Ralph W. Cournyer passed away on March 14, 2023, at the age of 97 in Morton, Washington. He was born on Aug. 29, 1925, to George and Luella (Coleman) Cournyer.
Ralph attended schools in Chehalis and Morton. His family moved to Morton in 1936 when his father purchased the stageline from the Van Bibber family (the "Stage" carried passengers and supplies from Packwood to Chehalis. He left high school after the first semester of his senior year to join the U.S. Navy in February 1943. He received his high school diploma after earning the credits necessary for graduation for nine month's honorable service. He served until March 1946 as aviation machinist mate first class.
Ralph married Gloria Lee Kepper on June 28, 1945, while at home on leave from the Navy at Corpus Christi, Texas. In March 1946, he was discharged early to return home to help with the family business after his father suffered a stroke. The couple made their home in Morton where they lived the rest of their 77 years together. They had three sons, Michael, Alan and Timothy.
After his Naval discharge, Ralph drove a bus, drove a log truck and worked other jobs in the logging industry. He earned an associate of arts degree from Centralia College and then attended Pacific Lutheran University where he received both a bachelor of arts degree and a master's degree in education. Ralph began teaching in 1953 at Edison Elementary School in Centralia. The following school year, he accepted a teaching position in the Morton District where he taught from 1954 to 1966. Ralph then served as Morton Elementary School principal for 17 years until retiring in 1983.
Before joining the Navy, Ralph spent a summer manning the lookout station on Hamilton Buttes. He loved the outdoors and instilled that love in his three sons. He enjoyed many of his days hunting, fishing and trapping with them, memories they will cherish forever.
Ralph and Gloria spent winters in Yuma, Arizona, where they enjoyed the warm winter weather with family and friends. Ralph also enjoyed searching for gold in the desert near Yuma. He loved camping and clam digging at the beach.
Ralph is preceded in death by his wife, Gloria; parents, George and Luella; and three brothers, George (Max), Leo and Phillip. He is survived by his three sons, Michael (Theresa) Cournyer, of Morton, Alan (Charleen) Cournyer, of Morton, and Timothy (Jonni) Cournyer, of Mossyrock; eight grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Remembrances can be made to the Morton Scholarship Fund/Ralph and Gloria Cournyer Memorial Scholarship at Security State Bank, Morton branch.
