Mr. Ralph Edward Fickel, Jr.

For much of the 1990's, we trekked the same paths, Ralph and I, as Rangers on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Altho we worked in adjoining districts and saw each other infrequently, it was always a pleasure to get together on those occasions when our Park Service duties coincided. Ralph occupies a special place in my memory. Of all the Park Rangers I met and worked with, at every level, I esteemed him in the highest degree. And we shared this:

For much of the 1990's, we trekked the same paths, Ralph and I, as Rangers on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Altho we worked in adjoining districts and saw each other infrequently, it was always a pleasure to get together on those occasions when our Park Service duties coincided. Ralph occupies a special place in my memory. Of all the Park Rangers I met and worked with, at every level, I esteemed him in the highest degree. And we shared this: A third party, who need not be named, was the motive force behind the parting of the ways between us and the NPS. So it is with a real sense of tragedy and loss that I learned today, quite by accident, of Ralph's untimely death. I am certain that I am only one among many who will miss him and cherish his memory.

My heart has been sad since I found out Ralph passed away. I have remembered what a special man he was. I was not a climbing friend, though he patiently took me once to teach me - my one and only attempt. He and I were in graduate school at ASU together; we shared an office and had most of our classes together. We lived near each other in Boone and he would come over to eat and hang out.

My heart has been sad since I found out Ralph passed away. I have remembered what a special man he was. I was not a climbing friend, though he patiently took me once to teach me - my one and only attempt. He and I were in graduate school at ASU together; we shared an office and had most of our classes together. We lived near each other in Boone and he would come over to eat and hang out. Once he became a Ranger, he needed to have his hair a bit shorter, so whenever he needed it cut, he would come over to watch tv and talk while I trimmed it for him. I just enojoyed hanging out with him and talking. And he was always a gentleman, like opening the door for me when we went off in his red truck. When ASU went to NCSU for the Geography Bowl, I got one answer right that he didn't know - and he patted me on the back and cheered me on. The fact was he knew all the rest of the answers and we won the competition due to him. But he never said anything about that. He had such a gentle spirit and I just enjoyed having him for a friend to confide in and be with. Years later, I went to Cone Manor on the Parkway with 3 of my children (I now have a 4th). I saw Ralph's red truck there and we went to see him. He took time to walk the trails with us and pointed out things along the trail to the children. He looked so handsome in his NPS uniform and was so wonderful with my children. These are some of my special memories of Ralph that I wanted to share with those who also knew him. My deepest sympathies go out to Ralph's family and friends who, like me, were blessed to know him and have him in our lives.

My sincere condolences to Ralph's family. A fine and gentle individual, Ralph truly experienced the "freedom of the hills". I will treasure the adventures I shared with him, and miss the ones that must remain undiscovered.

"I come because I revere them; I stay because I love them; I leave, but not without them".

I can't begin to tell you how stunned I was at the news of Ralph's tragic accident. He will be sorely missed. I fond memories of talking about Civil War history with Ralph. He was someone that had definite ideas of what it meant to be a Ranger. I learned quite a bit from him. Please accept my condolences for your loss.

I wish to convey my sympathies to Ralph's family and friends. I learned of Ralph's passing from Bo Terry yesterday and it was such saddening news. I knew Ralph more than 30 years ago, having been introduced by Jim Kelly. At that time I wanted to be something of a climber and mountaineer, and was impressed by Ralph's knowledge and drive for the sports. So many times Ralph met me and my friends for climbing weekends at Table Rock (NC).

I wish to convey my sympathies to Ralph's family and friends. I learned of Ralph's passing from Bo Terry yesterday and it was such saddening news. I knew Ralph more than 30 years ago, having been introduced by Jim Kelly. At that time I wanted to be something of a climber and mountaineer, and was impressed by Ralph's knowledge and drive for the sports. So many times Ralph met me and my friends for climbing weekends at Table Rock (NC). He had always read another book, or met someone of interest, or had done something of import that he told us about. Ralph taught me the correct way to coil a climbing rope. As time went on, try as I might, I merely became a rock climbing dilettante. Ralph became an expert, and so deserved respect and admiration for his skills and accomplishments. I remember as though it were yesterday, his great smile and enthusiasm, his refusal to be daunted by weather or obstacles, his never ending humor, and his kind chiding of me for my paucity of abilities. It's a blessing that I have been allowed to carry those memories for so many years. I have no doubt that he provided many more for all who knew him. May God grant peace and blessings to his family and loved ones at this time of your loss.

I will always remember Ralph for his love of nature, sense of adventure, and the outdoors. I had the chance to meet him many years ago when my husband and I visited with his sister, Annette, and her husband, Paul, when they were staying at a summer cabin right outside of Brevard. I kept up with news of him over the years through Annette. The only solace that I feel with his passing is that at least he met his

I will always remember Ralph for his love of nature, sense of adventure, and the outdoors. I had the chance to meet him many years ago when my husband and I visited with his sister, Annette, and her husband, Paul, when they were staying at a summer cabin right outside of Brevard. I kept up with news of him over the years through Annette. The only solace that I feel with his passing is that at least he met his maker doing what he loved... being outside and in the mountains. Ralph will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

I will certainly miss Ralph. Somehow I think I'll still be looking for him every time I go to Boone.

Mrs. Fickel,
I am so sorry for your lost. Ralph was a wonderful man who had many friends from around the world. He touched my life and gave me guidance when I most needed it. He will be greatly missed.
Mattie Jean