Alameda

Ralph Wilkes Joy was born March 26, 1952 to Ann and Wilkes Joy. Ralph spent his childhood in Los Gatos, CA.

He graduated from Los Gatos High School in 1971 where he was a member of the swim team, water polo team, and lettered in wrestling. During high school Ralph enjoyed American History and excelled at woodworking and competitive sailing. Ralph attended West Valley College and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where he graduated with a BA in History in 1976.

Ralph moved to Alameda in 1977 where he lived for the rest of his life. In 1988 Ralph started a job at Matson, where he continued to gain expertise in maritime workers compensation law, as well as being a vital member of the rowing team, until his retirement in 2016. Ralph was an avid reader and took advantage of his built-in bookcases by filling them with his extensive collection of unique books which included Philippine and Maritime history.

Ralph was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Ann Campbell Joy, in 2013. Ralph is survived by: partner Ruth, father Wilkes Joy, brothers John Joy and wife Linda, and Jeff Joy and wife Dora. He was uncle to Lisa Melashenko, Grant, Justine and Jill Joy, and great-uncle to Mila and Logan Melashenko. Ralph was godfather to Jennifer Yuzon.