Ralph Maurice Green

Ralph M Green, longtime resident of Camp Bay on Lake Pend Oreille, died peacefully during a brief hospitalization at Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d’Alene, March 6th. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 9th at the Church in the Wildwood, 9230 Sagle Road, Sagle, Idaho 83860. Ralph was born August 2, 1924 in Colome, South Dakota. Like so many of his generation, he migrated with his family from the harshness of mid-West farm life during the Depression to find opportunities in California. The beginning of WW II prompted him to enlist in the US Navy and training at a place unknown to him, Farragut Naval Training Center in North Idaho. Medical problems led to separation from the Navy and to work in the shipyards of Portland, Oregon. In the shipyards he found a trade (electrician) and his love, Jeanne, who became his wife of 68 years. After the passing of Jeanne’s parents, John and Kate Van Schravandyk, who were Bonner County pioneers, Ralph and Jeanne moved onto the homestead property and have kept it intact until the present day, over 44 years. He brought a passion to management of the land that continued throughout his long stewardship. Together they maintained a vigilant oversight of the property with an exceptional concern for preserving its pristine nature. Over their many years of tenure they placed regard for the land above material return from its value. For those who knew him; his keen attention to detail was well known. No matter was too trivial to be a subject of his concern. Although late in his 80’s, his interest in current events was undiminished. Only hours before his demise he was mentioning the death of Hugo Chavez and the sinkhole in Florida. He is survived by his wife, Jeanne, and his children, James (Post Falls), Gary (Portland), Kathy Lefor (Portland), Randy (Hayden Lake) and Sheila (Portland). In addition, he leaves 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.