Longtime Laguna Beach resident Ralph Wilson Vanderhoof Jr., passed away on New Year’s Eve.
Known to his friends and family as Bill or Dutch, he moved to Laguna Beach in the early ‘80s after living for many years in Arcadia.
Born on Oct. 5, 1921, in Newark, N.J., Vanderhoof’s life was a full one highlighted by his love of travel and companionship. He was an engineer by trade and earned a bachelor’s degree from Georgia Tech, after serving in the Navy in WWII.
In his retirement and after his wife’s (Frances Chapman Vanderhoof) passing in 1982, he became an active member of the Laguna Beach community, serving as a member of the Exchange Club, an officer on the Laguna Beach Beautification Committee and volunteering at Mission Hospital’s Meals On Wheels program.
His friends and family will remember his joy in having great conversation over good food and a gin martini. His remains were interred at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Laguna Beach. He will be missed.
