Ralph Jay Wilson

Ralph J. Wilson passed away peacefully on January 10, 2021 at Liberty Shores Harbor House Memory Care in Poulsbo, WA at the age of 81. He was preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Ethel Wilson. Ralph is survived by his wife Janet of 63 years; four children; Tim Wilson, Tony Wilson, Debi Michel, and Dave Wilson; six grandchildren; six great grandchildren; his brother Frank Wilson, and numerous other relatives and friends. Ralph was born on October 16, 1939 and grew up on a small farm in Caldwell, ID with his parents and brother Frank. On April 19, 1957 Ralph married his high school sweetheart, Janet Bramhall. Ralph & Janet moved to Moscow, ID in 1960 where Ralph attended the University of Idaho and graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering. While living in Moscow, Ralph & Janet met Jake & Joyce Hill along with Bud & Pat Hill, and as a result of their friendship began to attend gospel meetings. In 1961, Ralph made his choice to walk with God. In 1962, Ralph was hired by Alaska Power & Telephone and moved his growing family to Skagway, Alaska where they lived until 1969. In 1969, Ralph began serving as President of Alaska Power & Telephone and moved his family of four to Port Townsend where he purchased a small hobby farm. Together, the Wilson family raised Jersey and Guernsey dairy cattle, beef cattle, chickens, and horses. After his children left home, Ralph took an interest in the Spanish language. While learning Spanish, Ralph & Janet enjoyed the privilege of attending an annual Christian convention in Guamuchil, Mexico. They loved helping with convention preparations and spending time with newly acquainted friends and ministers there. Throughout his life, Ralph continued to correspond in Spanish with those he met in Mexico. In 1986, Ralph started a small excavation business with his son, Tim, and son-in-law Jeff Michel. When Ralph retired in 2004, he took an interest in training and caring for horses. In his retirement, he spent time learning, practicing, and teaching the gentle principles of natural horsemanship. In addition to handcrafting rawhide lariats and custom halters, Ralph enjoyed sharing the natural and spiritual lessons he learned while caring for (and helping others care for) their horses. Above all, Ralph cherished his relationship with Janet as well as with his Heavenly Father. Ralph & Janet valued having a Wednesday night Bible study in their home for many years and loved listening to the gospel story. Ralph’s funeral service will be held via conference call on Saturday, January 23 at 10:00 AM Pacific Time. For more information, e-mail dereknjulie@gmail.com. After the funeral service, viewing for friends and family will be held at the Kosec Funeral Home in Port Townsend from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM. Private family viewing will be from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM with a private graveside for friends and family following at the Greenwood Cemetery in Chimacum, WA. The family wishes to express deep appreciation to all of Ralph’s caregivers from Peninsula Homecare and Home Instead as well as the caring staff from Avamere at Port Townsend, Active Life Physical Therapy and Liberty Shores Harbor House Memory Care.