Ralph Hartman Obituary

There are just some people who really stand out in our lives and we will never forget them. Ralph was one of those people. I had the good fortune to work with him in the USAF and he was truly a team player. And my husband, Mike, and I really enjoyed the wonderful friendship we developed with Tommie and Ralph over the years. We will not forget him!

I am so sorry Mrs Hartman, I got online on Sat to see where Capt Hartman (1983) was at and I found he had passed just recently and was very sad. My name is Eddie Bookman, he was my section commander ar RAF Upper Heyford England. I worked with him in the Orderly Room. I met you a few times Mrs Hartman. I learned a lot from this man. Again I am so sorry Mrs Hartman, please call upon me if need.

I can hardly find words to express my sadness over the death of my cousin, Ralph. My heart goes out to you Tommie and to you Debbie. You are both in my thoughts.

I will be praying for your family. I knew Ralph as an amazing person who definitely knew how to truly spread kindness and compassion to all of those he met. He motivated and inspired me when I was a USAA employee and I continue to use his positive words of wisdom in my new career. He will be deeply missed.

I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Ralph from USAA and I will always remember his warmth and kindness. Everytime I hear the song Blue Moon I think of him because he was always singing it.

I'm so sorry for your loss. I grew up w/ Ralph in Canonsburg, PA....we were neighbors for a long time. he was always a kind person.

Tommie, having just lost our father we know how heart breaking it is for those they leave behind. Our prayers are with you. We loved Lt. Col. Hartman, he made everyone smile when he came in to the restaurant, his comments about salsa, his plans for a karaoke night, he will be greatly missed. We are grateful to have met both of you, our lives are forever enhanced. Please let us know if you need anything. **Darin & Vikki ~ El Padrino

We always appreciated Ralph's wit and humor, and it always created a stir when he would begin to sing! We love you Tommie, and are here for whatever you need!

Those of us that knew Ralph at USAA will always remember how he could turn a not so good day into one of fun and a joy to be around. So sorry for your loss but we will always remember Ralph with a smile.

Ralph was one of those amazing people who stood out in the crowd, and brought you along side with him. I had the honor and pleasure of knowing him. Continue keeping the Universe on it's toes, my friend.
love,
Doreen

Ralph was an inspiration to all who ever met him. I was fortunate to have facilitated the ACES program under his mentorship and learned from him every time we were together. Just recently, he was a great comfort to me as we discussed the loss of my 25yo son from an accident this past January. A man of great character and compassion for others. My heart goes out to his family and all those he has touched over the years. Ralph may be gone, but he will never be forgotten.

J.C. Dodson
Paeonian Springs, VA

We always remember Ralph with a huge smile and a wonderful sense of humor. He had the kindest, most gentle heart. We go back many decades to our early days at RAF Upper Heyford. A friend once made was a friend for life. We will truly miss him.

Lt. Col Hartman was truly one of my friends, he always took the time to slow down and say hi, to cross the street and shake my hand, and he always smiled whenever I pointed my camera at him! He's made my almost 6 yrs at the USAFA truly wonderful and I won't forget him. He's irreplaceable, he touched the lives of so many and made this world a better place. He built Leaders of Character and those young men & women will continue to make a difference for our Air Force.

I was deeply saddened when Bill Clover told me the news of Ralph's tragic death. The world will miss the talent and enthusiasm Ralph invested in nearly everything he did. He was brave and loyal – he spoke his mind with fearless candor, but also did all that he could to ensure the success of plans and programs that were not always of his making. He was a warrior in every sense of the word. Ralph was also the ultimate team player; I've never know anyone who put greater effort into developing those around him and helping them achieve success. I join many others who mourn your passing, Ralph – but we look back with gratitude when we remember the many good times and all the laughter we shared. May you rest in peace, my colleague and friend.

We lost a good man with Ralph's passing. I knew Ralph for over twenty years. He was a professional officer during his Air Force career and valued member of the Center for Character Development at the Academy after retirement.

I was a facilitator for Ralph's character development course, ACES, which he presented to thousands of cadets over the years. It was without a doubt' the best course in the Academy's character development curriculum--ant that is a tribute to Ralph's professionalism and dedication. His commitment to cadet development in this crucial area will be sorely missed. But his legacy will live on in the many graduates he touched and impacted over the years.
On a personal note, I will miss Ralph's friendship and our mutual love for the Academy and its mission of building leaders of character for the nation. Ralph had a tremendous impact on this mission and will be sorely missed.

Here's a toast to my good friend!

Ralph was a mentor and a great friend at the Cadet Wing, who always had a warm smile and friendly bear hug ready for his comrades. I will also miss his wonderful voice at karaoke as well.
Thanks for everything, Ralph.
v/r,
CMSgt Rod Schwald

Ralph thank you for all you did to shape culture at USAA! I always enjoyed singing "Blue Moon" with you for events! Ralph you will be sorely missed. Tommie my prayers are with you and your family.

Dear Tommie,

We are deeply sorry about Ralph's tragic loss. He was truly a wonderful person and he definitely helped make the world a better place. You'll never really know how many lives he touched and what a positive difference he made.

You will remain in our thoughts and prayers, and we hope to see you again soon.

Love, Marianne & Mike