wonderful bridge teacher and host. His great humor and intelligence will be missed.

Ralph was the best "Oh Hell" scorekeeper in the world! Always very gentle and patient with would-be gamers. Always a generous host with a wonderfully dry and subtle sense of humor. I met Ralph briefly at a MENSA event in the early '90's...years before I started to attend Games. He was a brilliant man with humility and grace who kept his brilliance under wraps so people would still play with him. LOL! I'm happy to have known him.

Ralph was a shining light a gift to the world .a great soul a brilliant artappreciator and most of all a dear friend to all he will be missed

I first met Ralph in 2007 when I was invited to a games group gathering. I instantly liked him as soon as I tasted his cookies. I think I over dose on them the very first time. Then I got to know him a little better with time and realized what a good man he was. I had hope to do a painting of him, which I will still do down the road, but sharing a few photos of him for now. Where ever he is, I am sure he is happy and at peace. May those who loved him and miss him find comfort and peace during this sad time.

Thank you for the wonderful message about Ralph's last few months...he was a great guy. I only knew him thru bridge, but always liked his humor and his commitment to Juli and his family especially his great granddaughter. He was taken too soon....

I remember first meeting Ralph who, with his card playing saavy, was quite intimidating. After I decided with reticence to join in on the game I realized what a delightful guy he was and I was hooked on the 'glimpse over his glasses' smile and amusing comments. From then on he was awesome to play with and I never once felt sheepishly shameful about my poor "Oh Hell" strategies. He left a charming impression on me. My most sincere sympathies go out to his family, dear friend Julie and other admirers.

I don't know how long ago I met Ralph, probably 4, most likely at one of Barbara's Bunch game parties. He introduced me to Bugarum, which I found fascinating as it's a variation of a game I've played since a child with my family. Always enjoyed playing with him and admiring his skill.

My thoughts go out to Juli, his family, and many, many friends.

He'll be sorely missed.

Although I have never met Ralph, I have been involved with gaming meet up groups here in San Diego since February, 2012. There has been numerous times to go to various meet up groups in which Ralph was there, all though I did not know it at that time. It saddens me to now know that I have missed the opportunity to meet one who has been so influential as Ralph has been here in the San Diego area.

I've known Ralph as a integral part of several San Diego gaming groups for years and years and.....well - a long time. He was always in demand to play whatever was going on - the Settling of Catan, building worldwide railroad networks, or raising hell with one of his favorite card games - "Oh, Hell!".  Win or lose, it was always an honor being at the same table with him (and his cookies).  Until later...Game On, Ralph!!

I'm shocked. Ralph was so vibrant and young. He was one of my favorite Phoenix players. I always wanted to be at his table. He was always willing to teach, showed great patience for people learning, and accepted everyone,not to mention always kept score for us. And we will never forget his cookies, he made the best cookies in San Diego...I'm sure it was because of the love he put into them. Everyone loved Ralph. He just had a really great heart.

I believe it was just last month that he had game night at his home and stayed up and playing with us until 1:00 am. While I take comfort in knowing that his Soul and Spirit will never die, and will always be with us, I will greatly miss him in the physical body. God be with you Ralph!

This one is for you Ralph: http://youtu.be/fY4Z76JTVwI

My thoughts, prayers, and condolences go out out to Julie and his family. ~Kris (aka Ariel)

I will really miss Ralph's smiling face at the bridge table. I also worked with him closely when he was Tournament Manager for the San Diego Sectionals. He was the best! And, of course, the tournaments will never be the same without Ralph's famous cookies.