I first met Ralph in the early 80's when I joined the Takapuna Boating Club. Ralph was always there with helpful and thoughtful advice throughout my Olympic Campaign. When our paths crossed later in my sailing career, Ralph continued to offer encouragement and advice which I always welcomed. Ralph will be missed by the sailing community worldwide. Deepest sympathies to Penny and family. John

Dear Penny & family … your hearts must be heavy with the passing of Ralph. We send our deep and caring sympathy .. we were unable to attend his service due to caring for grandchildren, but have watched it just now. What a gentle caring man who achieved so much. .. always seems to be smiling .. always a gentleman. Brian has a story about Ralph .. he had just made the Thames Valley Representative Rugby team and was talking to Ralph who proceeded to tell him how to conduct himself and how to succeed…he always remembered those words … having his own father dying so young. You must be so proud of your husband .. father .. and grandfather. Warmest love … Brian & Raewyn

Penny, I wish and your family my deepest condolences, Ralph was a great man, and was always helpful, courteous, and full of life. No mater where I saw him, he would always come and want to chat, I enjoyed these every time. We have lost a great man, I can see him chatting with Bill Bell, watch over us. Love Andre.

I remember fondly when we visited Ralph in Auckland when I was there 23 years ago. Going on the racing sailboat thanks to Ralph is one of the many incredible experiences that I had during my stay with you in New Zealand. The exhilaration and hectic onboard, the speed, and the tilt of the boat are fortunate memories which I clearly and vividly remember as if I had been there yesterday. And that, thanks to Ralph!! 😊 Diego Ortiz

Our deepest condolences to your family. Ralph was a wonderful mentor/coach to our Pacific youth in sailing. We met him during the Mini South Pacific Games in The Cook Islands 2009. Rest In Peace.

I first knew Ralph while we were sailing as school boys at Takapuna Boating Club Bayswater where he soon excelled. In later years when I became an executive member and chairman of Blind Sailing NZ, Ralph actively supported Blind Sailing with advice and funding via various yachting entities he had become involved in. Blind sailors have consequently benefited from Ralph's kind and expert interest in their wellbeing. My deepest sympathy to Ralph's family.