Ralph Brewer, 78, dedicated husband, father, grandfather and friend, died April 12, 2010, from a massive heart attack while walking to his car. He was born Sept. 2, 1931, in Tulsa, Okla. At the age of 17, Ralph enlisted in the Marine Corps. During his 20 years of dedicated service he saw action in both Korea and Vietnam, receiving two Purple Hearts for injuries sustained in each war. After retiring from the Marine Corps, Ralph spent another 19 years serving his country in the civil service and nine more years working for Sargent Fletcher, Inc. Ralph and his family moved to Oak Harbor in 1977, and in 1986 he and his wife opened their family business, ABC Cleaners and Diaper Service, in Oak Harbor. He worked there for about four years before he and his wife decided to retire.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 57 years, Doris, and their children Ralph “Buster” Brewer of Mount Vernon, Larry Brewer, Rhonda Meeks, Alan Brewer, Bryan Brewer, all of Oak Harbor and Paul Brewer of Bonney Lake. He is also survived by 23 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, his brother Cammie of Sparks, Nev., and his sister Delphia Evans of Sacramento, Calif.

A private viewing for family was held April 17 at Burley Funeral Chapel in Oak Harbor. A celebration of his life will be held in the reception hall of Burley Funeral Chapel on Saturday, April 24, at 2 p.m., which will include military honors at 2:30 p.m. All who knew Ralph are welcome to attend.