Ralph E. Morgon

Ralph Morgon, age 93, passed peacefully early Tuesday morning, January 29, 2013, surrounded by his family. He is preceded by his wife of over 64 years, Billie, his brothers, Bob, Paul, Todd, Tom, and John, and his sister Evelyn. He leaves behind his brother Jim and sister Betty, his children, Jack and wife Debbie, Scott and wife Debbie, daughter Judy and husband Mike Milewski, three grandchildren (Shelley, Erin, and Kathleen), and three great grandchildren (Allison, Andrew, and David).

Ralph was a native Californian, born in Pasadena, a World War II veteran, and lifetime member of the U.S. Navy League and the Fireman's Relief Association.

Ralph graduated from the William McKinley Junior High School in 1936 (where he played drums in the Bulldog Band) and then Pasadena High School in 1938. While at McKinley, Ralph met the love of his life, Billie Bray. They met at a school dance and as soon as he saw her, he said to himself, " I'm going to marry that girl." He was 19 and she was 16. Later, they both discovered that Ralph's brother Paul was married to Billie's sister Venoa. In 1941, Ralph and Billie eloped to Las Vegas and began a marriage that lasted over 64 years and resulted in three children, three granddaughters, and three great grandchildren.

When WWII began, Ralph was working as a supervisor at Lockheed, building airplanes. When drafted in 1944, he was able to select which branch to serve. Ralph always said he selected the "Navy, of course," to avoid possible fights with his six brothers who had already joined. Fortunately, they all returned safely. Ralph trained at the Aviation Ordnancemen's School in Oklahoma and the Aviation Fee Gunnery Unit in Washington. He graduated with honor grades from the Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, Florida and was advanced from Seaman 1st class to Aviation Ordanceman 3rd class. After 8 more weeks of training, Ralph proudly received his air-crewman's wings. He was honorably discharged in 1946 whereupon he returned to Lockheed for a short time. He joined the Pasadena Fire Department in 1948, was promoted to Captain in 1956, and retired in 1975. His father William Ernest Morgon was also a Pasadena fireman, and his son Jack is a retired fireman from the Carlsbad Fire Department.

Beginning in 1956 and lasting until 1965, Ralph became actively involved in the Pony League, which became an entire family activity. During this time, Ralph acted as team manager while his nephew Dennis and son Jack were coaches, son Scott a ballplayer, daughter Judy a Bat Girl, and wife Billie a score keeper.

After retiring from the Pasadena Fire Department, Ralph and Billie enjoyed travels to Alaska, the Mississippi, Boston, Arizona, and twice to the Panama Canal. Many times they traveled with Paul and Venoa, brother Tom, and brother Jim.

Ralph was proud that, in his 70's, he learned how to use a computer connected to the Internet. Using these newly acquired skills, he was able to buy and sell stock, stay in contact with the Retired Firefighters Association, and check the latest coins on the U.S. Mint website (his favorite hobby). He also loved playing cards and was a Black-Jack Dealer at many Casino Nights at the Carlsbad Inn Timeshare & Resort.

Ralph lovingly cared for Billie who suffered with Alzheimer's Disease and was able to keep her home with him until the very end. After living alone for several years, Ralph moved into Sunrise at La Costa, where he was well cared for by knowledgeable and hardworking staff. While there, Ralph was photographed and included in Gentleman Norman's "How to Be a Man" book (http://www.gentlemannorman.com), benefiting the Alzheimer's Association, San Diego/Imperial Chapter. ** With that in mind, and even though we all love the beauty and fragrance of flowers, a longer lasting tribute to the Alzheimer's Association in Ralph's honor would be appreciated. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the San Diego Alzheimer's Association at https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2?11461.donation=form1&df_id=11461&pw_id=1821&JServSessionIdr004=vm4lfqdca2.app206a. **