Obituary of Ralph E. Sandquist

Ralph Eugene Sandquist died quietly in his sleep on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024 at age 92 after a long battle with dementia. A life-long resident of Chautauqua County, Ralph was a successful entrepreneur, a respected public servant, a noted artist, and a devoted husband. Born on May 20, 1931 to Ernest and Hazel Sandquist in Jamestown, NY, Ralph and his family moved to Busti, NY in 1945 and he graduated from Jamestown High School in 1949. He was married to Gertrude "Trudy" Rose Franciso in 1953 who preceded him in death in 2018. He is survived by his two children: Sharon Sandquist Clark (62 of Webster, NY) and Clark Ernest Sandquist (59 of Sherwood, OR); 4 grandchildren: Justin Sandquist, Kelsey Sandquist, Michael Clark, and Collin Clark; and 2 great grandchildren: Freya Helene Sandquist and Lennon Joy Clark. After serving in the Army for 2 years during the Korean War, Ralph was honorably discharged in May 1954. Shortly thereafter he started his own business, Sandquist Signs, which he successfully ran for 35 years. While starting off painting trucks, water towers, and other signs, he was on the forefront of the migration to plastic thermoformed and backlit signs. He sold signs throughout western and central New York and Pennsylvania and created innovative manufacturing approaches to productively serve such a large market. Ralph served in the fire service for over 50 years, rising to become fire chief of the Busti Fire Department, County 3rd Battalion Coordinator, County Medical Coordinator, and eventually Chautauqua County Fire Coordinator. He took a leadership role in the development of Emergency Medical Services in the county and created one of the first Hazardous Materials Emergency Response units in the country. He also developed innovative methods for transporting patients via helicopter, creating rapid deployment flood control dikes, and patented an improved backboard and harnessing system. In 1990, Ralph was elected to the Chautauqua County Legislature and served for 2 years. After retirement, Ralph began another 20+ year career as a professional woodcarver, crafting 100's of birds which he sold at art shows and craft festivals across the country. His works of art won numerous awards including top awards at the prestigious Ward World Championship Wildfowl Carving Competition. Ralph enjoyed exhibiting his work at numerous community events and was frequently featured by local media. In Ralph's later years, he devoted himself to the care of his wife of 65 years who suffered for many years from Parkinson's disease. Because of his commitment to her, she was able to spend her final years at home. The funeral will be held at 10 am Saturday, March 2, 2024 in the Lind Funeral Home. Burial will be in Busti Cemetery. Friends will be received Friday, March 1st from 6 to 8 p.m. in the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Busti Fire Department.