Obituary of Ralph J. Bastian

Ralph J Bastian was born on August 8, 1927 to John and Blanche Bastian and raised in Chicago, IL. Ralph proved to be an extraordinary scholar, and went on to earn his Doctorate in Theology from the Gregorian University in Rome. He spoke at least 7 languages. As a Jesuit priest, he taught at Loyola University Chicago and Xavier University Cincinnati. In 1968 he left the priesthood to start a family and became a travel agent. Ralph never missed the chance to visit another country, always sampling the local food and wine, of course. Married for 46 years, Ralph and Pattie were soul mates, travel companions and best friends. Ralph was a founding member of the Puyallup/South Hill Rotary Club and he was a Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary's most distinguished honor. Even after a physically debilitating stroke in 1999, Ralph continued to volunteer, travel, and be a formidable board game opponent. Ralph loved spending time in Palm Springs, CA or with family in Austin, TX. In death, he rejoins many friends and family, including his brother Paul and his beloved daughter Jenny. He is survived by his wife Pattie; his daughter Theresa and her husband Rodney Campbell; brother John K. Bastian; sister-in-law Bea; 5 grandchildren; 4 nieces and nephews.. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Catherine Place 923 S. 8th St, Tacoma, WA 98405 or Helping Hand House 4321 2nd St SW Puyallup, WA 98373. Memorial service will be held at Piper Morley with Oakwood Hill Funeral Chapel, Oct. 8 at 11AM