Ralph F. Kamm, 84, longtime, well-respected Seattle neurosurgeon, passed away at his vacation home in Wailea, Maui, Hawaii on March 26, 2016.

He went peacefully, but with some unfulfilled wishes on his agenda. He had been looking forward to attending the oceanside wedding of his granddaughter, Taylor (Tally) Joan Kamm, to Mackenzie McGehee on March 21. She had planned her ceremony to be with her grandparents on Maui, which she loved. Ralph missed the service because of illness, but was able to view a video of it the following day. He was also looking forward to celebrating his 85th birthday in July.

Ralph was born to Casper and Hannah Kamm in Lebanon, Illinois. He was happily married to Joan Lee (Jody) Chamberlain for 47 years. After her death, he was married to Ann Christina Lightbody for 13 wonderful years.

Ralph came to Seattle to attend the University of Washington, where he received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and was a pre-med honor student. He received research grants all four years at the University of Washington Medical School, where he was class president. He completed his internship at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. During his residency at the University of Oregon Medical Center in Portland, he authored two research papers that were published in the Journal of Neurosurgery.

Dr. Kamm was known for his legendary care for his patients during his 30 years of private practice with Northwest Neurological Surgery, affiliated with Swedish Hospital in Seattle, and 12 years as Chief of Neurosurgery at Seattle Children’s Hospital. He also served as president of the Western Neurosurgical Society, the Washington Association of Neurosurgeons, and the University of Washington Medical Alumni Association.

Beyond his love for his family and patients, Ralph was an ardent sailor, skier, golfer and fly fisherman. As he was working his way through school, he supported himself and his family as a drummer in dance and jazz bands, as well as a full-time timpanist in the Seattle Symphony for four years. Ralph was a longtime member of the Seattle Yacht Club, the Wailea Golf Club, and the Wing Point Golf Club on Bainbridge Island. He served on the board of the Seattle Repertory Theater for several years.

Ralph was predeceased by his parents, his wife Jody, and his brother Robert Kamm.

He is survived by his daughter, Heidi Jo Kamm; son, Ralph F. (Buzz) Kamm, Jr. and wife Belinda Kamm; son, James C. Kamm; and brothers Charles and Richard. He is also survived by granddaughters Tally, Sydney, Eliza, and Scarlett Kamm.

A celebration of Ralph’s life will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 22, at the Seattle Yacht Club.