Ralph Fennell

Dr. Ralph G. Fennell, 75, of Parker, CO passed away surrounded by family at his home on September 3, 2014. Ralph is survived by his wife of 51 years, Star, his four children, Kurt Fennell, Karl Fennell, Kirstin Lear, and Kyle Fennell, five grandchildren, Emerson Fennell, Skyler Fennell, Landon Fennell, Olivia Lear and Vernoica Lear, and his mother, Ruth Fennell. Ralph graduated from Washington & Jefferson college in 1960 and later earned his Medical Degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1965. He served as doctor in the US Army as a Flight Surgeon for 8 years, attaining the rank of Lt Colonel. He loved flight and flying, spending many flight hours in the Army Huey helicopter. Ralph was an accomplished pilot as well, earning his commercial pilot license in 1971. Also in 1971, Ralph received dual advanced medical specialization degrees in Aerospace and Preventative Medicine from Ohio State University. In 1972, his aviation interest took him to United Airlines where he served as the Flight Surgeon for Washington National, Cleveland, Chicago O'Hare, and Denver pilot bases. He loved to travel on United to many places around the world, especially with his family and grandchildren. He dedicated his time helping employees and pilots and served on the Employee Assistance Program. He retired from United after 35 years. Ralph was involved in the community as Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 511 in Medina, Ohio for 7 years. He inspired the boys and his own kids to learn to lead on their own. He was a great mentor and example for the boys. He loved to hike and camp and took the Scouts on 2 trips to the Philmont Backpacking Adventure Scout Camp. Ralph also loved to sing and carried a tune with him wherever he went. One of his favorite hobbies was singing with Barbershop chorus. He loved the old music, harmony, and friendship it brought. He also loved to work with wood, landscape on his tractor, tinker with trains, make home movies, and dance with his wife to Country music. Most of all he loved to spend time and explore the world with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He took his older grandchildren one at a time with Star to Guatemala, Egypt, and China. A Memorial Service will be held on at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 24, 2014, at Parker United Methodist Church, 11805 S. Pine Drive in Parker, CO. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Dr. Fennell's memory be made to either the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Rocky Mountain Chapter, 720 S. Colorado Blvd. Suite 500-S, Denver, CO 80246 (www.lls.org) -or- to the American Red Cross, 444 Sherman Street, Denver, CO 80203 (www.redcross.org). Service Information