Many years ago I met Ralph and Christine through Liz and Peter . I was a young first time mum, moving to a strange country away from my family with a young son of just nine months. You all became my family and Ralph from the first time I met you you both made me feel so welcome and not so homesick. We shared so many lovely times together all of us, setting the world to rights over a beer and an impromptu meal or two whilst all of growing families played. Such amazing memories and your laugh I can still hear now. Thank you for being you and for bringing such warmth and friendship. Rest easy now Ralph and Christine, reunited together forever. Thank you for the opportunity to meet one of life’s great gentlemen xx

What's that saying again? "Behind every great daughter is a truly amazing dad?" By that measure Ralph was the greatest of all time. Spending time with Ralph and Dan was not only a guaranteed great time (because to know them is to love them) but truly inspirational as well. I cannot think of a greater gift in life than a father/daughter best friend, and I know your magic together will live on forever. The service today truly embodied the wonderul, full and adventurous life Ralph lived with at the center of it perhaps his greatest role of all time, best friend and dad to Dan. I loved hearing him being described as Mr. Cool. I remember vividly one day when Danielle had put on her own travelling pants and spent many months abroad, creating memories of a lifetime in SA and then India. Ralph and I had each been missing her loads when she was gone! The plan was to pick her up at Schiphol and finally be reuinted after all this time! Although Ralph was very good at containing his excitement his smile behind the wheel said it all - his dandan was coming home... PS if you've ever had the pleasure, you'll know, you can never feel cooler than sitting next to Ralph driving a vehicle (especially the Jeep)! There we were, prepared for the reunion of a lifetime..... except Dan came through the gates sobbing! We were quite worried because we thought something might have happend, but as soon as she reached us, her first words were, I wish I was still in India. At which point Ralph's signature smile and laugh appeard... something tells me now that he was familiar with that exact feeling. It struck me not only how cool he was but how he knew exactly what to do. I think both of them knew just what to do with each other. Dan, words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. I know you'll do him proud as you did each and every single day.
Thinking of you and sending you all my love,
xx Andy

I'll try again.
The first time I saw you Ralph was in 1987. You were just back from some work trip somewhere - some hot country but I don't recall where - and were laying on the sofa. You were bald on top but had long locks hanging down the side and one enormous moustache. You gave me a gruff hello and then closed your eyes and nodded off. Little did I know then that this sleeping beauty would end up being one of the dearest friends I have ever known, even without the kiss to wake you up. You and Chris were amazing neighbours and we had so much fun partying, playing with our kids, having 'deep and meaningful' discussions, decorating, camping and generally spending quality time together. Those were the days. Now, all these years later those memories are still very much alive, especially after seeing all the photos we saw today. It brought it all back. Thank you Ralph for all the good times we have had together. For your honesty, kindness, generosity, wit, love of adventure and composure. You were always there for us and, hopefully, you felt the same about us. We will certainly always be there and support your loving daughter who, like you and Chris, mean the world to us. May you rest in peace. I miss you. Liz

The lovely service for Ralph brought back warm memories of nights at the Sherlock's and elsewhere, pints of Guinness, great conversations, swapping jokes and stories of adventures in far-flung places. One of the most genuine and down-to-earth people you could meet, a great Dad, always a smile on his face and an attentive ear. Take care Ralph, we'll miss you, rest in peace.

Colin.

You're leaving us too soon, but who knows, maybe we've just been selfish.
Always a real pleasure to bump into you at 'the local', exchange the craic, imbibe a bevvy (or two), or even rideshare to back to Schevers. Far better than those other bastards...
Godspeed Buddy. You're in our thoughts, and we'll do best to look out for Danielle.
And remember: Unlawful is against the law, and illegal is a sick bird.

Ralph was one of the kindest, funniest people I have met - something that he has passed on in spades to Danielle. He went from being my eldest-sister's-best-friend's-dad to a true friend within a blink of an eye. I will always hear his voice cutting through the crowd at the Sherlock, shouting "Danielle Claire Thomas, will you be quiet?" whenever we were laughing at the bar. I'm sure that Tinka and Klaas wish I had spent a little more time serving customers than chatting with Ralph, but I will cherish those chats forever. He taught me how to pour the perfect Guinness, and was a great dancing partner at the pub and the parties we had together. His adventurous spirit and lust for life live on within Daan and today has proven how much of an impact he had on the lives of everyone he met. Rest in peace. - Little H x

I only met Ralph a few times virtually or in person, but that was enough to show why he was loved by everyone who knew him. The service today was further proof this was the case. The fun and adventures he had I know will be carried on by Dan I'm sure. - John x

What a lovely celebration of Ralph’s life. I met Ralph in the sixties and lost touch for many years. I’m so happy we were able to get in contact again through the powers of social media and I got to hear his stories of his life and his beautiful daughter. We all used to meet in the 60’s at The Continental ( coffee bar) and all enjoy a coke or Fanta, the scooters would be lined up outside. A star will be shining bright tonight.

I first met Ralph through Vince Martinelli when I worked in the Netherlands many years ago. Although we were never in contact on a regular basis we always seemed to bump into each other at the Sherlock's even on fleeting visits from the UK.
Two/three years ago on one such visit to Den Haag I was leaving Sherlocks having popped in to say hello. As I opened the door to leave, Ralph walked in. His words : " I heard you were in town. Where do you think you are going?"
Needless to say I ended up leaving there a few hours later having enjoyed a good catch up, a few stories, many bad jokes and more than a few beers. One of those great impromptu occasions.
So sad to hear he had passed away. I never knew he was ill at that point in his life. He kept it away from our Whatsapp group.
Today was a wonderful celebration of his life. I am proud to have known him.