Ralph Watkins

Loved and cherished by his devoted wife Toni, and four daughters, Terrie Warner, Sue Marcum, Cheryl Graham and Rosemary Watkins-Collins.Ralph was born in 1928 in Martinez, Georgia.  He joined the Merchant Marines in his late teens and so began his love affair with ships and the sea.  The Merchant Marines brought him to Seattle, where he met Toni and married her in 1948.  Over the next ten years, he worked as a tugboat captain on Puget Sound and had four daughters.  He then went to work for Washington State Ferries, where he worked as a Seaman, First Mate and finally Captain.  He retired from Washington State Ferries in 1978 and then became a Puget Sound Pilot, a lifelong dream.  Sadly, illness caused his final retirement in 1989.Extraordinary as his career was, Ralph was a wonderful and much loved father to his girls.  He enjoyed puttering around with his tractor and his old truck.  He was a superb handyman and could build anything.  His family will miss him terribly, although we are glad to see him released from a devastating illness.  In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that donations be made in remembrance of him to your local animal shelter.  Ralph had a soft spot for stray animals of all kinds and it was not unusual that he would say, 'well, you know, what trouble is one more.'  We have a feeling that is what God said about Ralph earlier this week.'Goodbye for now. I sleep a peaceful sleep. You have been my love, my life.For me, you should not weep.You will see me in the brilliance,of a far away cloud.A feather floating on the wind.It's just goodbye for now'We love you Daddy.Terrie, Sue, Cheryl and Rosie