BANGOR – Ralph passed away May 12, 2013, surrounded by his family at his home. He was born Jan. 13, 1928, in Bangor.
Ralph was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart for service to his country during the Korean War. When he returned from Korea, he worked for many years as an auto body repair man, and served his community as a Penobscot deputy sheriff and as the constable of Carmel. Ralph had a love of hunting and fishing his whole life and was a registered Maine guide for many years. After his retirement, he enjoyed raising beef cattle and owned his own business, Ralph’s Gun Shop, Holden.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Frances Darlene Shortt; and three children, Terry Shortt and fiancée, Laine Parsons, Robin Whitney and husband, Tim, and Virginia McDonald and husband, Dale; his greatest joy was his six grandchildren, Nathan Bradford, Kate McDonald, Lucas McDonald, Caleb Shortt, Terry Lynn Shortt and Cullen Shortt; and brother, John Palmer and wife, Sonya. He was predeceased by his parents, George and Flora Palmer; and sisters, Marlys Clark and Delta Patten.
At Ralph’s request, there will be no visiting hours. A service will be held 10:30 a.m. May 15, at Grace Methodist Church, 193 Union St., Bangor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bangor Humane Society or Grace United Methodist Church.
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever” – Isaiah 40.8