Ralph grew up in Norfolk, VA and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1951 during the Korean War.  He was an Aircraft Mechanic (Crew Chief) on F-80s, T-33s and an F-84. Upon receiving his Honorable Discharge in 1955, he resumed his education receiving an Associate Degree in Electronics in 1958 from Old Dominion, and a B.S. Degree in Industrial Engineering from Virginia Tech in 1963.  Ralph joined the DuPont Company for a career in a variety of Engineering and Management positions (most in computer programming and operations).  Following his retirement in 1985 Ralph did computer programming and consulting.  One assignment was computer programming support for Boeing's V-22 Ospray Project in Philadelphia.

     Ralph's modeling experience dates from WW II when as a boy he made paper, solid balsa, and balsa and tissue covered flying model airplanes.  His current interest is 1/72 scale WW II and Spanish Civil War aircraft.  He builds mostly OOB and occasionally ventures into simple model conversions.

     Ralph joined IPMS/USA in 1966 and shortly thereafter was instrumental in forming the IPMS/NorDel Modelers Chapter in Wilmington. DE.  His chapter was small but very active - most notably producing one of the most widely read local chapter newsletters (NorDel Modeler) of that time, Circulation reached 400 copies through a system of trades for other chapter newsletters, placements with hobby shops across the country, and trades with other IPMS National Branches.

     Ralph was elected IPMS/USA Historian on the first IPMS/USA Executive Board at the 1968 National Convention in Washington D.C.  He served as Editor of both the IPMS/USA Quarterly and IPMS/UK Monthly Magazine Memos.  He was elected as IPMS/USA First Vice President in 1970. In 1972 Ralph was set to run unopposed for IPMS/USA President, but due to other obligations had to withdraw.

    In 1996 Ralph, responding to IPMS/USA President John Noack's request for assistance in setting up IPMS/USA's "Internet Presence", volunteered to develop and maintain IPMS/USA's first web page.  Ralph brought a unique blend of IPMS publications and leadership experience, and professional computer skills to the task and was appointed IPMS/USA's first Internet Coordinator/Webmaster.  Ralph served the next 6 years (through 2002).  He was instrumental in establishing our IPMS/USA web page as a dynamic and very successful new tool for society communications, new member recruiting, and an invaluable modeler's information resource.  Today it's difficult to imagine IPMS/USA without our web page.

      At the 2004 National Convention in Phoenix, AZ, the IPMS/USA WebMasters and IPMS/USA Executive Board presented Ralph a "Special Achievement Award" in recognition of the Society's Internet accomplishments under his leadership.

     Today Ralph serves as our web page's Aircraft Forum Moderator, and is a devout National and Regional Convention attendee. His modeling is more project planning than doing these days; but the hobby is still very enjoyable for him.