Ralph Outcalt, Alamosa’s long-time resident and business leader, who recently turned 101, passed away at his beloved ranch on April 27, 2014. Last year, Ralph served as the Centenarian and parade marshal for Alamosa County. During the 4th of July celebrations he shared his 100th birthday with Alamosa County as it celebrated its Centennial in 2013.

Sadly, Ralph’s father died during the Spanish flu epidemic in 1918 when Ralph was 5, leaving his Mother to support her family of three young children by running a boarding house. The economy of the community relied heavily on the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad and there was always a need for “room and board” for workers and business people coming and going from Alamosa. He attended Alamosa High School, but in an effort to help his Mother support the family, he worked during the day at a local bakery and completed his high school diploma via a Denver-based correspondence school where he continued his studies in engineering and surveying. He worked with the State Highway Department until serving in the Army during World War II in Livorno, Italy, the port city of Tuscany on the Tyrrhenian Sea, for three years as the head of an engineering section. Those were tough years, but he is proud to have served his Country.
After his military service, Ralph returned to his home town of Alamosa to work with his uncle at Sorum Tractor Company which he ultimately purchased after the war, and operated to this day. He was asked to join the Board of the First National Bank in Alamosa and later, with Don Wuckert, purchased the bank. They later sold their interest, and it now operates as First Southwest Bank. Ralph did not consider himself retired.
He was very much involved in his community and was a great local philanthropist for the San Luis Valley. Ralph supported many great causes such as the Colorado State Veteran’s Center at Homelake, the Alamosa Museum, the Rio Grande Hospital, the Adams State Foundation, the Alamosa FFA, and local youth clubs throughout the Valley. He loved to see our youth excel and become better leaders for our communities.
Ralph was a very proud member in many groups such as the Shriner’s, the Masonic Lodge, Elks, and Veteran’s Association.
Ralph was married and widowed twice by two “wonderful” women. His first love of his life was Rosemary (Swart) Outcalt, and his second love was Loretta (Hagedorn/ Elliston) Outcalt. He lived at his home at Rio Rancho in Alamosa County with his cocker spaniel, Scooter. He was totally intrigued with the Stock Market and continued to watch and visit with his stock brokers daily, When asked about what he attributed to his long life, he always would quickly responded with, “Green Chile”.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother Marion and Emma Outcalt, his siblings Roy and Bessie, and his two wives, Rosemary and Loretta.
Ralph was always a true gentleman, and strong morals and values. He leaves behind many friends and family including Scooter his faithful dog, his step children Steve Elliston and Ronetta Fritz from Florida, step-daughter in-law Connie Pimnperl from Alabama, niece Leigh Krepa and family from Sanford, nephew Bobbie Cummings and family from LaJara, niece Roberta Cummings and family from Alamosa, niece Stephanie and family from Denver, special friends Don and Nancy Fernandez, Leroy and Rosalie Martinez, Jerry and Omagene Haynie, Norma and Cotton Walstrom, Greg Curtis and his Sorum Tractor family, and his special team Visiting Angle Juana Valdez and Karla Shriver.
A visitation will be held Thursday, May 1. 2014 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Rogers Family Mortuary in Alamosa. A Funeral Service will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 2, 2014 at the St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church in Alamosa. Committal services with military rites will follow services in the Alamosa Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested in his memory to the Rio Grande Hospital or to the Colorado State Veterans Center at Homelake.

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