Condolence: I never had an opportunity to meet Mr Vertrees, but am touched by him in an odd little way. I hope you won't mind my sharing my impression. I lost my mother after a long battle with alzheimers and spent some years caring for her at home. She was Catherine L. Mcdonough and was schoolmates with Mr. Vertrees in Midland. She still had letters and pics from high school/college friends. and her annuals. Ralph seemed such a fine young man and from the letters from a homesick young seaman a great sense of humour. It is clear he became a fine man with a wonderful family and a long full life. Please accept my condolences.
Sandra Yett

Condolence: We met Ralph only ten years ago through Exchange Club and it was not enough time to know Ralph or hear all of his stories. Ralph would keep you intrigued and laughing about his brilliant and sassy mom, his loving children and grandchildren, his career changes, his wonderful home in the tree forest and many other cherished experiences. His telling of the story was often more thrilling than the story itself as his dazzling blue eyes would twinkle and his brilliant smile would light up his face as he was caught in the excitement of the story.
His dedication to the Kite Festival was a life long commitment. When he could no longer be on the field, he and Martha would make emergency runs for such things as scotch tape for kite building. Ralph was definitely the Kite Fest Super Hero. The Kite Committee was treated to dinner almost every Tuesday for two months prior to the fest so Ralph was able to stay connected to the event.
His love for the children in the Austin Community extended beyond the kite fest as he made sure the Rainbow Room was always full of clothes for foster children at Christmas time, the Boy Scouts After School Program had their needs met, and any program that hit a shortfall was made whole. He also generously supported the survivors of the Bastrop Fires through the Bastrop Christian Ministerial Alliance.
Ralph’s love for Martha was perfect and adorable; his patience and kindness was boundless; his charity and humanity was limitless; his determination and strength of mind was inexhaustible. His memories will always be with us and we are pretty sure he has a marble in his pocket. You will be dearly missed.
Our condolences to your family. May you be surrounded with care, sustained in peace and guarded in the shelter of God’s love. Jerry and Billie

Condolence: Ralph was one of the nicest men I ever met. For many years we chatted every Monday morning when UT SAGE was in session, and when he was no longer able to attend, I missed him greatly. One of my favorite memories was of Ralph will always be his presence on the "D-Day to the Rhine" trip a number of us took about 15 years ago. I shall miss his presence on this planet -- it leaves a void.

Condolence: I will always remember Ralph Vertrees as a kind gentleman with a fantastic sense of humor. At the beginning of his illness, he maintainied his bright outlook. He knew what he was facing but still had an easy smile to give. I saw Mr. Vertrees in his home two years ago when his condition was quite advanced and he was still laughing and joking at the time.

Condolence: As a City of Austin Parks & Recreation employee in Zilker Park it was my pleasure to work with Ralph on the annual Zilker Park Kite Festival-at 83 years the oldest kite festival in America. His duties in the Exchange Club made him the contact person with the city. I recall those many wonderful events, all of hose happy children-all of which were made possible by the Exchange Club members and Ralph Vertrees' hard work and unselfishness. Ralph was a pleasure to work with and I miss those days and Ralph.