Obituary of Ralph E. Chase

Ralph E. Chase, Jr. Ralph E. Chase, Jr., 95, passed away at his home in Olympia, Washington on October 16, 2013. He moved to Olympia in 2011 after living in Stockton, California for 40 years. Ralph was born June 15, 1918, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the oldest of three children of Ralph and Vesta (Kibby) Chase. He graduated from Classen High School in Oklahoma City and received his B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Oklahoma, where he majored in accounting. He was a Certified Public Accountant and served as controller for a number of companies during his career. Ralph met Opaline, the love of his life, in 1944, and they were married in Oklahoma City in 1946. Early in their marriage, he coached baseball and was a Boy Scout leader. Their daughter Patti was born in 1948 and son Stan in 1952. In 1961, the family moved to San Mateo, California, where Ralph’s company, T. Jack Foster & Sons, developed Foster City. In 1972, they moved to Stockton where he was Controller for The Grupe Company. Wherever they lived, they were active in their church communities, most recently Lincoln Presbyterian in Stockton. After they retired, they enjoyed travelling throughout the U. S. A dog was always an important member of the family. In Stockton, Ralph and Opaline were regulars at their neighborhood park where they made wonderful human and four-pawed friends. Ralph had a wicked sense of humor and enjoyed telling jokes. He loved music, and his I-Tunes playlist ranged from Big Bands to country western to Bruce Springsteen. A favorite pastime was burning custom mix CD’s for friends. He was an avid University of Oklahoma football fan, and no victory margin was too large! In later years, he would record the game and watch the rerun only if OU won. Ralph is survived by his son Stan Chase (Oklahoma City), daughter Patti Grant (Olympia), granddaughter Paige Grant, grandson Allan Galbraith, several nieces and nephews, and his cherished border collie mix dog, Sooner. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years Opaline, his parents, his brother Edwin, and his sister Barbara. Ralph’s family would like to thank his friends, caregivers, doctors and the hospice team for their caring and support. A memorial will be held at a later date in Oklahoma City. The family suggests that memorial donations be made to Providence SoundHomeCare and Hospice or a pet related organization of choice. Please leave memories of Ralph or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.