Ralph Muirhead embodied the ideals wanted in all people: humor, intellect, creativity, compassion, love, faith and eternal youth. The ideals he practiced infused into one title he always aspired, the loving father. He had owned a bookstore in Oak Harbor and lived in Oak Harbor for 20 years.

Born August 27, 1926, he enjoyed a preacher’s son childhood in Snohomish and Butte, Mont., until the outbreak of World War II. He served as a yeoman in the US Navy.

After World War II, he moved to Seattle. He attended the University of Washington and met his love, Bernadette, in the Emerald City. They began a family in Seattle.

The family moved from Seattle to San Diego, Calif., shortly after Ralph and Bernadette’s marriage began. Ralph opened a bookstore in San Diego and began his life to the end as a bibliopole.

He is survived by his wife, Bernadette Muirhead; daughters, Jeanette Iacometti of California, Colleen Fantaroni of Massachusetts, Maureen Klindt of Washington, Kellie Crowdis of Kansas; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

His creative side of life surfaced daily with piano playing, jokes, stories and his love for words.

His command of the dictionary allowed him to play with words. He often wore the hat of lexicographer. He often said spellings as, love is spelled w-x-g-doublep, or dictionary is spelled x-u-r-w-y-q.

On his death bed his sense of humor continued. The final quote he left his family, “Trust in God: eat a dill pickle.”

Those wishing to share memories and thoughts of Ralph with his family are welcome to a visitation Sunday, Nov. 28, from noon to 3 p.m. at 1620 SE 9th Ave., Oak Harbor.