Roll Call Tribute

Faith Funeral Home obituary
165 Brooklyn St
Morrisville, Vermont 05661
Phone: (802) 888-2865

Ralph S. Barrows
March 10, 1932 - June 06, 2018

Ralph S. Barrows

Stowe - Ralph S. Barrows, 86, passed away peacefully Wednesday, June 6, 2018 after a short stay at The Manor in Morrisville, VT. He was born March 10, 1932 in Barre, VT, the son of Max and Arlie Birtell Barrows. He married Norma Irish on September 12, 1954 in Enosburg Falls, VT.



Ralph was kind and funny and treated strangers like old friends. He could strike up a conversation with anyone, and usually did. Ralph loved travelling the world with his wife, Norma, and they travelled to every continent except Antarctica. He even received a certificate of completion for swimming around the southern tip of South America, (in the cold pool, on the cruise ship!). He was a prolific numismatist and loved gardening, basketball and football, especially cheering for his alma mater, the Texas A & M Aggies.

Ralph was a member of the Montpelier High School Class of 1950. He attended Johnson State College, where he played baseball and received his bachelor’s degree in math and science. Upon graduation, he began his teaching career in Stowe. During his summers, Ralph worked for the Vermont AOT on road painting and guardrails. This role enhanced his knowledge of almost every road in the state. He then received a master's degree in math and science from Texas A & M University. He returned to Stowe and became the Principal of Stowe High School. He went on to serve as the Assistant Superintendent at Chittenden East Supervisory Union. Upon retiring from education, he had a stint at Tubbs Snowshoes, delivering snowshoes and canoes around the country. He was always up for a delivery no matter whether it was here in New England or as far away as Montana. After "retiring" Ralph continued to teach for the remainder of his life. He worked for the American Red Cross and The American Heart Association teaching first aid and CPR for over 30 years. He taught CDL courses when Vermont implemented a commercial driver's license in 1992. He was a member of the Stowe Volunteer Rescue Squad for 38 years. He also was a Justice of the Peace for over 10 years, officiating at many ceremonies around the state. Ralph lived in Stowe his entire adult life and was very involved in his community, volunteering at numerous events including the Stowe Derby, Stowe 8-miler, and Octoberfest.

He is survived by his wife of over 63 years, Norma, his sons, Bruce and his wife, Theresa, of Stowe, VT, Jeffrey and his wife, Beverly, of NY, and his grandchildren, Mariah, Grace, Max, Eamon, and Mackenzie. He is also survived by his brother Norman and wife Dorothy of Palmyra, ME, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother Alyn.

A remembrance service will be held on June 22, 2018 from 6-8:00 PM at a Faith Funeral Home, 165 Brooklyn St., Morrisville. Online condolences may be made by visiting faithfh.net.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Lamoille Area Cancer Network, 198 Farr Ave., Morrisville, VT 05661 or at LACNVT.org