Ralph Laivins, 90, of Ephrata, passed away on October 10, 2026, in his home. He was born on July 13, 1936, in Latvia, to the late Harri & Alvene (Muravs) Laivins, and the loving husband of Lourdes Laivins since December 15, 1973, when he met Lourdes at a company Christmas party. Nine months later, in 1974, they were married, beginning a loving life together that remained central to his story.

As a young boy, Ralph endured extraordinary hardship. During the war, he escaped Latvia with his parents, brother, and sister, coming through Germany along the way. During that journey, airplanes fired on them, and the family traded jewelry for food in order to survive. In 1949, Ralph came to America, carrying with him the resilience that would shape the rest of his life. Ralph was a graduate of Bronx Vocational High School. He went on to build a remarkable career with American Home, later AIG, where he worked in Accounts Payable. His dedication to his work was exceptional. He worked during the early computer era and became the longest employee in the company’s history, giving more than 50 years of service. That distinction remained one of his proudest accomplishments. He retired at age 72 after a career defined by steadfast commitment and perseverance. Outside of work, Ralph embraced life with energy and enthusiasm. He was a member of a Lutheran Latvian church in New York, maintaining a lasting connection to his heritage and faith. He loved hunting and skiing, and he was known to be very good at soccer which he played in the German American League until age 65, an achievement of which he was especially proud. At that same age, he was even asked to go to Latvia to play soccer, an invitation that spoke to the respect he had earned through the sport, though he declined. Along with his many interests and accomplishments, Ralph will also be remembered as a great practical joker, someone who brought laughter and lightness to those around him. Ralph was a family oriented man who would go out of his way no matter what it took for his family because that is who Ralph was. He lived a life marked by endurance, loyalty, humor, and deep personal strength. Ralph will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Lourdes Laivins. He is also survived by his brother, Ray Laivins of Arkansas, and Ray’s wife, Linda; his sister, Ilmi Gottlieb; his niece, LeAnn Ward, and her husband, Tracy; and his nephew Marc Gottlieb and niece Melissa Gottlieb.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. with a Celebration of Life service to follow at 1:00 p.m. at Good Sipler Funeral & Cremation Centre, Inc., 34-38 N. Reamstown Road, Reamstown, PA 17567. Ralph’s final resting place will be at Emanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery in Brickerville.