Ralph Adolphus Sallee

Ralph Sallee, long time Bellevue resident, passed away February 8, in the presence of family, at Overlake Hospital. He was 97. Born and raised in Alberta, Canada, oldest of five children. During WWII he served in the Navy, stationed in Guam as ”torpedo man.” A graduate in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Washington, Ralph became a career Boeing employee from 1949-1984. Boeing honored him “Man of the Year,” for his design work on Lunar

Rover.

In 1960 he married Rosanne and became an instant dad of three. They soon moved to Bellevue, where they have lived in the same home for 56 years.

Ralph’s cheerful smile and distinctive laugh was beloved by many and easy to recognize on the golf course, ski slopes, while fishing, hunting, gardening roses or entertaining family; activities he continued into his 90s. Mornings found Ralph and Rosanne regularly at Chace’s Pancake Corral. He rarely missed cheering a Husky, Mariners or Seahawks game.

His warmth, generous spirit, and smile were notable even in his last weeks. He is preceded in death by father Adolphus Sallee, mother Gladys Jewel Clapp and son Daniel Seydel Sr.. Ralph is survived by his wife Rosanne Crowley Sallee, sister Elsie Ralston, daughter Ruth Hebert and son Bill Haugen. Grandchildren, Daniel Seydel II, David Hebert, Christina Hebert, Rachel Hebert Littler, Elise Hebert Overstreet, Ashley Robertson, Avery Haugen. Great grandchildren, Jordan, Tré, Evangeline, Beatrix, Evan. Ralph is uncle and faithful friend to many.

The family extends gratitude to the staff at Life Care of Kirkland and Overlake Hospital.

A Celebration of Ralph’s Life will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, Feb.18, at Sunset Hills, Bellevue.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to your favorite charity.