MICHAEL EUGENE RALSTON
Michael Eugene Ralston, age 28, of Oak Harbor, died at his home on Saturday, July 20, 2013. He was born in Bakersfield, CA, on December 1, 1984, to Lester and Carla (McAllister) Ralston. He was raised in Fortuna, CA, where he attended schools and graduated in 2003 from Fortuna Union High School. He entered the US Navy in 2003, serving until September 2012, at which time he was Honorably Discharged as an Aviation Structural Mechanic, 2nd Class. During his years of service in the Navy, he was on several deployments, including being stationed on an aircraft carrier in Japan in the aftermath of the 2012 tsunami.
On June 1, 2004, Michael married his high school sweetheart, Nikki Lynn Groves. They moved to Oak Harbor in August 2004. Michael attended Skagit Valley College, where he was registered in the Diesel Tech Program. He recently secured his CDL. Michael was passionate about “trucks, trucks and more trucks!” He also loved to barbecue and enjoyed entertaining friends. He was a skilled mechanic, and built a shop for his own diesel mechanic business. He was a member of the Whidbey 4x4s and Steel Soldiers. He was a true friend to many, had a huge heart, and loved his children and family. It was said of Michael that “he was impractical in a practical way.”
Michael is survived by his wife, Nikki, of Oak Harbor; his two children, Elizabeth and Hayden; his father, Lester Ralston and partner Marquettia Rangel of Eureka, CA; his mother, Carla Ralston-Heuer and step-father Hugh Heuer of Rio Dell, CA; his two sisters, Holly and Rachel Ralston, both of Fortuna, CA; his grandparents, Robert and Diana McAllister of Fortuna, CA; also, numerous other relatives.
Private visitation will take place at Whidbey Memorial. A Celebration of Life will take place at the VFW Hall on Sunday, July 28, 2013, 4:00 PM. A memorial fund is to be set up, the details of which will be announced at www.whidbeymemorial.com, where family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences.

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