Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

We never met, we never would have. But we are connected through the loving family you left behind. They are good people, people you’d be proud to call family! You left a legacy that proves itself amazing every day in your incredible family! Thank you for loving them. Thank you for your service. You’ll not be forgotten when you’re loved by so many.

Darci V
HPD / SMP

January 6, 2023

Love you Dad

Angie Kneeland
Daughter

January 5, 2023

Likely most of you remember Ralph as a very professional and caring Police Chief. Today, 12 years later, I’m choosing to remember the Ralph who was a tease and a practical joker. A kick to be around. When thinking about him I will always feel a slight turning of my stomach and the hole that his passing left in my heart. We think of Ralph often and January 5 will always be “Ralph” day. Hoping that the thought of us all thinking about you today and every day brings a smile to your face.

Friend & member of a huge support te
Friend

January 5, 2023

Ralph you are so missed and left a fantastic legacy. I’m sure you are looking down and saying WTF is going on in this state, world etc…
I was thinking about the late 90’s when I was the only new trooper working night shift. You took me under your wing along with Hoover. We all raced to get the car stopped from driving complaint. Get the stop and get the DUII in the bucket! The jokes we all played on each other.
I will confess the stank in the office u could not find for months until you and Hoover found the skeleton remains of the smelt was me…..paybacks for all the jokes you guys played on me! I won! Miss those days!

Robin May, Sr. Trooper
Oregon State Police

January 5, 2023

Riley, I've heard that if you continue to speak of someone, they're never really gone. Your Dad is in Heaven, and you'll see him again, and he's never really gone.

I met your Dad in July of 2010, when I was the keynote speaker at the first annual leadership conference of the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST). He had a big smile and a firm handshake. When I spoke with him, I knew I had his full attention. He was one of those rare people who make you glad you get to be around them, even if it's only for a moment.

If there's an Express Lane into Heaven, I'm sure he got to use it.

He left a legacy of strength, support and honor. You're lucky to be his son.

Mike Goss, Author, Speaker, Trainer
Goss Consulting

August 6, 2021

I would like to thank everyone that has left a statement or a memory. It means a lot to me because I never got the chance to get to know my dad, and your memories and statements halo me understand how I can be a better person and hep others. So thank you to everyone for making my life better by leaving a kind statement of my dad, it really helps me get through tough times.

Riley
Son

January 29, 2021

I would like to thank everyone who has left a statement or a story about my dad, it means a lot to read everyone’s reflections, because I never had the time to get to know my dad and your statements mean a lot to me so I can better understand who my dad was and so I can try to become the great person my dad was. Thank you .

Riley painter
Son

January 29, 2021

Rest in peace Chief of Police Painter.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

August 9, 2020

Chief, I grew up in Rainier and had the opportunity to meet you a few times. You always struck me as a courteous and thoughtful person. Though I grieved terribly at the time of your death, know that we haven't forgotten your sacrifice years later. I reflect upon it often. Over a year ago, I took up the mantle to become a police officer in Portland. I hope to serve the people of Portland the same way you served the people of Rainier: with compassion, dignity, and respect. We've got the watch from now on, chief. Rest easy.

Officer Kyle Roush
Portland Police Bureau

January 5, 2019

John 5:28, 29 - "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out". I pray that everyone can find peace in knowing that we will see this officer as well as many others again in Paradise soon. Until then, please accept my condolences.

A.W. Montgomery
Concerned Citizen

September 21, 2018

Ralphie- I think of you every time another officer dies. This week we had two fallen officers in Wyandotte County. This site and these comments make me proud of you and all of the honorable police officers I grew up with. I pray that you watch over our family. I hope you are enjoying your sister and dad in heaven. We MISS you dearly.

Amanda Wondra-Appl
Cousin of Ralph A. Painter

June 20, 2018

Love you dad, not a day goes by I don’t think about you just want you to know I play every game for you and every track and cross country meet I play for you every thing I do is for you I love you dad I hope I become someone as great as you. Good night.

Riley painter
Son

May 7, 2018

May you rest in peace. Watch over your loving family, and your brothers and sisters too.

N.Y.P.D. Lt. Ray Flores (Ret.)

January 5, 2017

Six years to the day today we lost a beloved member of the Columbia County, Oregon law enforcement community. Chief Painter will always be remembered as a lawman for the people; someone who well understood his mission to serve his community. He paid the ultimate sacrifice in that service, and his memory continues to be for a blessing in our communities as his family and others have worked to keep his legacy alive and influencing this community in many wonderful ways.

Sheriff Jeff Dickerson
Columbia County Sheriff's office

January 5, 2017

You aren't forgotten Ralph. RIP It's been five and a half years since Chief Painter was taken.
The low life that did it still hasn't gone to trial.
I will always remember Chief Painter and the service he provided the citizens of Rainier

Retired Firefighter
Rainier Fire Department

June 30, 2016

We will never forget.

Deputy Marcia Rush
Columbia County Jail

May 22, 2016

You served your profession well Chief. May you forever rest in peace, and may God bless your family always.

Sgt Don Barton
Garden City Police Dept.

January 5, 2016

Rest in Peace Chief Ralph Painter. Thank You for Your Service and Sacrifice.

I Pray for Peace for your Family, Friends and Co-Workers.

I also Pray that the hounds of hell forever gnaw at the flesh of your murderer!

Amen

Senior Special Agent B.L. Sherwood
Port Terminal Railroad Police Houston,TX

January 5, 2016

Ralph Painter and i both worked for the City of Rainier. As part of the Rainier Fire Department there were times that Ralph and I worked next to each other at a car wreck
Ralph was my neighbour over the back fence.
I took his murder personally and still expect to see him around town

Cliff W West
Former City Employee

April 26, 2015

Ralph was one of the finest people I have known. He was one of my closest friends and business partner. He was a talented carpenter and an excellent musician. He was extremely generous, kind and patient. We always laughed when we were together, either working or just goofing around. I'll see him again someday, and we will laugh again.

Tim D. Cavaness
Close Friend

February 10, 2014

Ralph was a good carpenter and a musician. He played the guitar well and knew a lot about the names in the music industry. He was a well-rounded individual, so easy to talk to. Remember the good times and happy moments with Ralph that made you smile. We'll meet again.

Robin Kichnet
friend

December 10, 2013

The Tim Conway Jr. radio show in Los Angeles (KFI AM 640) just re-told Chief Painter's story.

Officer Radio Listener

May 21, 2013

I had the distinct honor of meeting Chief Painter during a time when I worked as a Narcotics Detective in Columbia County, Oregon. The world lost a wonderful man with the death of Chief Painter...God Speed Brother

Sergeant Adam Miller
Hillsboro Police Dept. (Retired)

April 29, 2013

Very good man! He is one of two people that helped me out on my career choice.

Technical Sergeant D.J. Ellison
Personal Friend

October 16, 2012

God Bless you Ralph. You are missed very much. My prayers are with your family. We will see you again in heaven.

Deputy Earl Seratt
San Bernardino County Sheriff

April 29, 2012