PAA/DL Capt. Ralph M. Shape

~ IN MEMORY ~

USAF veteran, PAA/DL Capt. Ralph M. Shape

April 12, 1936 ~ June 21, 2015

 

 

From: David L. Roberts   Sent: Sunday, June 28, 2015 8:39 AM  Subject: Death of retired PAA/DL Captain Ralph M. Shape

CARES AND CONCERNSThank you to Mrs. Judie Shape for sending the obituary of the death of her husband, retired PAA/DL Captain Ralph M. Shape, 79.  Ralph was a classmate of mine in Air Force Pilot Training Class 61-Delta in 1959-60.  After pilot training we went our separate ways then met again at Delta at JFK after the PAA/DL merger in 1991.  He was hired by PAN AM 6/20/1966.  She writes that his cause of death was unsuccessful heart valve replacement and (leiomyosarcoma) prostate cancer.  Expressions of condolence may be sent to the Shape family at 3757 South 194 St., Seattle, WA 98188, phone 206-592-8270 and email < judieshape@hotmail.com >.  Please keep the Shape family in your thoughts and prayers.  Dave

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Captain Ralph M. Shape - Northwest native Graduate of Univ. of Washington, and Air Force Veteran.  Flew with PanAm (1966-1991) and Delta (1991-2004).  He received his license for Lear jets, owned and leased his own plane out to the TV weatherman.  He shared his travels with his wife of 56 years, Judie.  Witnessed up close the downing of the Berlin wall and the demise of the Soviet Union.  He semi retired to his home on Angle lake.  He volunteered to drive the seniors van and graduated to Mayor in a town (SEA-TAC) that includes an international airport.  Rather than relaxing in his retirement, he spent eight years of active service on the Council.  Elected as Mayor in 2008 where he dedicated himself to driving positive change and innovation on behalf of his community.  His hobbies and interests were diverse and his passions included staying active in the Cascade Treasure Club, The Federation of Metal Detecting Clubs (Treasurer) and the Magic Lantern Society (President).  He held the Seattle Museum of Flight in highest regard and he loved to visit and share the history there with his friends and family.  Ralph passed on Father's Day, June 21st, 2015.  He is survived by his wife Judie and their children, Martin Shape and Lori and Michael Spencer and grandchildren, David and Stefany Spencer.
Obituary will be in the Seattle Times this Sunday, 6/28/15


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Ralph M. Shape

1936 - 2015 | Obituary   
 
Ralph M. Shape

Ralph Moritz Shape was born on Easter Sunday, April 12, 1936 in Seattle, Washington to parents John and Esther Shape. He passed away Sunday, June 21st, 2015. Graduated from Franklin High School and the University of Washington. He worked at Boeing Texas and flight school in the US Air Force. Following eight years of military service, he continued his love of flying with Pan American, flying all over the world for 25 years. That included 7 years in Berlin, Germany witnessing the fall of the wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union. With the demise of Pan Am he continued his flying, now, with Delta Airlines. They built their home at Angle Lake where they could see airplanes take off and land and could walk to the airport. Following retirement Ralph ran for SeaTac City Council and served in that capacity for eight years which included two as Mayor. Travel stayed on the agenda as well as some winter time spent in Arizona. Ralph is survived by his wife of 56 years Judie; son Martin of Puyallup, daughter and son-in-law Lori and Michael Spencer, two terrific grandchildren, Stefany and David; brother and sister-in-law John and Donna Shape; sister Ann Morrison; and his best friend KuKu. Interment will be at Washington Memorial Park in SeaTac. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Museum of Flight or to your favorite charity .
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/seattletimes/obituary.aspx?n=ralph-m-shape&pid=175177818#sthash.IXltOj1K.dpuf