TACOMA – Ralph Marks Moore, 88, died July 27, 2005, in Tacoma. The son of Malcolm and Juanita Moore, he was born on July 17, 1917, in Portland, Ore. From the age of 6, he lived with his family in Ilwaco, and graduated from Ilwaco High School.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He lived most of his adult life in Seattle where he worked at Boeing, and then for A.O. Smith for 39 years. Most recently, he had lived in Sequim.

His love and respect for the ocean and in particular the Long Beach Peninsula came from deep in his soul. His favorite place was Beards Hollow, where he and his family spent many wonderful times climbing the rocks, swimming the frigid waters, then stumbling back to their car to lug all their gear to their campsite by flashlight so they could then enjoy dinners cooked over a campfire. His love for Long Beach and Beards Hollow has been passed down to four generations of family members and countless others who have been touched by this powerful love.

Mr. Moore was adventurous, creative, curious, musical and had a love of tall ships and the sea. He was also a great conversationalist who never stopped learning. Most of all, he loved his wife and family.

Survivors include his wife of 28 years, Priscilla; daughters, Kenilee (Dan) Campbell, Bonnie Simpson, and Alva Rita (Rick) Allen; sons, Michael, Mark, and Dennis McGeough (Katherine), and Casey and Shayne (Shirley) Wing; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by daughter Judy McGeough, and son Keith Moore.

A memorial service was held on Monday, Aug. 1 at Edline and Yahn Covington Funeral Chapel in Kent. Donations may be made in his name to the Franciscan Hospice House in Tacoma in gratitude for the professional and loving care they provided.