Ralph Anctil

Ralph Joseph Anctil, beloved husband, grandfather, father, brother and friend, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 8, 2015. From New Hampshire, he lived a long life marked by resilience, self-reliance and compassion.

Ralph was born into a loving family of 2 brothers and 5 sisters. Losing both parents early in his childhood, Ralph was raised by his sisters and lived with friends and on his own. After high school, he worked in a shipyard in Boston and, at eighteen, enlisted in the Air Force with the advent of World War II. Ralph served as a P47 Thunderbolt fighter pilot in the European theater, decorated with an Air Medal for valor and Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat.

After the War, Ralph moved to Aspen, Colorado, to teach and enjoy skiing. He met the love of his life, Elsbeth, there and they were married in the "Pink House" in downtown Aspen. Married for 64 years, Ralph adored Beth and was thankful for their union.

Ralph enrolled at the University of Colorado in Boulder, graduated with a degree in Geology and began his career in mining exploration in southern California. His career as a hard-rock geologist took him to northern Nevada, Colorado and West Africa. Ralph had a great love of working outdoors.

Ralph was a naturally talented individual committed to self-improvement. An expert skier and fly fisherman, Ralph played tennis until he was 89. He taught himself carpentry, construction, surveying and a love of opera.

Throughout his life, Ralph displayed dignity and courage facing life's adversities, including the tragic loss of his son John. Most of all, Ralph was a tremendous friend, with a great sense of humor and a smile for everyone.

The apple of his eye, his granddaughter Katie, filled Ralph's later years with joy. They formed a special bond and made each other smile and laugh at every turn.

Ralph is survived by his wife Elsbeth, sister Beverly, granddaughter Katherine, son Matthew and daughter-in law Suzanne, nieces and nephews and was preceded by son John. A celebration of his life open to all will be scheduled this spring. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimers Association or Military Order of the Purple Heart (www.purpleheart.org) would be welcome.