CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Ralph Roland Lovelace, 80, a resident of Clearlake for 12 years, left us Feb. 16, 2015.

He was Born March 1, 1934, the only child of Otto and Edna Lovelace.

Ralph grew up a farm boy in Kentucky. After graduating high school, he joined the Navy where he operated radar in planes during the Korean War.

Ralph worked for IBM for many years when computers were in their infancy. He then went into business for himself and owned three Computerland Stores in the Sacramento area.

He gave up the fast lane for the Peace Corps, serving in Africa for five years, working hard to bring a supply of fresh water to tribes in Nairobi.

There he learned that it is possible to live simply with few things and from then on chose to live humbly and concentrate on helping others wherever he could.

He gave to several nonprofit charities, enjoyed playing Santa at Christmas for underprivileged kids and contributed many hours to “Meals-on-Wheels.” He was often seen running his daily errands in the white golf cart “Pope Mobile.”

Ralph was well-read, preferred only intelligent conversation and education wherever he could find it and was generous in his support of higher learning for his grandchildren.

He enjoyed playing pinochle with his friends at the Clearlake Senior Center. He was a good man, touched many lives and contributed much to the world during his life.

He was much loved by his family and will be missed very much.

He is survived by his first wife, Sidney Bertain Ryder (widow of Hal Ryder, former resident of Clearlake); son, Gary Lovelace and his wife Leota of McKinleyville, Calif.; daughter, Patti and her husband Jeff Smith of Granite Bay, Calif.; and son, Darin Lovelace of Clearlake.

Ralph also is survived by his five grandchildren: Joshua Lovelace, graduate of UC Davis, residing in McKinleyville; Levi Smith currently attending BYU in Utah; Emily Smith, currently attending American River College and her husband Archie Rabasto of Natomas, Calif; Ashley Lovelace, currently attending College of the Redwoods; and Jordin Lovelace, age 12.

Until we all get home, Dad, we know you will keep the porch light on for us. We will miss you every day.

If you would like to donate to a charity in his memory, please give to Sierra Club, Amnesty International, Nature Conservancy, or some environmental, nonprofit organization.