Ralph “Josh” Douglas Lockwood, 75, passed away at his home in Oak Harbor, Wash. on June 18, 2013. He was born in Onawa, Iowa, on August 3, 1937, to Charles and Roxie (Gross) Lockwood.

As a child, Josh moved to Northern California with his family where he attended school, graduated and joined the US Navy in 1956.

He proudly served an illustrious 28 years, during which time he circled the world, fought in Vietnam and flew into typhoons over the Pacific hundreds of times for tracking and research.

He retired from the Navy as a Senior Chief Petty Officer in 1983.

He then continued his career in weather with the Civil Service, supporting the military. After 20 years, Josh retired from the Civil Service as a lead flight forecaster at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station.

Josh married Victoria Flores (Pimentel) Lockwood in 1976 in the Philippines. Together they had three children, Daniel Douglas, Charles Robert and Serena Rosal.

Throughout his life, Josh excelled at many interests and hobbies.

He loved recreating in the outdoors – fishing, hunting, camping and sailing. He was an athlete, playing football and running track in high school, long distance running as an adult and practicing Karate for many years, earning a second-degree black belt.

In retirement, he liked writing western novels, having had three books published, and being actively involved in the Bat Caves Writing Group.

He also enjoyed having coffee with the guys at Frank’s Place and spending time with his beloved family. Josh made everyone he met smile and laugh with his well-known sense of humor.

Josh is preceded in death by his parents, sister Ginger and son Charles. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, his children Daniel, Serena and from a previous marriage, Dena Lockwood, Lorna (Lockwood) Downham, Angela (Lockwood) Taylor, and Katrina (Lockwood) McCurdy and his sister Shirley (Lockwood) Vargas, 10 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. He was dearly loved by everyone he knew.

A visitation will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 25 at Burley Funeral Chapel followed by Funeral Services and Burial at Maple Leaf Cemetery.