Ralph W Rothrock 96, of Mount Vernon passed away on Sunday September 28, 2014 at the Skagit Valley Hospital. Ralph was born on June 16, 1918 in Mount Vernon WA to Ernest and Flora Hughes Rothrock. He had lived his whole life in Mount Vernon. He was educated in the Mount Vernon Schools and graduting in 1936. Ralph enlisted in the Army in 1941, serving in Alaska, Germany and France. He was discharged in 1945. When back in Mount Vernon from the service, he met the love and foundation of his life, Vera Judish. They married on February 9, 1946 and had celebrated 68 years of marriage this year. Ralph had worked for the Mount Vernon Police Department, Liguidified Gas Company and then finally for Skagit County Engineering Department for 25 years retiring in 1977. He was very active in the community working again with the MV Police Dept as a founding member of the C.O.P.P. Also with the RSVP through the police department. June of 1986, Ralph was one of the founding members and a board member of the MV Parks Foundation. Which this lead to the formationand building of Bakerview Park in MV. 1991 Ralph and Vera were awarded Citizen of the Year for the city of Mount Vernon. 2007 he and Vera were awarded the Outstanding Citizen of the year by the WA Recreation and Park Association. 2009 they both were Grand Marshalls of the City of Mount Vernon Christmas parade. In 2010 Brought him another award this time it was the Lifetime Achievement Award from the City of Mount Vernon Park and Recreation. He was also very active in the Skagit Mount Vernon Kiwanis club. In Ralph's spare time he became an outstanding marksman in rifle competition. Also was a very good snow skier, no one could keep up with him. He loved baseball and helped coach his grandsons in little league ball and he never missed their games. Chris and Chad were the pride and love of his life. Ralph is survived by his wife, Vera, his daughter Judi Tesarik and husband John. 2 Grandsons, Chris Tesarik and wife Stephanie and Chad Tesarik and his wife Tracy. 2 Great Grandaughters, Baylie Tesarik and Sydney Tesarik all of Mount Vernon. Sister Carol Pearson and husband Eugene of Burlington. Sister in law Myra Rothrock of the Tri Cities. Also numerous nieces and nephews. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Robert and Donald Rothrock and nephew Roy Rothrock. The family would like to thank the MV Fire Dept and Medic one for their wonderful help with Ralph. Also Dr. Berliner for his help and wonderful care of Dad. There will be a Celebration of Life on Sunday October 12,2014 from 2:00pm until 4:00pm at the Vaux Retreat Center 3011 E Fir St Mount Vernon, please come and share your stories. Memorials may be made to the MV Parks Foundation, Inc at P.O. Box 1572 Mount Vernon, WA 98273.