Ralph Frederick Ljunghammar

In his last earthly days, he was surrounded by the love of his family and friends. Ralph is survived by his beloved wife, Sue; his son James (Valentina); daughter Christina (Chad); and his cherished granddaughters Isabella and Juliana.

Born on August 15, 1949, in Seattle, Ralph was the son of Nils Daniel and Shelarose Ljunghammar. From youth, Ralph developed a deep love for the outdoors, mountaineering, and running, passions he carried throughout his life. He was an active member of the Boy Scouts and forged a lifelong connection to nature and adventure.

Ralph enjoyed a 40-year career with Alaska Airlines, where he made lifelong friendships and became a fixture in the airline industry. His participation in the World Airline Road Race was one of many ways Ralph blended his love of running with his love for meeting new people. He also dedicated much of his time to giving back to the community and church, organizing running events and raising funds for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), an organization he supported since the passing of his nephew in 1993.

Ralph had a special connection to Kailua Kona, Hawaii, where he spent many years visiting, both for vacation and work trips. He loved the sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and the relaxed island lifestyle. These trips were not only a favorite getaway for Ralph, but also created countless cherished memories for his family, with many adventures shared together on the islands.

Ralph’s legacy will be remembered by those who knew him for his boundless positivity, optimism, and hardworking spirit. He had an uncanny ability to befriend anyone he met, and his life was full of wonderful stories from his travels and childhood. Above all, Ralph’s faith in Christ Jesus was the foundation of his strength, and he lived his life as a reflection of that faith, showing others what it meant to love, work hard, and care deeply for family and friends.

Ralph was a kind, generous, and devoted man, whose memory will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him. He will be deeply missed, but the impact of his love, stories, and example will endure.