On Tuesday, December 22, 2020, Ralph James Treadway ascended to the Promised Land. An avid hiker, Ralph was engaged in one of his favorite pastimes; hiking in God’s great outdoors.
Ralph was born at Ford Ord, CA on August 9th, 1955. After graduating Salinas High School in 1973, he enlisted in the US Navy and was selected as a member of the Navy’s heralded nuclear power school becoming ‘Reactor Ralph;’ ultimately reaching the rank of Ensign and becoming a reactor operator serving on the USS Ohio. Ralph’s love of the sea never faltered. He relished his time as a crew member on numerous sailboats and was able to participate in the prestigious Transpacific Yacht Race. As a civilian, Ralph spent much of his career as an IT professional in the fresh produce industry. He was employed by Coastline Family Farms as its Food Safety Manager. He was indeed generous to a fault. He served as the Salinas High Booster BBQ master for over 10 years creating his amazing mouthwatering tri-tip. If one needed a helping hand, Ralph was always first in line. From dance to tennis lessons and commitment to personal betterment, he truly lived a very full life. And he certainly enriched many many more. Ralph instilled in his daughters a love of the outdoors in many different ways and when he wasn't sailing or hiking he could be found around a campfire enjoying a cigar and a good book.
Ralph will be remembered in a last sail and private family ceremony. Friends and members of the community are invited to join Ralph’s family at a celebration of life at a time to be determined.

The family wishes memorial contributions be made to either to:

Santa Cruz Sailing Foundation at http://www.scsailing.org/donations/
OR
The Nature Conservancy at https://www.nature.org/en-us/

Ralph is predeceased by his father First Lieutenant James Treadway, US Army and his nephew Mat Treadway. He is survived by his Mother, Monica Treadway; his siblings Dennis Schafer, Kim Treadway-Kardel, Paul Treadway and Phil Adrian; and his pride and joy; daughters Erika, Elizabeth, Danielle, Abigail and his step-daughter Mandy; grandchildren Cameron, Devin, Rena and Noah. His tireless love and devotion to his daughters and grandchildren was the pinnacle of his happiest moments.