FAMILY PLACED OBITUARY

Ralph Richard Stone
$nameIn Loving Memory of RALPH RICHARD STONE February 11, 1931 - June 10, 2015 Late on the evening of June 10, 2015, with his family by his side, Richard took his final breaths and was welcomed into the arms of Jesus, his savior. In the two weeks prior, family members had the opportunity to gather and spend time with him and, together, expressed gratitude and love for this wonderful man -- the cornerstone of the family. Ralph Richard Stone (also known as Stoney, Pops, Papa and Dick or Richard) was born on February 11, 1931 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Ralph Zene Stone and Edna Payne. He was raised in Utah along with his brother, Bruce, and sister, Shirley, where he learned about hunting and fishing, which later became his favorite pastimes. Extremely talented and athletic, Richard excelled in baseball as a shortstop and pitcher, and later attended college on a baseball scholarship. He also served in the Army Reserves. With his first wife, Beverly Bates, Richard had three children: Jett Mari, Jeffrey Ralph and Randy Richard. They had moved to Hollywood, California to look for a better life. After Richard and Beverly divorced, Richard was ahead of his time as a devoted single father and he raised his children in Burbank. Richard was a tremendously gifted salesman. He could sell just about anything and had a sense of humor and a wit few could forget. He was a sales manager in the construction industry but later went on to build a very successful career in real estate sales. After his children were grown, Richard moved to Hawaii to join his son Jeff investing in Jakes Restaurants and various real estate ventures under Stone & Stone Partnership. That's where he met and married Carolyn Marie Wells in 1985. After spending more than a decade in Hawaii in 1994, Richard and Carolyn moved to Provo, Utah, where they started a real estate sales company together called RC Realty. They enjoyed much success and years of hunting, fishing, skiing, and outdoor activities. Life in Utah was special and Richard and Carolyn enjoyed it immensely, making many friends and being together in their cozy wooden cottage on the river making a huge snowman every winter. Along with expertise in sports and golf, Richard loved to gamble, was an ace card player and the domino king. Family members and friends were often frustrated as they tried in vain to beat him at these games. In 2002, Richard and Carolyn were drawn back to paradise and moved to Ko Olina to be closer to their children and grandchildren. They lived a blessed resort lifestyle filled with golf and ocean activities, and surrounded by friends, family and their dogs Bruiser & Yoda. As founding members of Crossroads Ohana Christian Fellowship, they enjoyed years of wonderful bible studies, and small group ministering. They also supported countless Christian ministries and missions around the world. Richard and Carolyn recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary with a beautiful party on top of the Ihilani Resort that brought together many friends and family members. They were very happy and their home was the center of all Holidays or special occasions. No matter whom he crossed paths with during the course of a day, Richard took the time to make people feel special and important. He made people smile with his charisma and humor "How you doing, Tiger!?" or "How's the day going, Pumpkin!?" were his trademark greetings, and his quick wit always made people laugh. There has never been a better father or grandfather in all the world. In fact, Richard happily provided the role of father and grandfather in the lives of not only his own family, but many, many people. Whether just giving a listening ear, providing wisdom and guidance as only he could, or giving gentle discipline when needed, Richard was the solid rock of foundation for countless individuals. We are forever grateful and blessed to have had him in our lives, and his love and legacy will live on in each of us. Richard is survived by his greatest blessing, his wife Carolyn, the pride and joys of his life, his daughter Mari and son Jeffrey, the grandchildren he adored, Kristine (Keahi), Chynna, Sean (Lichelle), and Kourtney, and the great-grandchildren who brought him so much joy, Kamaile, Kainalu and Kawena. He is also survived by his brother, Bruce (Beverly), and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Shirley, and his beloved son Randy. A celebration of Richard's life will be held on Friday June 19th at 11AM for his family and close friends within the grounds of Lanikuhonua -- "where heaven meets the earth" --

Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased

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