Ralph William Thomas passed away peacefully on October 25, 2017 surrounded by his family and close friends. Ralph was born on June 10, 1943 in Langdon, North Dakota and was raised in Grand Forks, North Dakota. He attended school there until he joined the Marine Corp in 1961. After returning from the service, he worked with his Dad until he went to work at Rydell Chevrolet as a salesman. Ralph was in the car business for many years buying, selling and running many dealerships as well as helping others with their dealership projects. Ralph had a unique gift as a true salesman and had a passion for selling anything and everything. Ralph is survived by his wife of 53 years, Carolee, his 3 children, Jill Thomas (Rob Hart), Tracy Cater (Ward Cater) and Ryan Thomas along with his 5 grandchildren, Ward, Courtney, Zachary, Max and Mae. Ralph was a very generous and compassionate man who helped many people over his very successful lifetime. He assisted both friends and strangers achieve their dreams, he very generously gave to many charities and always made certain that the family he loved so much was well taken care of. A Prayer Service will take place on Friday evening October 27, from 5:00 P.M. -7:00 P.M. at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 East Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ. The Funeral service will be held Saturday, October 28, at 2:00 P.M. at Valley Presbyterian Church, 6947 E. McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley, AZ. A Celebration of Life will take place after the funeral at the Arizona Country Club, 5668 E. Orange Blossom Ln, Phoenix, AZ, from 3:00 P.M. -5:30 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to go to the Phoenix Salvation Army, Donation Processing Center, PO Box 6002, Prescott, AZ 86304-6002, Attn: Ralph Thomas Fund.
Pat Eesley
Truly sorry to hear. Ralph left a enormous impression on me about 20 years ago when I went to Fargo to talk to this guy about his aircraft maintenance. By the time my visit was over Ralph agreed to come to our facility for some maintenance and I bought a new car. Over the years we became friends. I would meet Ralph at the Holiday Inn for breakfast in Detroit Lakes MN. We would go over the maintenance that was completed. Then we would talk about the first meeting we had and laugh. Then the move to Arizona came. We talked less but I never forgot and now treasure the memories. No one will ever compare. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Dick Geigle, Jamestown, ND (formerly from Grand Forks
The first time I met Ralph and his dad is at their Christmas tree stand on South Washington St. in Grand Forks, ND. Over the years I had many breakfast and lunch meetings with Ralph, there was also some business accomplished! Ralph was a true professional!!! He made things happen, the world is a better place because of Ralph Thomas!
Bert and Kari Arnlund
Our condolences to Carolee and family. We are so sorry for your loss. We didn’t know Ralph was ill. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
Greg Schneider
Prayers for the Thomas family, from Greg Schneider family in Grand Forks ND. Growing up with brother Pat we had plenty of leadership from Ralph. In later years it was fun to follow his ventures and visit with him occasionally. He always thought of us when Mom and Dad needed appliances. This showed his loyalty to his friends and roots. God bless your family.
Jolene Powers Ketshaw
Ralph was a great friend to our family. We are all blessed just to know him. Our deepest sympathies to you all. So sorry for your loss.
Thoughts and prayers❤️
Millie Powers and family ( Jolene & Julie)
Jolene Powers Kershaw
Ralph was a great friend to our family. We are all blessed just to know him. Our deepest sympathies to you all. So sorry for your loss.
Thoughts and prayers❤️
Millie Powers and family ( Jolene & Julie)