Well, this breaks my heart. I didn't know we lost Ralph. If our class could be a person, it would have been Ralph. To me he was Mr. LCHS '66. Now it can never be the same.
Jim is so right. Ralph was Mr. LCHS '66...and all the other years too. He loved reunions and I remember him telling me he went to all of them! I miss him. Cory
That was our nickname for Ralph. It comes from the former Roller Derby star:
"Holder of every important scoring, speed and endurance record in the history of the banked track roller skating sport, Ralphie Valladares; first as a T-Bird skater; then as coach and ultimately Manager during his thirty-eight year tenure with the World Famous Los Angeles Thunderbirds earned the nickname, "The Living Legend".
Ahhhh...."Roof" - that's what I used to call him. So much LCHS history and beyond with that dear friend - I sang at his (1st) wedding. Just to fill in the blanks...he died in July, 2010.
Ralphie, how we all miss you! You were and will always be known as our "class communicator"... You took advantage of being one of the first people to have acess to an "800" phone number at your stock exchange and certainly took atvantage of calling and updating info on classmates before all the search engines on line. We worked side by side on the 40th Reunion and you taught me the ropes and I hope I have honored you by taking the reins. Susan Gregory, Bill Chapman and I pulled off the successful 45th and know that you are proud of us for getting ready to put on the BIG 5-0!!!! We love & miss you, a true friend until end. XOXO
What a friend Ralph Rollins III was through so many years. Fun memories of Stan, Don & John as buddies. Ice block sliding down the LC golf course; Newport Beach; SD visits; etc. Yes, Ralph took friendships to heart. Joani, Susan and Bill you've also been the threads of continuity that have kept all of us aware of one another for the past 50 years. Thank you for the effort and the smiles. John Williams and Joani, the loving care you gifted to Ralph in his last days is beyond the bonds of friendship. Yes, I miss Ralph. My Life is better for the memories I enjoy when I see him in my heart. Looking forward to the 50th!
What a shame. LCHS was so "clicky" Everyone was expected to stay in their own little groups and there were very few that broke out to my mind. Ralph was different. He paid no attention to that sort of thing and jumped in as a friend to everyone. Whatta guy. One of the really good ones. Color me Sad.
I didn't know Ralph that well, but he was always very nice to me.
At the time he was organizing the 40th reunion, I was going through breast cancer treatment and we corresponded a few times. He was very supportive. I wish I had had the opportunity to know him better.
Jim Nunn
Well, this breaks my heart. I didn't know we lost Ralph. If our class could be a person, it would have been Ralph. To me he was Mr. LCHS '66. Now it can never be the same.
Cory La Bianca
Jim is so right. Ralph was Mr. LCHS '66...and all the other years too. He loved reunions and I remember him telling me he went to all of them! I miss him. Cory
Dick Harmon
R.I.P. - Ralphie Valladares
That was our nickname for Ralph. It comes from the former Roller Derby star:
"Holder of every important scoring, speed and endurance record in the history of the banked track roller skating sport, Ralphie Valladares; first as a T-Bird skater; then as coach and ultimately Manager during his thirty-eight year tenure with the World Famous Los Angeles Thunderbirds earned the nickname, "The Living Legend".
Vicki Bertagnolli (O'Gara)
Ahhhh...."Roof" - that's what I used to call him. So much LCHS history and beyond with that dear friend - I sang at his (1st) wedding. Just to fill in the blanks...he died in July, 2010.
Joani Bartoli (Porto)
Ralphie, how we all miss you! You were and will always be known as our "class communicator"... You took advantage of being one of the first people to have acess to an "800" phone number at your stock exchange and certainly took atvantage of calling and updating info on classmates before all the search engines on line. We worked side by side on the 40th Reunion and you taught me the ropes and I hope I have honored you by taking the reins. Susan Gregory, Bill Chapman and I pulled off the successful 45th and know that you are proud of us for getting ready to put on the BIG 5-0!!!! We love & miss you, a true friend until end. XOXO
Christine Norrbom (Berk)
What a friend Ralph Rollins III was through so many years. Fun memories of Stan, Don & John as buddies. Ice block sliding down the LC golf course; Newport Beach; SD visits; etc. Yes, Ralph took friendships to heart. Joani, Susan and Bill you've also been the threads of continuity that have kept all of us aware of one another for the past 50 years. Thank you for the effort and the smiles. John Williams and Joani, the loving care you gifted to Ralph in his last days is beyond the bonds of friendship. Yes, I miss Ralph. My Life is better for the memories I enjoy when I see him in my heart. Looking forward to the 50th!
Bob Crane
What a shame. LCHS was so "clicky" Everyone was expected to stay in their own little groups and there were very few that broke out to my mind. Ralph was different. He paid no attention to that sort of thing and jumped in as a friend to everyone. Whatta guy. One of the really good ones. Color me Sad.
Garie Manley (Zordich)
I didn't know Ralph that well, but he was always very nice to me.
At the time he was organizing the 40th reunion, I was going through breast cancer treatment and we corresponded a few times. He was very supportive. I wish I had had the opportunity to know him better.
Garie (Manley) Zordich
Jack Dale
I will always remember getting rides home in Ralph's Jag. Last time I saw him, we were getting our draft physicals. A great person.