Ralph A. Gier

Long time Whatcom County resident Ralph Gier, age 89, passed away in Bellingham on February 25, 2021. He was born October 1, 1931 in Redondo Beach, California to Arthur and Lucy Gier. While serving in the US Air Force and stationed at Templehof Central Airport he met and fell in love with a local Berliner, Brigitte Wunsche. Ralph brought Brigitte to the United States and they were married in Las Vegas on December 18, 1954. Ralph graduated from City College and later completed his Masters in Business Administration at Western Washington University. As an instrumentation and electrical engineer Ralph moved with Atlantic Richfield (now British Petroleum) to the Pacific Northwest in 1971 and the family settled in Ferndale. Long after “retirement” Ralph did special projects for oil refineries all over the United States working well into his 80’s. Ralph was a licensed pilot and loved to fly. He also enjoyed military history, fast cars and a daily Heineken. He was known for his stoicism and calm under pressure. Ralph was a loyal and devoted husband and father. He is survived by his wife Brigitte, daughter Joan Gardiner (husband Bill), son Hoyt (wife Donita), five grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. A private ceremony for family will be held at Enterprise Cemetery in Ferndale. You may share memories with the family at www.westfordfuneralhome.com .