Ralph R Cowdery, 99, passed on peacefully with family at his side on August 18. He was a native of Syracuse and lived in Baldwinsville, NY since 1960.

He was the son of Lawrence and Ruth (Richardson) Cowdery. He had an identical twin, Roger, and brothers Robert and John who had a twin sister named Jean(Ruth). His mother would say she had "five under five," the title of his family's history which he had just started to write.

He was a graduate of Central High School and of Syracuse University. There he received a BS degree in electrical engineering following a naval tour of the Pacific during World War II.

He was originally a member of Plymouth Congregational Church in Syracuse where he met his future wife, Anne (Clarke), in the church choir in which they both sang. They subsequently married there in 1951 and remained married until her death 65 years later.

He became a member of First Presbyterian Church after moving to Baldwinsville. There he was a member of the choir and he was an elder and a deacon, serving his fellow church members in that capacity. His dedication to others included being one of the original attendants of the Baldwinsville Ambiance Corp.

He spent his career working for General Electric, retiring in 1985 so he could enjoy summers in a new camp he purchased that year. It was located on Otisco Lake where he had enjoyed summers of camping with his childhood family. Their shelter there was an army tent pitched on a bluff overlooking the lake.

In 1951, his father purchased a point of land on the lake that his mother named sunrise point. There, Lawrence's three surviving sons, including Ralph, built a rustic cabin. This camp served the ever expanding Cowdery family and is still owned by some members of the extended family.

Most notable was his devotion to his tight knit family. He was a loving husband and father and his generosity provided his family with memorable summers at sunrise point, summer trips to Martha's Vineyard and two cross country trips exploring the wonders of this country.

His passions were many. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. He enjoyed building and making things as a talented carpenter He crafted boats, picnic tables, elaborate headboards and built a large tree house for his son, David, in addition to many other projects.

In the winter he lived for skiing. This was a lifelong passion in which he thrived until the age of 85. The only reason he stopped was his concern for his wife. He was her caregiver and didn't want to risk injury that would make it so he was unable to care for her.

Ralph learned to overcome a bias against gay people when his son, David, came out to him in 1979. He and Anne went on to lobby for gay rights and to found the Syracuse chapter of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, PFLAG.. After years of dedicated service, they were honored at a Rainbow Awards banquet.

When Ralph and Anne were 80 they moved to a senior community called McHarrietown in Baldwinsville where he lived until he went into assisted living at McHarrie Pointe at the age of 95.

Following Anne's death, he found a long time companion named Mimi. This relationship became a source of endearing comfort to the now widowed companions.

Both Mimi and his twin brother, Roger, passed away last year. Ralph was a very accepting man who learned to roll with life's punches. What he said upon their passings was that he couldn't have wished for a better brother or companion, that they lived long and rich lives without regret and that life goes on.

Ralph was the kind of person that attracted blessings. His final blessing was a woman named Veronica. He excitedly told his son that he had found a sweetheart that gave him a continued purpose to live beyond 100.

Sadly, for those left behind, that was not to be. But the bottom line was that he was victorious. He lived a long and loving life with vision. He always had a sense of purpose and he always maintained an attitude of good cheer. He was an inspiration to all who knew and loved him.

He was predeceased by his wife, Anne, and daughter, Patricia. He is survived by his son, David, son in law, Robert Palladino-Cowdery, a dear friend he considered to be another son, Al Oram, and several nieces and nephews.

Ralph donated his body to medical science and his ashes will be buried at Amber cemetery on Otisco Lake with military honors next year.

A memorial service will be held at the McHarrietown Center, located at 2464 Betsy Lane, on October 3rd at 2 p m.

Falardeau Funeral Home has care of arrangments.

Contributions may be made to SAGE 431 E Fayette St, Syracuse or to the First Presbyterian Church of Baldwinsville.