Ralph Holsclaw, Operator in Woodland, Calif. & Donor of Smithsonian Ag-Cat, Passes
We are saddened to share the passing of Ralph Holsclaw, Operator of Grower’s Air Service in Woodland, California. Ralph passed away on September 11 at the age of 84.
Ralph’s aviation career began early – while still in high school, he worked for Weggers Flying Service, Watts Ag Aviation, and Medlock Dusters. Later, he bought two operations to form Grower’s Air Service in 1977.
In 2005, Ralph contacted NAAA about donating his fully restored 1963 Ag-Cat. At the time, the Association was in discussions with Dorothy Cochrane, curator of general aviation at the Smithsonian Institution, regarding the exhibition of an agricultural aircraft. That conversation led to Ralph’s Ag-Cat being selected for permanent display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Udvar-Hazy Center, in 2009. Since then, more than one million visitors each year have the chance to see that aircraft and learn about the critical role of agricultural aviation—thanks to Ralph’s generosity.
When speaking at the plane’s installation ceremony, Ralph deflected attention from himself. “This isn’t about me,” he said, as he acknowledged the men and women around him—especially those who had helped restore the aircraft. His humility and desire to recognize others made the moment all the more powerful. For Ralph, it was about the legacy and recognition of an industry he loved.
Ralph was a member of NAAA and the California Agricultural Aircraft Association for several decades.
He also served his country with distinction. As a sergeant in the U.S. Army, Ralph worked as a radio/telephone operator in the White House from 1959 to 1966. He was personally thanked by President John F. Kennedy for his service.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Lynne; stepson, Steven Eagen; stepdaughter, Deborah Borgan; and their families. A memorial service will be held at Medlock Field on Friday, November 14th, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.