Ralph L. Galbraith

Ralph Lee Galbraith, 78 of Gaylord, passed away Thursday, April 16, 2026, at The Porches in Gaylord.

Born in Grayling, Michigan on August 25, 1947, he was the son of Harry and Martha (Duhoski) Galbraith. Ralph grew up in Gaylord and was a 1965 graduate of St. Mary's High School.

Following high school, Ralph attended Michigan State University where he received his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in education.A long time dedicated educator, Ralph taught in the Gaylord Community Schools for 32 years. He was a beloved shop teacher at Gaylord Middle School. He was also a driver's education instructor and a longtime referee for both boys' and girls' basketball.

Ralph married Sun Hee (Yun) Heintz on June 14, 2002, at St. Mary Cathedral. They met during the years her two sons were Ralph's students at Gaylord Middle School.

Ralph was an avid woodworker and builder, having built his longtime Gaylord home. He enjoyed helping others with their projects too. He was also a lifelong lover of horses, he enjoyed hunting, and he enjoyed traveling. Among his many trips, he and Sun Hee enjoyed trips to Hawaii, Las Vegas, and to her homeland of South Korea.

Surviving in addition to his wife, Sun Hee, are his children, Amy (Roy) Hill of Bay City, Matt Galbraith of Midland, and Adam (Stephanie) Galbraith of Grand Rapids; his step-sons, Steven Heintz of Palo Alto, CA, and Stuart (Ashley) Heintz of Port Charlotte, FL; grandchildren, Scarlet Galbraith and Knox Galbraith; and step-grandchildren, Gionni Heintz and Analeigh Heintz.He is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Joe Galbraith of Queen Creek, AZ, Jerry Galbraith of Glendale, AZ, Eleanor Francis of Gaylord, and Louise (Larry) Sehl of Waters; and several nieces and nephews. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 AM Monday, April 27, 2026 at St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord where visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow soon at Resurrection Cemetery.

Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to St. Mary's Catholic School or Hospice of Michigan.Please share your memories and personal messages with the family on the guestbook below.