Albert Edward Ratcliffe

Albert Edward (Ed) Ratcliffe died May 16. He was 90.

Ratcliffe was born on May 29, 1924, in Enid, Oklahoma, to Albert Edward Ratcliffe and Florence Rudy Ratcliffe. He grew up in Evansville, Indiana with his parents and older brother, James Rudy Ratcliffe, all of whom predeceased him. He was an Eagle Scout and had happy memories of his scouting adventures. He graduated from the University of Evansville with a degree in physics. He moved to California to pursue graduate studies in astronomy at UC Berkeley. In Berkeley he met Helen "Missy" Gillespie, the love of his life. The two were married on June 21, 1955 and had two daughters, Catherine and Gene, who they raised in Livermore.

Ratcliffe worked as a physicist for the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Upon retirement, he and his wife moved to Felton. They enjoyed a wonderful retirement and traveled the world.

They were enthusiastic volunteers at the Monterey Aquarium for over 20 years. A life-long Anglophile in his retirement years, he was free to devote himself to this interest. Ratcliffe was the editor of a newsletter devoted to the works of P. G. Wodehouse. He attended national and international meetings of Wodehouse groups and had many friends in these groups. He was active in groups devoted to the novels of Jane Austen and he gave talks for Jane Austen associations. He enjoyed walking and exploring nature with his wife and others. He loved music and joined a men's chorus, which he greatly enjoyed. He and his wife were also enthusiastic bocce ball players.

Ratcliffe was a devoted grandfather to Alex, Elizabeth and Peter, who adored their "Papa." His extended family of nephews, nieces and friends were an important part of his life. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a love of language, which led him to tell witty, clever jokes, puns and stories. He leaves a legacy of love, laughter, endless curiosity and learning. Until the end, he was optimistic, energetic and enjoying life. He was a kind, gentle, thoughtful man with a smile for everyone and interests and knowledge in many areas.

A memorial service was recently held in Aptos. Remembrances may be sent to oldmem [at] cruzio.com.