Craig Edward Ralston was born in 1958 to Edith and George Ralston and grew up in Baltimore, Maryland. He graduated from Mount Hebron High School and the University of Maryland. Always curious about the world, he later earned a PhD in Naturopathy and a Master of Occupational Safety & Health Environmental Management.

Craig was an avid sailor, car collector, tinkerer, and a savant with machines. He worked as a mechanic, repairing high-performance, antique, and modern vehicles. He held private pilot, glider, CDL, passenger, and motorcycle licenses. Craig and his wife, Kat, opened three businesses, The Bagelry Inc. (bakery/catering), Be Natural (natural foods), and Silver Unicorn (jewelry/antiques). These became the heart of an extended family, and Craig’s warmth and kindness provided a safe place for teens to get support and skills. He offered math tutoring, mechanical skills, and jobs to provide much-needed structure.

In their 46 years together, Craig and Kat travelled extensively. They climbed mountains, went SCUBA diving, snorkeled, and walked on ancient streets around the world. Craig was strong, solid, and secure, with a loving heart and an easy laugh. He perfected the art of grunting, and “meh” took on 100 shades of meaning. He built mud/straw houses on rural properties, constructed parade floats and enclosures for animals, and designed scientific sampling equipment. Calm in a storm, Craig worked to find solutions, never asking for anything in return.

After the attacks of 9/11, Kat and Craig provided meals to first responders at the Pentagon, which led Craig to the fire service. He joined the Ellicott City Volunteer Fire Department (ECVFD), earning the nickname “Bagel.” A natural leader, he stood shoulder to shoulder with his fellow members, helping others on the worst day of their lives. He called it “the greatest job in the world” and was dedicated to ensuring that everyone made it home to their families at the end of each shift. Chief Ralston was named Firefighter of the Year 2002/2003, Top Firefighter Responder 2003-2007, and Officer of the Year 2007 & 2012. A rescue technician and Fire Officer 4, he was posthumously promoted to ECVFD deputy chief.

Craig also worked for 16 years for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Fire & Rescue Department, where he served on the technical rescue team and held the rank of master firefighter. He was known for his ability to drive the largest apparatus into the smallest spaces.

In addition to Kat, Craig is survived by his children, Michielle, Greg (Heather), Misty-Anne (Drew), and Craig; grandchildren, Craig, Antonia, Arabelle, Miles, Pierce, Brooke, Mackenzie, and Rory; brother, Steven (Miriam), and their children, Stephanie and AJ; and many friends in the fire service.