INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Indian River County lost a gentle giant early Thursday morning, Sept. 11. Ralph W. Sexton died in the care of Hospice in Vero Beach, just shy of what would have been his 87th birthday on Sept. 13.
The son of colorful entrepreneur Waldo Sexton, Ralph Sexton contributed equally to his beloved hometown as a longtime cattle rancher, overseer of the Treasure Hammock Ranch, and manager of the family’s real estate holdings, which included landmark properties built by his father such as the Ocean Grill, Driftwood Inn, Szechuan Palace and Patio Restaurant.
He is also credited with guiding and fostering the county’s unique quality of life. In 2007, the family’s 462-acre cattle ranch became the first property in Florida to receive a conservation easement; protecting the ranch, its natural, historical and agricultural resources in perpetuity.
It was under Sexton’s watch as chairman of the Indian River County Planning and Zoning Commission that current code height limitations were enacted. As chairman of Save our Shores, he was instrumental in getting beaches restored and the PEP reef installed to protect beachfront hotels and businesses from erosion.
With a display of his trademark humor, he was quoted in 2006 saying, “The biggest lesson I learned is that with five member commissions and councils, it takes just three votes to do anything.”
“Mark said earlier that Ralph lived his life for beaches and cattle,” said Hilde Tripson, wife of Ralph’s nephew Mark Tripson. “He was a magnificent man; I loved him. He was such an honorable man. He spent his whole life setting the bar for our beautiful community. He continued the love of Vero that his father had.”
A true chip off the old block, the home Ralph Sexton built for his family at the ranch was equally as impressive as any of those designed by Waldo. Built to last with Tide Water Red Cyprus, it has withstood storms and hurricanes and is filled with an eclectic assortment of collectibles and handmade pieces as exceptional as the man himself.
But despite all his other remarkable achievements, Sexton’s warmth, humor and genuine smile, especially when relating his wonderful stories of old-time Florida, will always be treasured most by all who knew and loved him.
Ralph Sexton is survived by his wife, Chris, son, Sean Sexton (Sharon), daughters, Katie McCall (Kevin), Hilary Kloska (Rob) and Jennifer Scent (Clyde), along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17 at the Community Church of Vero Beach.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to VNA & Hospice, the Florida Cattlemen’s Foundation, or the Indian River Charter High School Ralph Sexton Scholarship Fund.