Ralph Elmo Harrison, passed away on January 27, 2024. Ralph was born on November 14, 1934, the first son of Elmo J. and Myra I. Harrison, in the E. P. Foster Memorial Hospital, now called Community Memorial Hospital, in Ventura, CA.
He worked on the Harrison family ranches in Idaho, during his high school summers. Working with his uncles had a lasting impact on Ralph, inspiring him to own his own citrus ranches, raise pigs, and work hard.
He attained the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 15. He was an amateur boxer and raced jalopies from 1954-59. He joined the Marines in 1952.
He worked for a number of local body shops until he started his own successful business, Ralph's Auto Body. He joined his parents, and brothers, Jim and Myron to start the E. J. Harrison and Sons Rubbish business in 1963.
Ralph married Darlene Cunningham on January 17, 1954. Out of this union came Lynn Ralph, John Allen, Richard Lewis, Myra Darlene, Margaret Ann, and Edward James Harrison.
Ralph was a hunter, and he consumed what he shot. Some of his best times were spent with his brother, Jim, sons Lynn and John, and Grandson, David, as they camped, and hunted deer in the Idaho mountains where he had spent many memorable summers.
Ralph was a dedicated NASCAR fan, and in recent years his favorite drivers were Tony Stewart and Kevin Harvick. He enjoyed open wheel Indy Racing because it reminded him of his Jalopy days when he raced with local greats and Indy 500 legend Parnelli Jones at the local Oxnard Speedway. Ralph was a member of the Tri-County Racing Association, The Founders Society of The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Ventura, The Ventura County Fairgrounds Foundation. He was proud to have bred a Grand Champion pig for the Livestock Auction at the Ventura County Fair.
Ralph married Jeannette Curtis on January 31, 1987. They were just a few days short of celebrating thirty-seven years of marriage. Jenny brought her six children into the Harrison family; Kelly, Kimberly, Kevin, Karin, Kristi, Karisa. Ralph enjoyed his large family, and he and Jenny enjoyed their time with their children and grandchildren. Ralph, Jenny, and their family, spent time at Lake Nacimiento, Big Bear, and hosting BBQs at their Fillmore home.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Jenny, sister Janet Seamands (Al), brothers, Jim (Mary) and Myron. His oldest son, Lynn Ralph Harrison (Patty), John Harrison (Letha), Richard Harrison (Lynn), Myra Rackliff (Shlomo), Margaret Mattern (Sean), Edward Harrison (Mary); Grandchildren, Ryan Harrison (Meghan), David Harrison (Sandy), Robert Harrison (Elizabeth), Crystal Carr (Brian), David (DJ) Rackliff (Chana), Dana Rosen (Dovid), Rachel Harrison, Joshua Harrison, Josiah Nordmark (Harriet), Jessica Harriman (Matt), Jayna Nordmark, Javin Mattern, Jaren Mattern, Elijah Harrison (Selena), Alexis Harrison.
Step-Children include; Kelly O'Dell (Charlie), Kristi Millikin (Bill), Kevin Curtis, Kimberly Carriaga (Alex), Karin Guadagno, Karisa Melendez (Larry); Grandchildren, Charlotte Edwards, Tricia Leister, Jessica Curtis, Jordan Rodriguez, Javon Carriaga, Jered Carriaga, Giabella Carriaga, Greyson Melendez, Jayden Melendez, Landen Melendez, Lily Curtis.
Thirty Great-Grandchildren, and too many nieces and nephews to name.
Ralph was a private person regarding his spiritual beliefs, He was firm in his faith in GOD through his SON. He is preceded in death by his Grandson, Dakota Carriaga, and his parents, Elmo and Myra Harrison, and sister-in-law Sharon Harrison.
Family and friends are invited to visiting hours to be held Friday afternoon & evening February 2, 2024 from 2 to 8pm in the BOYKO & REARDON TELEGRAPH ROAD MORTUARY & CREMATION, 15 Teloma Drive, Ventura (additional parking across the street of the mortuary at Miracle Center Church lot) . Funeral services will be held on Saturday morning February 3, 2024 at 9am in the BOYKO & REARDON TELEGRAPH ROAD MORTUARY, 15 Teloma Drive, Ventura, immediately followed by interment in Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, Ventura.
In lieu of flowers, Ralph would be honored if you would donate to a Boys & Girls Club of your choice.