Joy, Ralph

Michael T. Roper memorialized Ralph Joy in his book, Memories of My Gay Brothers (2000).

Its been great to see and remember Ralph Joy and José Sarria at the museum today such good memory.

Ralph and I were in Madison together in the early 1960s, each of us were or had been stationed at Truax Field. Ralph was fun, charming and well loved.

I met Ralph just as he was moving to DC in the late sixties. He made an immediate impression. He called me as he lay dying, barely able to speak. It’s 2020 and I still think of him almost every day. There was a light about him the grabbed me and never let go. Love you still, Ralph.

I know this is unique, but I never knew Ralph. I came out in my 30’s in the mid 1990’s. I have always found an interest in Gay History. Tragically, that includes AIDS. I found this site and began reading every name. Obviously, I came across Ralph’s obituary. Although, I know all of these wonderful people will not be forgotten. This my opportunity to know them. There are many things in his memorial that made him interesting, fantastic, and wonderful person. However, I took special notice of his awards by SFFD for heroism. I was a career Firefighter for 34 years. I have been on incidents where someone wouldn’t treat or touch a patient with AIDS. I always kind of felt that’s one of the reason why I was there. I had a patient once whom we transported to the hospital. I started and IV due to him being dehydrated and gave him care. I gave report to the hospital to have the RN come back to me and tell me he had AIDS which wasn’t communicated to me. I asked him and he said bc I was afraid you would treat me. Wow. That was around 1990. I have never forgotten it (obviously). Ralph was a hero! Bless you. I told that story in every Paramedic class I taught. Educate. Thank you.

In memory of Ralph Doyle Joy: There is also a memorial page at this site: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/176286184/ralph-doyle-joy