Ralph Romans Westfall (83) of Mountain Brook, AL formerly of Vienna, VA passed away on December 14, 2013.Ralph was born in Brooklyn, NY on the 19th of September 1930 to Ralph Raymond Westfall and Olive Belle Willis Westfall. He was a graduate of Brooklyn Polyprep in Brooklyn, NY and of Colgate University. He received a master's degree in Middle Eastern studies from Johns Hopkins School of International Studies with oral language qualifications in Arabic and Russian. Ralph also spoke fluent French and was proficient in several other languages. These language skills served him well in the gathering and disseminating of information as a senior Central Intelligence Agency Information Officer who was stationed in Europe and West and North Africa. This included years spent abroad in Accra, Ghana; Dakar, Senegal; Casablanca, Morocco; and Paris, France to name a few. Ralph served 22 years in the CIA and upon his retirement was awarded the Career Intelligence Medal for service during his entire career with the agency. After leaving the agency, Ralph worked in the mortgage banking business for several years until he was called back into government service by FINCEN (the Financial Crimes enforcement Network of the United States Treasury Department) to once again track "the bad guys" only this time it was by computer. At the age of 70, when most people would be thinking about retiring, he was recruited and pressed into service by a combined FBI/CIA task force where he worked until he retired at age 80.
Ralph was predeceased by his parents, his sister Margaret and three wives, Betty Pearce Swenson, Eugenia Drane Westfall, and Linda Leatherland Westfall. He is survived by his son, Ralph Pearce Westfall (Beverly) and his grandson James Pearce Westfall (Shea); stepsons Jim Birch (Diane) and Michael Birch (Lori) and step grandchildren, Emma, Sara, Jimmy, Nick, Alex, Kyle, and Kate.as well as the numerous "adopted" children and grandchildren who adored him. Ralph's joys were his beloved family and working to protect his country.
A reception honoring Ralph will be held on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 at Ridout's Valley Chapel beginning at 4:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite church or charity.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
December 16, 2014
Indra Param
Ralph was one of the pioneers at Tysons Manor. I had the opportunity of serving with him on the homeowners board for several years. Rain or shine, Ralph would show up at our monthly meetings without fail. All of us miss you at Tysons Manor Ralph and your presence is always felt when I walk past the beautiful trees you so graciously donated to our community!
December 13, 2014
Charlie Schow
Ralph was a great friend, neighbor, and board member at Tysons Manor for many years. He was always willing to help out and offer good advice. I still miss him greatly. May ne rest in peace.
December 13, 2014
Jennifer Taylor
I remember Ralph's almost daily visits to the house I shared around the corner from his. Through good days and bad he always greeted me with a smile and hello. Papa Bear you are sorely missed. You have left a mark on this world and changed peoples perspectives for the better.
December 12, 2014
Dan McCormack
I didn't know Ralph in his younger days - I had the privilege of being his neighbor and serving with him on the homeowners association board. Ralph was a selfless man - served his neighbors - and had the respect of all of us! Interestingly - we both had/have family in the west/central Alabama area. Rest In Peace, Ralph
December 12, 2014
Barbara bird
Ralph was the "pool man" in our community. I could count on him to show up after the sun got low. He's always say hello. A wonderful neighbor
April 8, 2014
Chris G. "The Boss Lady"
My heart was broken to learn of Ralph's passing. A few years ago, I worked with Ralph tracking the "bad guys". He started out as a colleague, became a mentor, and ended up being a forever friend. Ralph taught many of us "young 'uns" how to do it right. At the time most of us were half his age and I'm sure we drove him crazy some days with our wild ideas, but we would laugh and laugh about it and I know that he absolutely loved it. I think he saw a lot of himself in us and wanted to keep us on the right path and guide us in the right direction. It was just the way he was. And in turn, we loved him for it! Ralph's love of country and his service to it has made it a safer place for all. Ralph, thank you for your guidance through some rough waters and for those moments of quiet wisdom that only you had. You were one of a kind and I miss you dearly my friend. God Bless you Ralph and we'll see you again someday. To all of Ralph's family, I hope that you find comfort and peace in knowing how many of us will miss him and that our world will never be quite the same without Ralph in it.
March 10, 2014
Don Fox
Had the pleasure to be mentored by Ralph in my early years and we became dear friends. I will truly miss this man as well as our Country will. I know he is smiling down on us.
January 27, 2014
Ralph Westfall Davies
Ralph was my uncle, the brother of my mother, Mary Westfall Davies. I shall never forget the love, warmth and compassion he showed my family. Nor shall I ever forget the dedication and courage he showed in defense of our nation. We all loved and admired you. I hope that you, Mom and Nee are all laughing at me for trying to find the words that say I love you. Thanks for the Latin lessons.
January 5, 2014
Alicia Flores
My deepest condolences to the Family. Ralph Aka as (Poppa) living here in Tysons Manor, I will never forget the precious time we had together over at the pool and in your home, I will cherish every moment that we had talk, your girls will miss you so much, I can still hear you when I made french toast for you. And you loved them and said that's exactly how you like them. Poppa you taught me so much about cooking, I follow your recipes and the family loves it. The stories you shared will be engraved in my heart for ever. How I miss you and your smile, you did so much for the community to keep the pool open, oh how you loved the pool. The kids will miss you. You loved and laughed so hard when Alex dunked the kids in the water and told him to do it again. I can still hear hear you. I know you are now resting with your wombat. And you are now at peace. You will be missed dearly Love you POPPA ?
January 5, 2014
Natale Schneider
My Prayers go out to the family..I remember sitting with Poppa for hours when he Lived in Vienna listening to the stories of his Life and may travels. Him cooking dinner for Alicia and myself enjoying the conversation for hours on end and Him calling us "His Girls" He will be dearly missed.
January 5, 2014
Being the neighbor of Ralph and Linda Westfall at Tysons Manor in Vienna, Virginia, was quite a treat. One never knew when they would be strolling through the neighborhood, arm in arm, or when they would be enjoying the pool, but always greeting their neighbors. After Linda's death and Ralph's move to Birmingham, they were greatly missed.
My condolences go to Pearce and Beverly. I greatly admire you both for your steadfastness, and for the love and kindness with which you cared for Ralph. May you both go forward in peace, knowing that our Father in Heaven is grateful for all your care and the services you rendered on Ralph's behalf.
With fond regards,
Dorothy Flores
December 18, 2013
Tom Burns
Our families condolences and prayers go with Pearce and the family. We were honored to meet and know Ralph. RIP Ralph. We thank you for your service to our country.
Tom and Diane Burns
Bettye Burns
Betsy and Bob Fitts
December 17, 2013
melissa
My condolences to the family. God is the hearer of prayer (psalm65:2). Pray to him for comfort
December 16, 2013
Rita Bowles
Pearce and Beverly (and family),
What an amazing career Ralph has had! Full of life, information and stories, no doubt :-) It is easy to see where you, Pearce, get your love of life - in that, you must be like your father...And while his passing will leave a void in your life, please know that your Senate family will gladly help fill in.
In Senate Friendship,
Hal and Rita Bowles
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