DM Coffman

Above the Best DM Coffman

Seeley Ralphs lived according to the motto of his graduating class at the California Highway Patrol Academy "with wisdom and courage" in serving his country and the people around him even after he retired from the CHP force. His military career was also a hallmark in his life and flying played a significant part. He flew privately as well as for the California Highway Patrol, the Army and the Navy, and he was an aeronautical engineer for the Air Force. As stated in the graduation song from his 1960 U. S. Army Aviation School class, he was one of the "flyboys of the Army . . . we're the flying men ABOVE THE BEST." Seeley was an adventurous man who embraced a way of life filled with honor, patriotism, and a unique ability to not only try new things but to quickly excel at them. It is this spirit that set him on a variety of paths, becoming many things in his life: a motorcycle cop, a master aviator airplane and helicopter pilot, a traffic news reporter, an Army officer, and many more. He was exemplary in his courage, his focus, his sense of adventure and his drive. But this story begins with painful news: Seeley's days are numbered. He has metastasized melanoma. From pioneer roots and humble beginnings to flyboy and civil servant and many things in between, Seeley's life was rich with experience-a life that brought much inspiration and contribution to his community and his country. Tender and strong memories of the author's childhood with this remarkable father are shared as Seeley's amazing life concludes down the path of cancer fighter. This is the story of a man who dared and who succeeded, a story that will give readers one powerful lesson: never fear stepping beyond your comfort zone. Above the Best: The Remarkable Life of Seeley E. Ralphs is an inspiring biography and a story that will encourage readers to give their all when they truly love something. (Recipient of Reader's Favorite Five-Star Review.)