Shortly afterward, the Meekers were introduced to the MIRA adventure. Ralph, who had minored in geology in college, had always been interested in astronomy. Although Ralph had never owned his own telescope, he soon became the keeper of the MIRA 14-inch telescope, setting it up at local and Chews Ridge star parties.

These were exciting years for MIRA as the 36-inch telescope was being completed and moved to its temporary location while the Oliver Observing Station was planned, funded, and built. During those years Ralph and Florence were deeply involved the week-to-week MIRA operations. Trips to Chews Ridge were becoming a bit much for their Porsche, so Ralph bought a VW "Thing". Its license plate, "OOBSTA," celebrated the recently completed observing station. He became the official photo recorder of the construction of the OOS. After the installation of the 36-inch telescope, Ralph instituted the first TV display system to let all the Friends at the viewing observe bright objects at the same time.

Meanwhile, working first with Hazel Ross and then with Tom Logan, Florence was keeping track of MIRA financial and Friends affairs. This was essential to MIRA's success during these years.

Then, in October 1989, while vacationing with Florence at the Heritage House in Mendocino, Ralph died suddenly. He had just started plans for the 1991 MIRA eclipse cruise, which we dedicated to his great service to MIRA. Despite her great loss, Florence continued to be a critical office volunteer until last year when we moved to the Fort Ord Astronomy Center. Of course, Florence hasn't slowed down; you can find her on Tuesdays, acting as a volunteer guide at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

We miss Ralph and Florence, but we're proud to have been one of the many threads of their life together.