Michael Ralston
February 21, 1970 ~ September 22, 2021
Resided in:
Portland, ME
Michael L. Ralston Jr., passed away at his home in Portland on September 22, 2021, at the age of 51. Michael was born on February 21, 1970 in Sanford, Maine to Michael Sr., and the late Rachel Ralston. He graduated from Sanford High School as Salutatorian in 1988 and went on to obtain a BA in Arts at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois in 1992.
Michael was employed previously by WEX in Portland, Maine and later joined Blue Tarp (now Capital One Trade Credit) in 2005 in Portland and was an integral part of the tech team for over 16 years.
Michael was preceded in death by his mother Rachel Ralston, with whom he shared an intimate bond.
He is survived by his father, Michael L. Ralston Sr., and wife, Charlene Ford Ralston, sisters, Marie Herdan and Maureen Vashon and her husband, Michael, beloved niece and nephews; Innes Herdan and Andrew Herdan and wife, Brianna Herdan and Matthew, Logan, Joshua Vashon and grandnephew and niece Andrew Jr., and Savannah Herdan.
Michael had many friends, was a prolific reader, loved to paint, play his guitar, enjoyed golf, running and physical fitness. He was a proud vegetarian and enjoyed cooking.
One of Michael's favorite roles in life was being an Uncle to his nieces and nephews. He was so proud of their accomplishments, and often shared that sentiment. Mike never missed a family Christmas celebration. He treasured his longtime friendships with high school and college classmates, and his colleagues. He will be missed by many.
A Memorial Service celebrating Michael's life will be held on Saturday, October 9th at 12noon at the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale. Visiting for family and friends will begin at 10AM until the time of the service.
Burial will be at a later date in the family plot at St. Ignatius Cemetery in Sanford.
Condolences may be expressed at www.blackfuneralhomes.com.
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A Memorial tree was ordered in memory of Michael L. Ralston Jr. Plant a TreeSending sympathy for your enormous loss. Such a brilliant mind, playful spirit, and loyal heart to have lost too young.
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I am so sorry to hear the passing of Mike, I regret that he and I had not seen each other in a while. Mike was a wonderful person and had a beautiful mind. I think back on the many classes in High School we had together, where I tried to keep up with him in the higher-level courses. He always seemed to enjoy that one of the guys from the group was in classes with him, and when on occasion I performed well enough to compare to Mike he always had an encouraging word for me. I truly enjoined the time on the football field and just hanging out with him and all the guys (Ryan, Rick, Jeff, Jason, .) I regret we were not able to keep that closeness later in life when kids and family activities got in the way. My wife Jackie and I cherish the fact that he was part of our wedding party and when we heard the news that was the first thing Jackie did was pull out the wedding pictures.I am sorry we will not be able make the services as we had a prior trip planned with our youngest son for the long weekend.Mike and you his family will be in our thoughts on SaturdayMike & Jackie Foisy
– Michael Foisy
I worked with Mike for 15 years. Its no exaggeration to say that Capital One Trade Credit (formerly BlueTarp) would not be where it is today if it werent for his intellect and efforts. No matter what day of the week or what hour, I could reach Mike. He and I would come at things from different perspectives and speak different terms, then eventually come together speaking the same language and knowing what needed to be done. In one breath we were talking algorithms, trying to make sense of numbers or digging into reports. In the next, he was sharing details of his morning run or that hed just finished reading Virginia Woolf again, in between Proust novels that is. Mike had a way of being a friend to anyone and everyone that knew him, no matter what their walk of life. I admired him greatly for his level of intelligence. There will be a shadow of him all across Trade Credit for years to come. Not a workday will go by where I will not be reminded of him. I considered him more than a co-worker, he was also a dear friend whom I am deeply saddened to have lost. Sending healing thoughts to the family.
– Bethany
I am so sorry to hear the passing of Mike, I regret that he and I had not seen each other in a while. Mike was a wonderful person and had a beautiful mind. I think back on the many classes in High School we had together, where I tried to keep up with him in the higher-level courses. He always seemed to enjoy that one of the guys from the group was in classes with him, and when on occasion I performed well enough to compare to Mike he always had an encouraging word for me. I truly enjoined the time on the football field and just hanging out with him and all the guys (Ryan, Rick, Jeff, Jason, .) I regret we were not able to keep that closeness later in life when kids and family activities got in the way. My wife Jackie and I cherish the fact that he was part of our wedding party and when we heard the news that was the first thing Jackie did was pull out the wedding pictures.
I am sorry we will not be able make the services as we had a prior trip planned with our youngest son for the long weekend.
Mike and you his family will be in our thoughts on Saturday
Mike & Jackie Foisy
– Michael Foisy