Ralph Mccormick

Ralph Lynn McCormick passed away Easter Morning, April 8, 2012 just three weeks shy of his 76th birthday in Kamas, Utah surrounded by his loving family.  Ralph fought a decade long battle with Cancer.  He approached overcoming this disease with determination, as he did everything in life, but he battled it for as long as his body allowed.
Ralph was born on the 29th of April, 1936 to Emily Wilde McCormick and Jay Blaine McCormick, prior to the Great Depression.  He grew up during the worst economic time in American history.  Along with the values instilled in him by his parents, he learned the value of hard work and saving money.  Ralph also grew up during the longest, bloodiest war in world history. From that experience he learned the value of the American Dream, and fighting for the freedoms we all share and enjoy.  At the age of 21, dad enlisted in the Army willing to serve and defend those same freedoms and love of country during another time of war, Vietnam, though he was never deployed.  Ralph was voted President of the Kamas Lions club while serving as mayor of Kamas.  During this time, he also served as first councilor in the LDS Bishopric.  One of his duties was to oversee the scouting program where he helped to energize the young men in the ward like it had never been done before.  Within a four year period, thirteen young men received their Eagle Scout awards, including his three sons. This accomplishment hasn’t been matched to this day. From as early as 6 years old on the family farm, Ralph could always be counted on to do his part and more and had the invaluable talent and determination to see things through to completion.  He was devoted to serving those less fortunate, and always favored the underdog.  Ralph was a successful businessman and cattle rancher, which was more love than work.  He also worked for the State of Utah, Department of Transportation for 25 years. He was later foreman for several years until he was able to take an early retirement and pursue full time his love of ranching.
Ralph was preceded in death by his father, his mother, his sister Therma Sorenson, and his brother Andrew Thomas, whom he never met.  He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Atkinson McCormick, 6 children, Patti Johnson (Bart), Wade McCormick (Julie), Cathy Robinson (Bob), Tommy McCormick (Jamie), Mike McCormick (Carrie) and Tami Rockhill (Dirk).  He is also survived by 23 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.  He is also survived by his older sister Bonnie Lassche (Jack) and his younger brother Max McCormick (Carol Ann).
The family is grateful for all the love and support given by various devoted family and friends, especially this past year, and devoted doctors and care takers.  He will be greatly missed until we can all be reunited through the Great Eternal Plan of Happiness.  We will always remember your great example of integrity, work ethic, and love of family and friends.  We will love you forever, and we will never forget you.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at 12 noon at the Kamas LDS Ward Chapel, 100 West Center St, Kamas, UT.  A visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 10th from 6pm until 8pm at the Ward Chapel and again from 11:00 to 11:45 am prior to funeral services.
Interment will follow at the Marion Cemetery.