Turner County herald. (Hurley, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-19??, 1913-04-03
RALPH NORMAN

.. DaK sept. IL, 1880, Wnere MS
early boyhood days were passed.
In the fall of 1910 the family
moved to Richfeld. Utah. Here he
entered high school. He was of
happy sociable disposition, easily
making friends and he soon felt at
home in his new surroundings.
When little lad he joined the
band in his home town, SO in his new
home he continued his band work,
also becoming, member Of the
Richfeld orchestra. He was an ex-
cellent student, learning quickly and
0f a mental development beyond his
years. Having decided to fit HIM
self for civil and mining engineer,
after two years in the Richtield high
school he entered Seminary at Mt.
Pleasant where he was able to take
up work preparatory to an engineer
ing course. His unusual ability for
one so young won the interest of his
teachers with whom he became
favorite. He was very popular
among mis- fellow students who
chose him president of the Stu
dents League. an unusual honor for
Freshman. His most intimate
friends were amoug the young men
several years his senior.
Full of fun and the JOY of living,
Ralph never forgot in his merry
makings that at home were his par
ents who believed in him and held
high hopes for his future. He was
true to their faith in him and to his
own high ideals..s 1t was here, with
these advantages he was eager to
use in his growth and development,
surrounded by friends and happi-
ness that his promising young life
was brought to close, snuffed out
like candle: but a short while
liz hted.
Monday, March IL being aholiday
at the Seminary, Ralph with two
other companions started early in
the afternoon for walk down the
railroad track to a town some six
miles distant. After walking mile
or so freight came by bound for
their destination. His companions
ran and jumped aboard, but turning
about saw Rslph had not ATTEMPTED
to catch a ride, They called to him
but he shook his head. Ralph con-
tinued his walk till he was 3 miles
from Mt. Pleasant. At this point
he was met by an oncoming passen-
ger train which struck him down and
caused injuries which proved fatal.
Just what happened can never be
known but those who visited the
scene of the accident believe that
either the suction of the rapidly
moving train drew Ralph too near
or that he stumbled over loose
board in a disused switch. Some
projection from the train caught his
coat hurting him backwards upon
the ties, fracturing. the, skull at the
base of the brain. The engineer of
a freight train found him two and
one-half hours later. He was taken
to hospital where he received
medical attention but never regained
consciousness passing away Tuesday
morning. March 18, before his fat
her and mother could reach his side.
Special memorial services for the
students and friends were held in
the Seminary Chapel. There were
also brief services in Richfeld before
the grief stricken family started on
the long sad journey to South OAK
ota where the Increment was
made. On the afternoon of Easter
Sunday services were held in the
Episcopal church, friends and re-
latives Of the family gathered in
large numbers, to pay their tribute
of love and sympathy. Many beau
tiful spring flowers filled the chancel
and covered the casket, mute SYM
bols of the purity and promise of
the life now closed. The burial was
in the Viborg cemetery.
| Not now. but in the coming years,
| 1t may be in the better land.
| Wen read the meaning of our tears
And there, sometime. we'll understand"
| Contributed
CARD OF THANKS
We wish the dear friends to know
hoxx, ,,o,,n1, kI,o;r lox,o oul cr,,..~~kl,.