Ralph L. Dines

Ralph L. Dines, 87, died peacefully on October 18th, 2023, having enjoyed a wonderful, loving and successful life. Ralph was born in Seattle on October 14th, 1936, to parents Charles and Clara Dines, he was the youngest of three boys. Memorial to be held February 3, 2024 at Emerald Heights in Redmond WA, 1-3 PM.

Losing his parents at an early age, he spent his formative years in the greater Seattle area raised by his extended family of Grandparents, Uncles, Aunts and his older brothers Charlie and Bob. In Seattle, Ralph participated in sports - including football - at Roosevelt High School. Upon graduation in 1954, Ralph enrolled in the University of Washington. Starting with his days selling programs at Husky stadium, he remained a faithful and lifelong Husky fan.

Ralph joined Boeing in 1956 and following drafting school, enjoyed a successful 38-year career there, participating in Boeing’s “Minute Man” Missile, SST, 767, Jetfoil and 777 programs. Following more than a decade of UW evening classes, Ralph ultimately graduated with degrees in business administration and history.

Ralph married Sandra K. Wellman in 1956, raising three children - Becky, Boyd, and Shannon - in the Bellevue area. Ralph later divorced and married Yvonne Reichert in 1980, his life partner for the next 32 years.

Ralph was active in Bellevue’s Master Gardeners program, earning numerous awards and serving as a respected judge in local Dahlia shows.  He was particularly proud of his “Washington Pioneer” family history and the hard work of the Dines & Pederson families that helped shape the Seattle skyline and Olympia’s Capitol Rotunda in the early 1900’s.

His loving family will miss him perpetually, including, Daughters Becky and Shannon and her husband Scott, Son Boyd and his wife Karen, stepdaughters Karen and Heidi Larson; Grandchildren Aly Losk (Shawn), Russ Dines (Travis), Jordan Thomas, Will Thomas, Louis Visan and great grandson Jayden Losk. And, finally, Latka, his faithful canine companion.

If you were Ralph’s friend, may the memory of his big fish tales or wacky stories give you comfort and a smile.