Obituary of Ralph Richard Port
Ralph Richard Port (81), former longtime resident of St. Maries, ID, passed away on December 12, 2023, in Spokane, WA, surrounded by his family.
Ralph was born to Ralph and Bernice (Mervin) Port on July 2, 1942, in Spokane. He grew up on the family farm in Troy, ID, graduating from Troy High School in 1960. Following high school, Ralph earned a football scholarship to the College of Idaho and later transferred to the University of Idaho where he graduated in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in engineering. Work brought Ralph to St. Maries, where he worked for 25 years as a civil engineer for the U.S. Forest Service. He married Bonnie Marquardt on September 13, 1969, in Honolulu, HI. Ralph and Bonnie raised their three daughters in St. Maries and lived there until 2020.
Throughout the years, Ralph enjoyed many hobbies and interests like sailing, chess, bible study, church activities and especially time and events with his children and grandchildren.
Ralph is survived by his wife Bonnie at their home in Spokane; children Angela Matson of Spokane, Cindi Port (Jennifer McLean) of Seattle and Betsy Port of Coeur d’ Alene; siblings David (Darla) Port of Pullman, Donald (Shirley) Port of Troy, and Barbara Russell of Lewiston; grandchildren Michael, Avery and Mitchel Matson and Reuben and Brenden Thill; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter Leah Thill.
A memorial service will be held on December 27, 2023, at 11:00 am at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in St. Maries. A gathering of family and friends to share a light lunch will follow in the fellowship hall of the church.
