Joanna Lanissa Gormly and Theodore James Ralston

  Ted Ralston was born August 24, 1948 in Seattle, the only child of Sam and Joy Ralston. Joanna Gormly was born in New Jersey, March 18, 1947, to Richard and Janet Gormly. Ted and Joanna died tragically May 17, together, at their home in Vaughn. The couple met while attending the University of Washington. They married August 5, 1979 at the bride’s family home on the waterfront of Vaughn Bay, where they made their own home in the final years of their lives. Their education and travel for work and pleasure gave them a broad worldview. Both were voracious readers and well informed on current affairs, which they enjoyed discussing. They appreciated fine food and drink but rarely turned down Dick’s cheeseburgers and fries. Though not true raconteurs, both could hold a table with thoughts and ideas. They enjoyed making music. They were true and loyal friends. They were devoted to family. Joanna was quiet, gentle, intelligent and modest. She often read into the early morning hours and was a late riser. She was empathetic and understanding, had a wonderful sense of humor and a charming laugh. Joanna loved a good cup of tea, gardening and walks along the beach. She was a fine example of still waters running deep. Ted liked to debate — almost anything. He was athletically competitive, an excellent bowler, tennis player and cyclist who participated in the Seattle to Portland bike ride three times. Ted was fascinated by sports theory and was a devoted fan who insisted on watching events in real time, never missing the Tour de France or tennis at Wimbledon regardless of what time zone he was in. At the same time, he loved the spectacle of professional wrestling with its epic battles of hero versus villain. Ted and Joanna are survived by their son, Alex and his family; and by Joanna’s brother Ken Gormly and his family. A small memorial gathering was held in May at the family plot in Vaughn Cemetery. Alex read an Irish blessing suggested by his wife, which he also later found among his parents’ belongings:

May the road rise to meet you May the wind be at your back May the sun shine warm upon your face May the rain fall softly on your fields And until we meet again May you keep safe In the gentle loving arms of God