Ralph Brumbaugh

Ralph R. Brumbaugh, 92, passed away on April 16, 2014 at his home in Wasilla, from pancreatic cancer. He was born in Chelan, Washington, the youngest son of Martin and Adeline Brumbaugh. He graduated from Orville High School in Washington and attended Smith Aviation College in Utah. He served his country as a Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer; after his military service he went to work for Boeing as an experimental aircraft mechanic. He earned his FAA commercial pilot's license with instrument and multi-engine ratings in the 1950's. He first came to Alaska in the early 50's employed as a pilot and later manager/pilot of a small airline based in Dillingham. In 1954, Ralph moved back to Washington where he was employed again at Boeing as an experimental aircraft mechanic at the Experimental Flight Test Center. The primary work consisted of experimental modification work on experimental B-52 Bomber's and some prototype 707 aircrafts. He missed the adventures spirit of Alaska; in 1956 he moved his family to Fairbanks. Ralph worked at Interior Airways as Superintendent if Maintenance and Engineering, he also served as copilot on the C46 and DC3 flights to Anchorage when needed. Ralph then went on to work at Wein Air Alaska as VP of Operations, Alaska International Air as Executive Vice President and Markair as President and CEO for many years until his retirement in 1992. During his retirement, he and his wife, Evelyn, enjoyed RVing in their GMC motorhome. Ralph had a great love for the GMC motorhome and once owned five of them at the same time. They enjoyed traveling throughout the stated participating in GMC rallies and making many friends along the way. He had a very creative mind and loved the challenge of making things out of all sorts of material including fabric. At the age of 78, he took up quilting; after making numerous king sized bed quilts, he designed and created many treasured miniature quilted bowls for his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Evelyn; sons, Jonny (Marilyn) of Warrensburg, MO, Jerry (Sandra) of Longview, TX and Randy (Linda) of Fairbanks; daughter, Judy(Bob) Engleman of Anchorage; 11 grandchildren, Rory, David, Laury, Colin, Kristy, Graham, Craig, Douglas, Robert, Brian and Darrell; 16 great-grandchildren and one great grandchild. Ralph is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Stanley, Stewart, Abraham and Henry; and sister, Roanie Jackman. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society. Per his request, there will be no memorial service. Cremation Society of Alaska/MatSu.