Remembering Ralph Arden
On Feb. 6, 2026, we were saddened by the death of our friend and longest-serving volunteer, Ralph Arden, after an extended battle with cancer.
Ralph first engaged with the SDRP as a volunteer in 1975, by way of being one of my college roommates and a sailing buddy. Ralph (pictured above on the far left in the beard and baseball cap) helped with catch-and-release efforts, radio-tracking and other aspects of our operations for more than 44 years, until health issues precluded his continued involvement.
Ralph could be counted on to quietly be there when needed, as a steadying influence and a set of capable, experienced hands. His talents as a skillful mariner were much appreciated. Beyond his efforts with our program, Ralph was a loyal and supportive friend, husband, father and grandfather. He was a plant-whisperer extraordinaire. While behind the beard he maintained a calm, quiet demeanor, he was always thinking and planning, and the twinkle in his eyes belied his enthusiasm and passion for some new idea to explore or his playfulness with friends and family.
Ralph, we thank you and we miss you… fair winds and following seas, my friend.
— Randy Wells
