The indomitable spirit and determination Ralph Reid White displayed throughout his life and in his final challenge were an inspiration to his family and to all those who were privileged to know and love him.

Reid was born in Bloomington, IL, the son of Robert and Mary White. His family eventually settled in Fresno, CA. His leadership ability was clear, even in high school, where he was elected president of his class.

In 1965, he graduated from high school and was appointed to West Point by Congressman B.E Sisk. As a cadet, Reid was assigned to Company F-3. He believed in leadership by example in every aspect of his life. From his first days at West Point as a plebe, he gave his total effort—both in the classroom and on the playing field. Reid opted for the toughest engineering courses and the most challenging sports. His exceptional academic abil­ity and intense competitiveness ensured that he would master both arenas. He was a member of several brigade championship intramural teams and was a major factor in Company F-3’s winning the Superintendent’s Award for 3 straight years.

He set the highest standards for himself and de­manded nothing less from his company mates.

Reid graduated with stars but always found time to help his less academically gifted classmates. He inspired those around him by his hard-charging example, always tempered by his quick, sunny smile and easy wit. Even in the depths of Gloom Period, Reid would work on his tan, dream of California girls, and await the promise of an end­less summer. His cheerful enthusiasm and bound­less optimism constantly challenged those class­mates who sought to bury their troubles and win­ter blues under a brown boy.

Reid also taught Catholic Sunday School at the Holy Trinity parish on post. On Sunday mornings, he worked unselfishly with the young children of the parish, providing by his teaching and example an early foundation in the Christian values that Reid cherished and practiced every day of his life. He was a wonderful role model for his young Sun­day School students. His warm, friendly, cheerful personality brought many smiles to their faces. Reid’s enthusiasm for teaching religion and his love for children shone brightly whenever he was called to volunteer his time to the church.

As a senior, Reid focused on achieving two goals: being commissioned into the Corps of En­gineers and marrying the love of his life, Kathy.

Following graduation, he completed Airborne School, Ranger School, and the Engineer Officer Basic Course. On 15 Nov 1969, he married Kathleen Manzini in Atlantic City, NJ.

Following an airborne engineer assignment at Ft. Bragg, he volunteered for duty in Viet Nam and served in the engineer company of the 173d

Airborne Brigade.

In March 1971, Reid and Kathy became the parents of son Scott.

Next, Reid was assigned to Germany, where he com­manded an engineer company and where sons Robert and Matthew were born.

In 1975, Reid left the Army and graduated from Purdue University with a Master of sci­ence degree in engineering. In the years that followed, he worked as an engineer for the Carrier Corporation in Syra­cuse, NY, and as a field engi­neer with the Reliance Electric Company in New Jersey.

Reid then earned a master’s degree in engineer­ing management from Syracuse University. He was a registered Professional Engineer in both In­diana and New Jersey and he was a member of these two associations: the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning En­gineers, and the Mechanical Equipment Manufac­turers Representative Association. In 1984, the Whites moved to Baltimore when Reid accepted a position with the Dexter Company Reid and Kathy began to renew old friendships with the many classmates in the area. They purchased an older home and took great pride in their family ef­forts at restoration. Active in their local Catholic Church, they also enjoyed the many family activi­ties available in the Baltimore area.

In early 1987, Reid’s cancer was diagnosed. Following surgery and months of radiation and chemotherapy Reid fought with determination and displayed his typical optimism. However, Reid lost this ultimate battle.

Although Reid is gone from our midst, he leaves a rich legacy of love and courage that is an inspiration to all who were touched by this strong but caring man.

He loved his country and answered its call in war and peace. He loved his family and permitted nothing in life to take priority over Kathy and his boys. As a husband and father, Reid had no peer.

Finally we will remember Reid for his unflinch­ing courage and optimism. His life was not with­out personal and professional challenges, but he al­ways picked the harder right and, with the love of his family, mastered all but the ultimate challenge.

JPR, MDH, and his wife, Kathy