Ralph White Maxwell
NOVEMBER 20, 1948 – JANUARY 16, 2020
 
Ralph White Maxwell, 71, died peacefully on Wednesday, January 15, 2020, at Pacifica Senior Living, following an extended illness.
He was born on November 20, 1948, to Ralph and Eleithe (White) Maxwell, and was a lifelong resident of Salt Lake City. Ralph was a 1967 graduate of Skyline High School. He was a talented artist and had a passion for basketball, including the Utah Jazz. He is survived by his brother, Henry Lynn (Christine) Maxwell of Sarasota, Florida, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A memorial gathering will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park Chapel 3401 S Highland Drive, Salt Lake City. Dedication of the grave will directly follow the gathering. Those interested are invited to attend a lunch at the Kenwood Ward 1765 E 3080 S, Salt Lake City following the gathering and dedication.
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Walt Hanni
Ralph was a good friend. He was soft spoken, had a charming smile and an infectious laugh. We shared a common interest in fly fishing. During high school years neither one of us knew much about it. Our equipment was old automatic rewind reels hooked onto convertible eagle claw spinning rods. One of our first ventures was out to the Green River below Flaming Gorge dam. In 1966 it had not been discovered by the general public the fish were plentiful and reasonably good sized. We did well on nite crawlers but we were determined to catch them on flies. I will never forget the day we both caught our first fish on a fly. Mine was only about 12 inches but it proved to me it could be done. Then Ralph about an hour later caught about a 4 pound beautiful rainbow trout on a Royal Coachmen dry fly. Needless to say we were both hooked. We fished together thru 1971 until I graduated from the University of Utah and moved to Alaska. Ralph scout out the good water, I'll come find you one of these days.. your pal. Walt Hanni
Diane Harwood (Townsan)
What a lovely tribute. Good on ya both for sharing such a great friendship and great sport. What an amazing "first catch" on a fly! Keep up the wrist action Walt! I'm sorry I didn't know Ralph better. He sounds like he was a remarkable person. Di (Harwood) Townsan