Ralph William Seimears

Ralph William Seimears, age 90, passed away on Wednesday, September 16th, 2015 at the Christian Healthcare Center in Lynden, WA. He was born February 2nd, 1925 in Tenino, WA to Clara and William Seimears of Olympia, WA. Moving to Whatcom County as a young man, Blaine and Bellingham became his central area with family. Duck hunting and fishing were his youthful hobbies until WWII, which he became a part of on April 5th, 1943 at the age of 18 with the U.S. Army. He proudly served his country with a contagious level of patriotism that carried him not only through the war but throughout his entire life. You could not speak with him long before you realized his unending love for his country. He served as a Medical Aid man beginning with a landing on Normandy, onward to liberating France, and on to the Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe; mobilizing with affiliations involving General Patton’s 3rd Army. Ralph was honorably discharged with European, African, and Middle Eastern Service Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, and a Victory Medal in Fort Lewis, WA on December 5th, 1945. Five years later, in 1950, he married the love of his life, Dorthy Louise Crosby, settling in Bellingham, WA to raise their four children; Linda, Steve, Shelley, and Rick. Columbia Cement Co. was his place of work to raise and support his family, which he did very well. This man was incredibly devoted to the well-being of his family and extended that care to many other friends. Ralph and Dorthy enjoyed remodeling homes and bettering themselves as they moved along. His love for duck hunting and fishing always found an important place as his hobbies, with most of his devotion going to Dorthy, who preceded him in death in September, 2009. Ralph is survived by his children and their spouses; Linda and John Brooks of Arlington, Steve and Marcia Seimears of Idaho, Shelley and Dave Hendricks of Bellingham, and Rick and Ann Seimears of Ferndale. Ralph had a special way of relating with his grandchildren by being silly at their level and, of course, numerous checker games which most he probably lost on purpose. Putting the needs of others first was his common theme of life from beginning to end. This standard helped his realize that he had a need he couldn’t take care of. Easter Sunday in 2004, while at a local church with his family, Ralph saw his need for God through Jesus Christ to forgive him for the sinner that he was and start a relationship that he would benefit from forever. It was at that moment he insisted on having the CD that so impacted his life with the message he would share with others, and he did. “Jesus Loves Me” was truly his favorite song. Many times we heard him singing this in his room all by himself. Ralph’s family would like to thank the staff at Christian Healthcare Center for their loving care of Ralph throughout the years. A visitation will take place on Friday, 9/25 at 11am in the Chapel at Moles Greenacres followed by a graveside service at 1pm with military honors. You are invited to join after the service at NW Baptist Church for a reception at 2:30pm.

Ralph William Seimears

February 2, 1925 - September 16, 2015